Apple to assemble smart home hub, cameras and a robot in Vietnam

Apple is preparing to manufacture a new line of smart home devices in Vietnam, people familiar with the plans said, marking a notable shift in the companys production strategy away from an initial China-first approach. The products slated for Vietnam assembly include a roughly seven inch home hub with a display and FaceTime camera, indoor security cameras due next year and a more advanced tabletop robot with motors and sensors targeted for 2027. Final assembly, testing and packaging for the hub and robot will be handled by BYD, the Chinese manufacturer that has expanded into Apples supply chain, the people said.

Apple has already moved some production of iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, Macs and earlier HomePod models to Vietnam. Company representatives did not respond to requests for comment. The move comes as Apple seeks to diversify manufacturing amid supply chain risks and geopolitical tensions, while weighing costs and trade rules that affect where products are built.

The home hub, internally codenamed J490 for a tabletop model and J491 for a wall mounted variant, is designed as a household command center to control appliances, play music and support communications....