Apple is gearing up to broaden its production footprint in Vietnam, driven by ambitions in the smart home sector and a strategy to diversify away from heavy reliance on China. Among the innovations in the works are fresh smart home gadgets like indoor security cameras and a smart display for managing household appliances, all set to be assembled in Vietnam in partnership with Chinese firm BYD Co. On top of that, Apple aims to ramp up iPad production there alongside BYD, while developing a compact tabletop robot featuring a robotic arm, with a planned debut in 2027.
Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News:
The company is developing a range of new home devices for next year, including indoor security cameras and a display designed to control appliances and serve as a house command hub. A more advanced tabletop robot — capable of using motors and sensors to move — is slated to follow in 2027.
All three products are on track to be built in Vietnam, a major change in how Apple approaches a new product category, according to people with knowledge of the matter…
For the upcoming home hub and the later robot, the company is teaming up with BYD Co., a Chinese firm best known for its electric vehicles but increasingly involved in Apple’s hardware supply chain.
The company is also planning to expand its manufacturing of iPads with BYD in Vietnam, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the initiatives haven’t been announced.
The tech giant already produces some iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, Macs and older HomePods in the country… [as it] has been diversifying away from China as it copes with rising geopolitical tensions, ongoing threats of tariffs and the risk of supply chain disruptions.
However, Apple won’t escape tariffs by moving manufacturing to Vietnam. Products imported from that country face a 20% levy under the reciprocal tariffs announced July 31 by the Trump administration.
MacDailyNews Take: The success of many of these items, of course, will hinge on Apple’s next-gen Siri’s competency, even more than pricing. The new Siri is rumored to launch in March, if everything goes according to Apple’s plans.
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