Apple is about to start trial production of its popular AirPod wireless earphones in Vietnam as it accelerates plans to diversify beyond China, said the Financial Times.
Goertek, one of Apple’s key contract manufacturers, will begin tests at a factory in northern Vietnam this summer.
The move to trial production, usually a precursor to mass production, said the FT, comes as Apple explores sourcing 15% to 30% of its production outside of China. Such shifts are being driven not only by US-China trade tensions but also increasing manufacturing costs in China.