Apple is gearing up for an exciting expansion in India, with plans to launch new retail stores in Noida’s Mall of India and Kopa Mall in Pune. These additions mark the next phase in Apple’s strategic retail growth across the country, according to sources familiar with the developments.

New Retail Locations Confirmed

The tech powerhouse has already secured spots in these two popular malls and is actively searching for additional locations in Bengaluru and Mumbai. This move follows the remarkable success of their existing outlets in Mumbai’s BKC and Delhi’s Saket, which have contributed to a growing presence in the Indian market.

• Upcoming Locations:
  • Mall of India, Noida
  • Kopa Mall, Pune
  • Additional sites in Bengaluru and Mumbai

Job Opportunities on the Rise

In a clear indication of its expansion plans, Apple has begun hiring for these new stores. Recent job listings on LinkedIn reveal that out of 20 positions, eight are specifically geared towards Apple Retail, showcasing the company’s commitment to bolstering its workforce in India.

Impressive Market Growth

Apple’s sales in India have soared since 2021, with the company capturing an impressive 11% market share in the Indian smartphone sector during the final quarter of 2022. This surge has propelled Apple into the top five smartphone brands by sales in the country.

• Sales Highlights:
  • iPhone sales have tripled since 2021.
  • iPhones are priced nearly three times higher than the average smartphone in India.

Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the Indian market, stating that the country set a record during the December quarter. This growth is attributed to a solid demand for Apple products and increased brand loyalty among consumers.

Manufacturing Expansion in India

In addition to retail growth, Apple is also ramping up its manufacturing efforts in India, aiming to shift approximately 25% of its production capacity to the region. This strategic move has become increasingly important due to high tariffs imposed by the previous Trump administration on imports from China, which has traditionally been Apple’s largest manufacturing hub.

According to reports, Apple recently organized cargo flights to transport 600 tons of iPhones from India to the United States, reflecting its commitment to enhancing production capabilities in the country.

New Production Initiatives

Sources indicate that Apple is conducting a New Production Introduction (NPI) for the upcoming iPhone 17 at a local facility. This process involves transforming prototype designs into production-ready blueprints.

Currently, Apple manufactures all four models of the iPhone 16 in India, including the premium Pro versions. The company collaborates with several contract manufacturers, such as Foxconn, Wistron, Aequs, and Tata Electronics. Furthermore, plans are underway to begin assembling the popular AirPods in India soon.

With these ongoing developments, Apple is not only expanding its retail footprint but also reinforcing its manufacturing base in India, ensuring a robust presence in this burgeoning market.