Apple Announces Biggest Expansion Ever in India: New Stores in Pune, Bengaluru and iPhone 16 Pro Now Made Locally – Technology News

Apple has announced its largest-ever expansion in India, with new retail stores and increased local production of its flagship iPhone models. Following the great success of its first two stores in Mumbai (BKC) and Delhi (Saket), which opened in April 2023, the Cupertino-based tech giant is planning additional retail locations in Bengaluru and Pune. As part of the expansion, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai will get a second Apple Store.

“Our stores are amazing places to experience the magic of Apple. It’s been great to deepen our connections with customers in India,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of retail. “We are excited to build our teams as we plan to open more stores in India as we are inspired by the creativity and passion of our customers across the country. We look forward to them having even more opportunities to discover and purchase our amazing products and services and connect with our amazing, knowledgeable team members.”

In addition to expanding its retail footprint, Apple is increasing production in India. The company revealed that it is currently manufacturing the entire iPhone 16 lineup across the country, including the top-of-the-range iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. This is an important step in Apple’s ‘Make in India’ journey, which started in 2017 and has continued to grow over the years. The locally manufactured iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will soon be available to customers in India and exported to select countries around the world, further cementing India as a key manufacturing hub for the company.

Reports show that Apple produced $14 billion worth of iPhones in FY24, which is double the previous year. In fact, every seventh iPhone is currently manufactured in India.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were the first iPhones to be ready for global sale shortly after their September 9 launch. A day after the US launch, Communications and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised Apple’s decision to produce the iPhone 16 in India. He said, “Apple’s latest iPhone 16 is manufactured and launched globally in Indian factories!”

Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously stressed the need for manufacturing in India. During the company’s Q2 2024 earnings call, he categorically mentioned that “from a pragmatic point of view, to stay competitive, you have to produce there.” Amid regulatory pressure in Europe and slowing sales in China, India has emerged as a key market for Apple’s future growth. This is evident in some recent product decisions.

The iPhone 16 Pro’s launch price is Rs 15,000 less than the iPhone 15 Pro, making it cheaper. Recent reductions in import duties have also helped reduce costs. iPhone 16 Pro Max is also cheaper than the previous model. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus cost the same as iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus at launch, despite introducing more quality of life improvements. This revamped pricing strategy has made the iPhone 16 lineup more attractive to Indian customers, while forcing competitors such as Samsung to lower the prices of their flagship models.

As if that wasn’t enough, Apple is entering the upcoming festival season with a slew of offers and discounts on its entire range of products, from iPhone to Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and AirPods, making them up to Rs 10,000 cheaper. The bundle includes a pair of India-exclusive Solo Buds worth Rs 6,990 free with the purchase of iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus.

In addition to commercial ventures, Apple is also taking steps to join sustainable development efforts in India. As part of its global commitment to achieve 100 percent carbon neutrality in its supply chain and products by 2030, Apple is working with Indian partners on various environmental projects. For example, the recent joint venture with CleanMax will provide additional clean energy capacity to power Apple’s offices, retail stores and corporate operations in India.

The combination of new retail stores, local manufacturing, affordable pricing and environmental initiatives is intended to deepen Apple’s relationship with its growing customer base in India and further strengthen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing smartphone markets.

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