Your new Apple Watch and Macbook could soon come with a “Made in Vietnam” label. According to influential Asian media outlet Nikkei, Apple’s suppliers Luxshare Precision Industry and Foxconn have already set up test production lines for the two products in the country.
The move aligns with Apple’s efforts to diversify its production outside China. The plan originated a while ago, but the execution proved tricky due to the coronavirus pandemic. The supply chain problems also proved to be an obstacle, especially due to the number of components needed for the production of the Macbook.
Apple already has a manufacturing presence in Vietnam, where it makes AirPods. Also, the company recently moved some of its iPad production to South Asian countries due to coronavirus-related lockdowns in China. If everything goes to plan, Apple could reportedly also start producing its smart speaker and virtual assistant device HomePod there.
Back in April, Apple made a decision to set up production of its iPhone 13 in India at the Chennai plant. The move allows the company to take advantage of the Make in India initiative while also increasing its presence in the world’s second-biggest smartphone market. Several other Apple products are expected to be made in India in the future, including iPads.
