Apple to move key iPad engineering resources to Vietnam
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Apple is allocating product development resources for iPad to Vietnam, Nikkei reported on Friday, citing sources briefed on the matter.
Apple is working with China’s BYD, a key iPad assembler, to move new product introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam, the report said, adding that this is the first time the company has shifted NPI resources to Vietnam for such a core device.
Engineering verification for test production of an iPad model will start around mid-February and the model will be available in the second half of next year, it said.
Apple and BYD did not immediately respond to Reuters’s request for comment.
Apple suppliers including Luxshare and Foxconn also invested in the Southeast Asian country earlier this year to further diversify production away from China.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific iPad assembler is working with Apple to relocate resources to Vietnam?
Which specific iPad assembler is working with Apple to relocate resources to Vietnam?
Apple is collaborating with China's BYD, a significant iPad assembler, to transfer new product introduction resources to Vietnam. This move marks the first time such core device resources have been shifted to the country.
Q.When is the engineering verification for the new iPad model expected to begin in Vietnam?
When is the engineering verification for the new iPad model expected to begin in Vietnam?
Engineering verification for test production of an iPad model is anticipated to commence around mid-February. The report indicates this new model will then become available in the second half of next year.
Q.Have other Apple suppliers also invested in Vietnam recently?
Have other Apple suppliers also invested in Vietnam recently?
Yes, other Apple suppliers like Luxshare and Foxconn have already made investments in Vietnam earlier this year. Their investments align with a broader strategy to diversify production away from China.