Apple will open two retail stores in India next week

Nearly two decades after Apple entered India, the iPhone maker is ready to open its first retail stores in the South Asian market.

Apple will open Apple BKC, its retail store in Mumbai, on April 18, and its Apple Saket outlet in Delhi on April 20, the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

“These new outlets mark a significant expansion in India that will provide new ways to browse, discover and buy Apple products with exceptional customer service and experiences,” Apple said.

Apple has long explored expanding into the Indian market. Even though India is the second largest internet market, most smartphones sold in the country cost less than $200. India currently contributes little to Apple’s revenue, but the iPhone maker has said in the past that it is optimistic about its prospects in the country.

Apple has been aggressively hiring employees for its stores in India in recent months, according to hiring positions. The company, which launched its online store in India in 2020, originally planned to launch the first retail outlet in 2021, but delayed those plans after the COVID hit.

Apple’s contract manufacturing partners Foxconn and Wistron have stepped up local assembly of iPhones and other Apple gadgets in India in recent quarters. In a report last year, JP Morgan analysts estimated that Apple would expand its manufacturing capacity in India to produce 25% of all iPhones by 2025.

More soon.