Apple has intensified its commitment to India with two major announcements: the launch of its “Made in India” iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, and plans to open four additional retail stores across key cities in the country. These stores will join Apple’s two existing outlets in Delhi and Mumbai, further expanding the tech giant’s retail footprint in India.
India’s Role in Apple’s Manufacturing Strategy
India’s importance as a manufacturing hub has grown steadily since Apple began assembling iPhones there in 2017. Initially focused on older models, the company has progressively narrowed the time gap between global and Indian launches, with the iPhone 15 series marking the first time that India-made iPhones were available on launch day. Now, Apple is manufacturing its entire iPhone 16 lineup locally, including the flagship Pro and Pro Max models, a first for the country.
Boosting India’s Retail Presence
In addition to ramping up production, Apple is also doubling down on its retail presence. The company has announced four new stores, which will open in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. This expansion is set to bolster the already significant connection Apple has with its Indian customer base. According to Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, the company is inspired by the creativity and passion of Indian consumers and aims to provide them with enhanced opportunities to engage with Apple’s products and services.
Growing Workforce and Investments
Apple’s growth in India goes beyond retail stores and manufacturing. Earlier this year, Apple opened a new office in Bengaluru that can house up to 1,200 employees and features state-of-the-art facilities. Apple’s Indian workforce, including those working in retail, currently exceeds 3,000 employees, and this number is expected to rise with the opening of the new stores.
By aligning its manufacturing and retail strategies, Apple is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the burgeoning Indian market, which has become one of the largest smartphone markets globally.
Key Highlights:
- Apple has begun manufacturing its entire iPhone 16 lineup in India, including the Pro models.
- Four new Apple retail stores are set to open in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai.
- Apple’s current workforce in India includes over 3,000 employees, with plans to increase this number.
- India-made iPhone 16 models will also be exported to select global markets.
