Apple has announced plans to open four new stores in India, further expanding its presence in the country. According to a report by PTI, the new stores will be located in Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. This follows the successful launch of Apple’s first two Indian stores in 2023, one in Mumbai and the other in New Delhi.
Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, expressed the company’s excitement about the expansion, stating, “We’re thrilled to grow our teams as we plan to open more stores in India because we’re inspired by the creativity and passion of our customers across the country. We can’t wait to offer them more opportunities to explore and shop for our incredible products and services, and connect with our extraordinary, knowledgeable team members.”
Manufacturing of iPhone 16 Series in India
Apple also announced that it will manufacture the entire iPhone 16 series in India, including the high-end iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. This marks a significant step as it is the first time the full iPhone 16 lineup will be produced domestically. The “Made in India” devices will be available both locally and in select international markets, with supplies expected to start later this month.
Apple began manufacturing iPhones in India in 2017, and this move to produce the iPhone 16 series domestically highlights the company’s commitment to growing its production footprint in the country. In its statement, Apple said, “The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models made in India will soon be available for local customers and for export to selected countries worldwide.”
With the launch of the iPhone 16 series, Apple is poised to significantly expand its market share in India, with industry analysts predicting a potential increase of up to 8 per cent by the end of 2024. Let’s have a look at the marker share of mobile companies in India.
Apple’s Expansion in India
Apple’s first two retail stores in India, launched last year, received tremendous attention. The Mumbai store, located in the Jio World Drive mall in Bandra Kurla Complex, opened on April 18, followed by the New Delhi store at Select Citywalk Mall in Saket. Both events attracted large crowds, with Apple CEO Tim Cook present, underscoring the importance of the Indian market. Now, as Apple prepares to open more stores, it further cements the company’s commitment to expanding its operations in India, which is becoming a critical market for the tech giant. Sources familiar with the matter say the new stores are expected to open next year, according to the PTI report.
During an investor call last year, Tim Cook highlighted Apple’s strong performance in India, mentioning that the company achieved record revenue in the country. He emphasized that India presents significant growth opportunities due to its growing middle class and increasing demand for premium products. Cook also expressed confidence in the long-term success of Apple’s operations in India.
