Apple, the renowned technology company, is set to further expand its presence in India by launching additional retail stores. After successfully inaugurating two stores in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR, Apple has reportedly chosen these cities for the locations of its upcoming stores, according to a Bloomberg report.
The third store is rumored to be located in Borivali, Mumbai, while the fourth store, anticipated to be the second largest, may find its place at DLF Promenade Mall in New Delhi. These stores are expected to be launched in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Additionally, Apple is planning to open another store in Mumbai’s Worli area by the seaside in 2027.
Apple’s recent foray into the Indian retail market has been met with enthusiasm. In April, the company opened its first store in Mumbai’s BKC area, followed by another store in Saket, Delhi. During the launch, Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed his optimism for India and discussed potential future investments with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Apple’s strategy for bolstering its presence in India extends beyond retail expansion. The company aims to augment its manufacturing capabilities in the country, and its current stores have already provided employment to nearly 200 individuals from various states with proficiency in different languages.
Apple is not alone in recognizing the potential of the Indian market. Other major smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung and Xiaomi, are also focusing on India for both manufacturing and retail. Samsung’s Noida factory is reportedly capable of producing 120 million units of phones per year, and both Apple and Samsung are planning to increase local manufacturing of various devices such as laptops, servers, and tablets.
Xiaomi, too, has announced plans to strengthen its presence in India through local production. The company recently initiated the production of wireless audio products in India, and Indian assembler Dixon has partnered with Xiaomi to manufacture smartphones locally. Xiaomi aims to increase the production of locally sourced components by 50% by 2025.
With rising competition and demand, the Indian market for “Made in India” smartphones has been growing steadily. According to a Counterpoint report, over 44 million units of such smartphones were shipped in the first quarter of FY2022-23, indicating a promising trajectory for the industry.
As Apple and other major players continue to invest in India’s manufacturing and retail sectors, it is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and technological development.
