Apple is gearing up to expand its physical footprint in India, with new retail stores set to open later this year. The update came straight from CEO Tim Cook during the company’s latest earnings call, hinting at a broader strategy that positions India as both a key market and a manufacturing powerhouse in Apple’s global playbook.
“In addition to the two stores we opened this quarter, we’re excited about upcoming launches — a new store in the UAE, an online store in Saudi Arabia, and additional Apple locations in India coming later this year,” Cook said.
Continue Exploring: Lahori Beverages Nears ₹450 Crore Fundraise as Valuation Soars to ₹2,500 Crore – A New Challenger in India’s Booming Drinks Market
While he kept the details vague, insiders say Apple is preparing to open stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Noida, and a second outlet in Mumbai — part of a multi-city push following the splashy debut of its first Indian stores in 2023.
Those openings — in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex and Delhi’s Saket — were more than just store launches. They were events, complete with long queues, fan selfies, and the unmistakable excitement of diehard Apple fans finally getting the brand’s full in-store experience. Until then, Apple’s India strategy had leaned on online sales and authorized resellers.
The new stores won’t just be places to buy Apple gadgets — they’re meant to be experience hubs, where customers can get hands-on with devices, attend sessions, and immerse themselves in the wider Apple ecosystem. Earlier this year, Apple also introduced its Store app for Indian users, further streamlining the shopping journey.
A Bigger Shift Behind the Scenes
But this isn’t just about selling more iPhones and MacBooks. The real story is Apple’s shifting manufacturing strategy. With U.S.-China trade tensions heating up — and import tariffs on Chinese products climbing as high as 145% — Apple is clearly diversifying its supply chain.
India is emerging as the biggest beneficiary.
Cook revealed that, for the current quarter ending in June, most iPhones sold in the United States will actually be assembled in India. That’s a huge milestone for a company that only started making iPhones in India in 2017.
Fast forward to 2025, and Apple is already producing the entire iPhone 16 lineup — from the budget-friendly 16e to the top-of-the-line 16 Pro Max — right here in India. All signs point to the upcoming iPhone 17 series being made locally too.
Continue Exploring: “Kuch Nahi Hoga”—Anupam Mittal Challenges This Dangerous Mindset in Policy Bazaar’s New Ad
As Apple ramps up both its retail and manufacturing operations, one thing is clear: India isn’t just a fast-growing market anymore. It’s becoming the engine room for Apple’s next decade of growth.
