After the successful launch of its flagship stores in India, Apple is set to open more retail outlets in major cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. The tech giant also revealed that it is now manufacturing the entire iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, within India. This development reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in the Indian market, both in terms of retail and local manufacturing.
Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, Deirdre O’Brien, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s future plans in the country. “We are thrilled to build our teams as we plan to open more stores in India, because we are inspired by the creativity and passion of our customers across this country,” O’Brien said. “We can’t wait for them to have even more opportunities to discover and shop for our amazing products and services, and connect with our extraordinary, knowledgeable team members.” O’Brien’s comments underscore the company’s belief in the potential of the Indian market, which has shown significant growth in recent years.
Apple made a significant step in its Indian retail journey in April 2023, with the opening of its first store in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). This was followed by another store launch the next day in Saket, New Delhi. These stores are designed to offer an immersive experience where customers can interact with Apple products and receive expert support from Apple’s team. “Our stores are incredible places to experience the magic of Apple, and it’s been wonderful to deepen our connection with our customers in India,” O’Brien added. While there is no specific timeline or exact locations announced for the upcoming stores, it is likely they will be situated in prominent areas, consistent with Apple’s strategy of opening stores in prime locations that resemble the feel of town squares.
In addition to its retail expansion, Apple is ramping up local production with the iPhone 16 series, which was launched just last month. The production in India is aimed at serving the domestic market, with a portion of the manufacturing possibly being allocated for export to select markets. Apple’s journey in India’s manufacturing space began in 2017 when it started producing the iPhone SE locally. Over the years, Apple has built a robust ecosystem in the country, partnering with multiple manufacturing firms, most of which are located in southern India. These partnerships have allowed Apple to scale its production capabilities significantly.
Today, Apple not only manufactures devices in India but also employs around 3,000 people directly in the country. Additionally, its network of suppliers supports thousands of jobs, contributing to India’s growing technology and manufacturing sectors. This local employment and production footprint has enabled Apple to position itself as a key player in India’s electronics manufacturing landscape.
Apple’s long-term goal extends beyond just expanding retail and manufacturing; the company is also committed to sustainability. As part of its broader initiative to be carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and products by 2030, Apple has partnered with CleanMax, a renewable energy provider, to enhance clean energy capacity in India. The joint venture aims to supply green energy to Apple’s offices, its two existing retail stores, and other corporate operations across the country.
By boosting local manufacturing and working towards environmental sustainability, Apple is not only growing its presence in India but also aligning with global goals of responsible production.