Apple is accelerating its retail expansion in India, with plans to open new stores in Noida’s Mall of India and Pune’s Kopa Mall, according to sources. The tech giant has already finalized these locations and is scouting two additional sites—one each in Bengaluru and Mumbai.
These outlets mark the second phase of Apple’s retail journey in India, following the successful launch of flagship stores in Mumbai’s BKC and Delhi’s Saket.
Hiring in Full Swing for New Apple Stores
Apple has already begun the recruitment process for its upcoming stores. Job postings on LinkedIn last month revealed 20 new roles, with eight dedicated to Apple Retail. The listings indicate that preparations are well underway for the next wave of retail openings.
iPhone Sales Surge Fuels Expansion
Apple’s retail and hiring moves come on the back of strong sales momentum. The company captured an 11% market share in India’s smartphone segment in the October-December 2024 quarter, breaking into the top five smartphone brands.
Despite iPhones being nearly three times more expensive than the average smartphone in India, sales have tripled since 2021, thanks to aspirational demand and financing options.
Local Manufacturing Push Gains Momentum
Alongside its retail strategy, Apple is doubling down on manufacturing in India. CEO Tim Cook recently acknowledged India as a high-priority market, citing record December-quarter revenues. Apple now aims to shift 25% of its global production to India, reducing its dependence on China.
The company is currently producing all four models of the iPhone 16 in India—including premium Pro variants—through partners like Foxconn, Wistron, Aequs, and Tata Electronics.
iPhone 17 Prototype Already in Testing
According to Reuters, Apple is conducting New Production Introduction (NPI) for the iPhone 17 at one of its Indian facilities. This critical process involves converting a prototype into a mass-production blueprint—further signaling Apple’s long-term commitment to Indian manufacturing.
