Apple Expands Retail Presence in India Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Apple is expanding its retail presence in India with new outlets in Bengaluru and Pune, following launches in Mumbai and Delhi. The expansion signals Apple's evolving strategy in the dynamic premium-tech market and aims to deepen its connection with India's urban middle class. Despite strained trade ties with the US, Apple is confident that India offers lower costs, growing component availability, and a resilient manufacturing base.

Apple Inc. is expanding its retail footprint in India with the opening of new stores in Bengaluru and Pune, following successful launches in Mumbai and Delhi. This strategic move signals Apple's evolving approach to the dynamic premium-tech market and underscores its commitment to deepening its connection with India's urban middle class [1].

The new stores, themed on peacock-feather artwork, will bring the total count to four by the end of 2025, with two more planned in Mumbai and Noida. The Bengaluru store will open on September 2, while the Pune outlet will host "Today at Apple" sessions on music, coding, photography, and design, providing technical and creative support to customers [1].

Despite strained trade ties with the United States, Apple remains confident in India's potential. The country offers lower costs, growing component availability, and a resilient manufacturing base. Apple's investment in India includes a $2.5 billion push to scale up iPhone production from 40 million to 60 million units annually, while also expanding its retail presence [2].

Apple's Indian growth is anchored by strong local partnerships. Foxconn continues to lead assembly operations, while the Tata Group has expanded capacity by acquiring Wistron's factories and taking control of Pegatron's India business. Last year, Apple exported iPhones worth $17 billion from India, capturing a double-digit share of the local premium smartphone market [2].

The expansion comes as Apple stands firm against pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to curb its India operations. Despite Trump's concerns, Apple CEO Tim Cook has highlighted India's importance as both a crucial export hub and a rapidly growing domestic market [2].

By assembling the iPhone 17 in India and continuing to grow its domestic retail presence, Apple is positioning India as both a production powerhouse and a strategic consumer market. Despite Trump's concerns, officials say there is no sign of Apple slowing its push [2].

References:
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/1mxu40o/apple_retail_store_in_bengaluru_india_opens_on/
[2] https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy/industry/apple-defies-trump-pressure-doubles-down-on-india-iphone-expansion-with-2-5-billion-push-article-152526404