Apple Vision Pro - Apple relies on Vietnam for manufacturing

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The new Apple Vision Pro with the M5 chip marks the next step in Apple's development—not only technically, but also strategically. For the first time, the packaging bears the "Product of Vietnam" label. This is more than just a manufacturing detail. It represents a visible shift in Apple's global supply chain, which is moving ever further away from China.

A new line on the packaging of the redesigned Apple Vision Pro catches the eye. Where it previously read "Made in China," it now reads "Made in Vietnam." This signals a clear shift in the production of its high-end devices. The company is trying to reduce its dependence on China – a process that has been emerging for years but is now taking more concrete shape.

Apple's balancing act between China, Vietnam and the USA

As Bloomberg reports, the original Apple Vision Pro was manufactured in China. The new version with the M5 processor, however, will be assembled in Vietnam. This continues Apple's efforts to diversify its supply chain. At the same time, the company remains in a difficult position between China's political interests and the economic ambitions of the United States.

While the US government has been pushing for greater domestic production since Donald Trump's term in office, Apple is looking for ways to reduce its dependence on Chinese suppliers without jeopardizing production stability. Nevertheless, Apple CEO Tim Cook has recently publicly acknowledged the Chinese market on several occasions and emphasized that Apple will continue to invest in the country.

Production relocation with symbolic effect

In recent years, Apple has begun gradually relocating certain production lines to Southeast Asia. In addition to Vietnam, the new locations include India, Thailand, and Malaysia. Nevertheless, the majority of Apple production remains in China, as it continues to have the greatest capacity and experience in manufacturing complex electronic products.

The fact that the new Apple Vision Pro (M5) is now being assembled in Vietnam is likely also due to the manageable production volume. The headset remains a premium product with limited production runs, and the hardware changes compared to the first version are relatively minor. This combination makes Vietnam a suitable location to test production without taking major risks.

Dual Knit Band still from China

Not all components of the new Apple Vision Pro come from Vietnam. The Dual Knit Band, sold separately, continues to be manufactured in China. Customers who purchase this accessory separately will find the "Made in China" label on the packaging.

The band is manufactured by Luxshare Precision Industry Co., a long-time Apple supplier that is also responsible for the production of AirPods and other accessories. Luxshare had already assembled the original Vision Pro. The fact that Apple continues to have the band manufactured there demonstrates that the supply chain transition is taking place gradually and that individual production processes still rely heavily on Chinese partners.

A step with political significance

The decision to assemble the Apple Vision Pro in Vietnam comes at a time of increasing trade tensions between the US and China. While the US government is pushing American companies to produce more domestically, Apple relies on stable and well-established production networks in Asia.

By relocating to Vietnam, Apple is attempting to broaden its footprint and prepare for potential trade barriers or political risks. The country has developed into a major manufacturing location for electronics in recent years, thanks in no small part to improved infrastructure and growing experience in manufacturing high-quality devices.

Apple Vision Pro: Symbol of a new production reality

The new Apple Vision Pro with the M5 processor represents not only the next technological step, but also a changing production landscape at Apple. The "Made in Vietnam" label is more than just a reference to the assembly location – it symbolizes a change the company has been preparing for some time. Even though many components continue to come from China, it shows that Apple is diversifying its supply chain to become more independent and flexible. The move to Vietnam is part of this long-term strategy and illustrates the strong influence geopolitical and economic developments are now having on technology production. The Apple Vision Pro is therefore not just a product from Apple's innovation hub, but also an example of the change in global electronics manufacturing – quietly but with a clear signaling effect. (Image: Apple)