Apple Plans Further Expansion in India with Four New Stores and Enhanced Production
Apple is set to open four more retail stores in India as the US-based tech giant increases its investments in a country that is becoming an important market for its products. After successfully launching stores in Delhi and Mumbai in April 2023, the company now plans to expand its retail presence to Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and potentially one more location in Mumbai.
Continued Retail Expansion in Key Markets
Apple initially chose Delhi and Mumbai for its first two flagship stores in India, and their success has prompted further growth. The company is now focusing on major markets like Bengaluru, Pune, and Delhi-NCR as part of its second phase of expansion. Analysts believe this strategy will further strengthen Apple’s position in the premium device market.
Navkendar Singh, Associate Vice President at IDC India, stated, “With Delhi and Mumbai contributing more than one-fifth of Apple’s business, additional stores in these metros were necessary. This retail footprint expansion will further solidify Apple’s brand and provide customers with unmatched product and service experiences.”
Production of iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max Begins in India
In addition to its retail expansion, Apple has confirmed that it will begin manufacturing the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, in India. The production will be carried out through its contract manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron, with Tata Electronics also contributing to the base model production. This marks a significant milestone in Apple’s effort to diversify its supply chain and rely more on India for its global operations.
“Assembly of the iPhone Pro lineup in India is a game changer, both for Apple and for the country’s role in the global tech manufacturing landscape,” Singh added. “The key challenge now is how quickly Apple can scale production to meet both domestic and export demand.”
Expanding Workforce and Manufacturing Base
Apple has been steadily growing its workforce in India, now employing over 3,000 people in various roles. Its collaborations with local suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, have also created hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.
India’s role in Apple’s global manufacturing strategy continues to grow, with the company aiming to produce a quarter of all iPhones in India within the next 3-4 years, up from the current 14%. In fiscal year 2024, Apple assembled $14 billion worth of iPhones in the country, according to the Economic Survey 2023-2024.
Future Ambitions: Beyond iPhones
India’s importance to Apple goes beyond iPhone production. The Indian government is urging Apple to expand its manufacturing capabilities to include other products such as iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods. Several states, including Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, are competing to attract further investments from Apple and its suppliers to support local manufacturing efforts.
As Apple continues to diversify its production away from China, the company is positioning India as a central hub for both its retail and manufacturing operations.
