Apple to shift iPad engineering resources to Vietnam

Apple has reportedly decided to transfer critical iPad engineering resources to Vietnam, according to sources informed on the matter, as disclosed by Nikkei on Friday. 

The tech giant is collaborating with Chinese manufacturer BYD, a major iPad assembler, to relocate new product introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam. This marks the first instance of Apple shifting NPI resources to Vietnam for a pivotal device like the iPad.

The report mentions that engineering verification for test production of a new iPad model is set to commence around mid-February.

The anticipated release for this model is in the second half of the upcoming year. Both Apple and BYD have yet to respond to Reuters' request for comments on the matter.

This move aligns with a broader trend, as other Apple suppliers such as Luxshare and Foxconn have also made investments in Vietnam earlier this year. These efforts aim to diversify production and reduce dependency on manufacturing in China.

(With Reuters Inputs)