Apple to Begin Development of New Entry-Level iPad in Vietnam [Report]

Apple is planning to begin development of its next generation entry-level iPad model in Vietnam, rather than China, according to a new report from Nikkei Asia.

Apple is working with China's BYD, a key iPad assembler, to move new product introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam. NPI involves a tech company like Apple collaborating with suppliers on the design and development of new products to make sure the blueprints are doable. This is the first time Apple has shifted NPI resources to Vietnam for such a core device.

It's said that engineering verification for test production will begin around mid-February and mass production will take place in the second half of the year.


While most of Apple's NPI takes place in China, a recent report from TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that the company will begin development of its standard iPhone 17 model in India. This would mark the first time Apple has begun development of an iPhone outside China.

Apple is allegedly planning to unveil new iPad Air models and new iPad Pro models in March. The iPad Air is expected to come in two sizes for the first time, while the iPad Pro is expected to get an OLED display.

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