Apple planning to move some MacBook and iPad production to Vietnam
- The transition for select models in the MacBook and iPad range may happen as soon as the first half of 2021
- The move comes in response to the intense trade wars between the U.S. and China
- It’s still unclear which specific models are going to be made in Vietnam
- This is going to be a relatively slow process, but eventually, we may see their flagship iPhones with a “Made in Vietnam” mark
According to new reports, Apple is planning to move some of their MacBook and iPad production to Vietnam - and it may happen as soon as the first half of 2021. The move comes in response to the intense trade wars between the U.S. and China - and is just another chapter in Apple’s diversification of their manufacturing facility locations.
For example; since 2016, many of their simpler accessories (like wired EarPods and lighting cables) have been made in Vietnam. And in 2017, Apple began producing their iPhone 6s in Vietnam and India - but only for select markets. Then again in 2019, Foxconn (the biggest manufacturer of Apple products) started making AirPods and AirPods Pro in Vietnam. It makes sense for Apple to continue pushing more and more of their manufacturing facilities there. But right now, iPads and MacBooks are the ones making the switch.
It’s still unclear which specific models are going to be made in Vietnam, but looking at the past, they tend to begin with their simpler, most popular products. So it would be safe to assume that the next-gen low-cost iPad and MacBook Air could very well be made there, and over time, more complex devices such as the MacBook Pro and iMacs may follow suit.
One thing is clear - and it’s that this will relieve a lot of pressure from Apple. Mainly because they won’t need to worry too much if the trade wars get worse, if that happens, Foxconn will still have huge manufacturing plans in other locations. This means Apple won’t be solely reliant on China as they are now.
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