Apple Inc. is set to expand its retail footprint in India with plans for four new stores as the tech giant intensifies its investments in the booming Indian market. Following the success of its first stores in Delhi and Mumbai in April 2023, Apple is eyeing locations in Bengaluru, Pune, and the Delhi-NCR region, along with a possible second store in Mumbai.
Retail Expansion and Market Focus
Apple’s decision to open additional stores reflects its bullish outlook on India’s market potential. The company aims to enhance the retail experience for its growing customer base, offering a hands-on look at Apple products and services. Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior VP of Retail, highlighted the company’s excitement about deepening its connection with Indian customers and expanding its team in the country. She expressed eagerness for consumers to discover Apple’s offerings in more locations across India.
Manufacturing of iPhone 16 Series in India
In addition to retail growth, Apple has started producing the iPhone 16 lineup in India, including the Pro and Pro Max models. This step is part of Apple’s strategy to diversify its supply chain and reduce dependency on China, while capitalizing on India’s manufacturing capabilities and skilled workforce. Contract manufacturing partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics are producing different models of the iPhone 16 series.
- Foxconn is producing the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro Max models.
- Pegatron is focusing on the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro models.
- Tata Electronics is manufacturing the iPhone 16 base model.
The production of the entire iPhone 16 series in India is a significant milestone for both the country and Apple. The goal is to meet rising domestic demand while tapping into the export market. Industry experts estimate that Apple will ship around 12 to 12.5 million iPhones in India in 2024, marking a 25% growth over 2023.
Growth Beyond iPhones
Apple’s increased focus on India is also reflected in its push for local manufacturing beyond iPhones. The Indian government is urging Apple to manufacture other product lines domestically, such as AirPods, MacBooks, and iMacs, in the years to come. States like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are vying to attract Apple’s investment through collaborations with existing and new component partners, aiming to boost local manufacturing.
By manufacturing a broader range of products in India, Apple aims to eventually produce a quarter of its global iPhones in the country over the next 3–4 years, up from the current 14%. In FY24 alone, Apple assembled $14 billion worth of iPhones in India, according to the Economic Survey 2023-2024.
Apple’s expansion into India includes a growing workforce, with over 3,000 employees currently supporting various functions in the country. The company’s partnership with Indian suppliers like Foxconn, Pegatron, Tata Electronics, and other component manufacturers is creating a robust ecosystem that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide.
Apple’s expanding presence in India, both in retail and manufacturing, underlines the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian market. With ambitious plans to strengthen its retail footprint and diversify its production, Apple aims to leverage India as a strategic hub for both sales growth and manufacturing excellence.
