Optiemus to make audio IoT devices for global tech brand OnePlus in India

In a strategic boost to India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem, Optiemus Electronics Limited (OEL) has announced its partnership with global smartphone brand OnePlus to manufacture audio IoT devices in India. This move not only strengthens India’s position as a hub for electronics manufacturing but also aligns with the government's Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at enhancing local value addition.

A Partnership for the Future of Audio Tech

Under the new collaboration, Optiemus will begin producing OnePlus’ range of audio Internet of Things (IoT) devices—such as wireless earbuds and neckbands—at its state-of-the-art facility in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. These products are slated for both domestic consumption and global export, leveraging India’s strategic location and skilled labor market.

"This collaboration is a testament to our long-standing commitment to India’s electronics ecosystem. Working with OnePlus allows us to bring world-class quality and innovation to products made in India, for the world,” said A Gururaj, Managing Director of Optiemus Electronics.

Global Brands Lean on Indian Manufacturing

This move comes amid a growing trend among global technology giants to shift their supply chains away from China. India, with its robust talent pool, evolving logistics infrastructure, and favorable policies, is emerging as a preferred destination.

“OnePlus has always valued the Indian market—not just for sales but also for innovation and manufacturing,” said a company spokesperson. “We are confident this partnership with Optiemus will help us scale production efficiently while maintaining the premium quality our users expect.”

Notably, OnePlus is not new to Indian manufacturing. It already assembles smartphones in India through its existing partnerships. However, the expansion into audio IoT devices signals the company’s intent to deepen its manufacturing roots.

Market Context: The Rise of Audio IoT Devices

According to a Counterpoint Research report, India’s wearable and audio IoT market grew by 27% in 2024, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, hybrid work models, and consumer demand for wireless audio solutions. TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earbuds now constitute more than 65% of the audio wearables market.

“India is no longer just a consumption economy—it’s becoming a production powerhouse for consumer electronics,” says Anshuman Mishra, senior analyst at TechInsights. “Optiemus entering the audio IoT space with a globally recognized brand like OnePlus is a significant development, especially when competitors like boAt and Noise have already been leveraging domestic manufacturing advantages.”

Optiemus’ Expansion and Capabilities

Optiemus has been rapidly scaling its operations. The company recently invested over ₹300 crore in expanding its Noida plant, which now boasts an annual capacity of 25 million units across smartphones, tablets, and IoT products.

Its manufacturing capabilities are certified for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and BIS compliance, which positions it well to meet international quality standards.

Moreover, the Indian electronics manufacturer also has design and development capabilities, which can help partners like OnePlus localize products for Indian preferences and create custom solutions for international markets.

Investor and Industry Outlook

The announcement has positively impacted Optiemus Electronics' stock sentiment, with shares of Optiemus Infracom—its listed parent entity—seeing a 3.8% rise on the NSE following the news.

“This partnership reflects growing investor confidence in the Indian EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) sector,” said Suhas Nayak, equity analyst at ICICI Securities. “With the increasing geopolitical shift towards supply chain diversification, companies like Optiemus are well-positioned to capitalize on the inflow of OEM orders.”

Industry insiders believe this deal may also act as a catalyst for similar partnerships between Indian manufacturers and global consumer tech companies seeking agility and localization.

Future Implications

With the Indian government pushing hard on initiatives like PLI for IT hardware and wearables, the Optiemus-OnePlus partnership is expected to unlock further innovation in IoT manufacturing.

“This is just the beginning,” Gururaj noted. “We are exploring expansions into other categories, including smartwatches, AR/VR devices, and more. Our vision is to be the go-to manufacturer for global tech brands operating in the audio and IoT space.”

As India climbs the value chain in electronics manufacturing, such collaborations mark a turning point in how tech products are conceived, built, and delivered—from Indian soil to global shelves.