Apple ups Vietnam production of smart devices

U.S. tech giant Apple Inc. is increasing its production of smart devices in Vietnam as it diversifies its supply chain outside of China.

It will begin to produce the iPad tablet in Vietnam as early as the middle of this year, a Nikkei report says, citing sources.

The company is also mobilizing suppliers to expand production capacity for the latest model of its smart speaker, the HomePod mini, which has been produced in Vietnam since it was introduced last year.

The company is also set to move a part of its Macbook production from China to Vietnam this year, the report adds.

Apple suppliers have also been expanding operations in Vietnam. Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn this month received its license to set up a $270 million plant in northern Vietnam.

Luxshare Precision Industry (Luxshare-ICT) is increasing its capacity in northern Vietnam to make the HomePod mini.