Apple to open more retail stores in India, to be located in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai

Apple is set to further expand its presence in India by opening new retail stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. This decision comes on the back of the success of its flagship stores, which opened earlier in 2023.

In April 2023, Apple launched its first store in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), followed by a second store in New Delhi’s Saket the next day. These stores have proven to be popular with Indian consumers, inspiring Apple to continue investing in the country.

While no specific dates or locations for the new stores have been confirmed, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, Deirdre O’Brien, expressed excitement about expanding in India.

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She emphasised the company’s commitment to providing more opportunities for customers to experience Apple’s products and services, all while working with knowledgeable team members.

Local manufacturing of the iPhone 16 Pro line up
In addition to expanding its retail footprint, Apple has announced that it is now manufacturing its entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, in India.

This move builds on the company’s previous manufacturing efforts in the country, which began in 2017 with the iPhone SE. Today, Apple works with multiple manufacturing partners, primarily located in southern India, as part of its strategy to boost local production.

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However, Apple’s shift towards manufacturing in India has been slower than expected. According to a recent J.P. Morgan report, current iPhone production in India accounts for about 10-15 per cent of total global output.

The bank had initially projected that 20-25 per cent of iPhones would be made in India by 2025, but this target has now been pushed to 2027. The delay is attributed to challenges with scaling production and the early stages of the learning curve in the country.

Apple’s growing business in India
Despite some manufacturing hurdles, Apple’s business in India is on a strong upward trajectory. In 2023, the company’s revenue in India soared by 42 per cent year-on-year to $8.7 billion, according to Morgan Stanley.

iPhone shipments grew by 39 per cent during the same period, with India becoming the fifth-largest market for the iPhone globally. In fact, Apple’s India business in 2023 was larger than any single country in the European Union, further highlighting the growing importance of India to Apple’s global operations.

As Apple continues to expand both its retail presence and manufacturing capabilities, the company is positioning itself for long-term success in the world’s most populous nation.