Apple’s India push: Building loyalty, one local touch at a time

Apple Inc. reported a record $9 billion in sales for the Indian market, driven by a strategic expansion of its retail presence across the country. The company has opened two new flagship stores in recent weeks—Apple Hebbal in Bengaluru and Apple Koregaon Park in Pune—bringing its total number of physical retail locations in India to four, alongside existing stores in Mumbai and Delhi. These developments reflect a broader push to strengthen Apple’s footprint in the South Asian market and align with the company’s long-term growth strategy in the region.

The Apple Hebbal store, launched on September 2, 2025, marks the company’s first physical retail location in South India and its third in the country. The store is designed to serve the tech-savvy population of Bengaluru, offering access to Apple’s full product lineup, including the newly launched iPhone 16, M4-powered MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch Series 10. According to the company’s press release, the store features dedicated support areas such as the Genius Bar and Apple Pickup zones, enhancing the customer experience with personalized service and streamlined product delivery [2].

Similarly, the Apple Koregaon Park store in Pune opened its doors on September 4, 2025, and is staffed by 68 employees from 11 Indian states. The store offers in-person support for customers looking to switch to iOS or explore Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV+. It also hosts free educational sessions, including photography workshops and Apple Intelligence tutorials, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between users and the brand [1].

The opening of these two stores coincides with a period of heightened consumer engagement with Apple products in India. The company has tailored its offerings to local preferences, including financing programs and localized content partnerships. For example, Apple Hebbal introduced a curated playlist featuring local Bengaluru artists, and Apple Koregaon Park offered custom wallpapers to mark the store’s opening. These initiatives demonstrate a broader effort to integrate Apple’s ecosystem into the cultural and creative fabric of India [2].

Analysts suggest that Apple’s retail expansion is part of a calculated strategy to increase market penetration in India, where smartphone sales have grown steadily in recent years. The company’s focus on in-store experiences and customer education is likely to strengthen brand loyalty and drive long-term sales. Additionally, the emphasis on renewable energy and carbon neutrality at all Apple retail locations aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable business practices [1].

As Apple continues to expand its retail presence, it remains to be seen how effectively it can compete with local and global smartphone brands in a market characterized by price sensitivity and a growing ecosystem of alternatives. However, the record $9 billion sales figure underscores the potential of India as a key growth market for the tech giant and highlights the effectiveness of its retail and customer engagement strategies [1].

Source:

[1] Apple Koregaon Park opens to customers this Thursday, September 4, in Pune (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/apple-koregaon-park-opens-to-customers-this-thursday-september-4-in-pune/)

[2] Apple Hebbal opens this Tuesday, September 2, in Bengaluru (https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/08/apple-hebbal-opens-this-tuesday-september-2-in-bengaluru/)