Apple CEO Tim Cook inaugurated of the country’s first two retail stores, Apple BKC and Apple Saket, reports Bloomberg.
Apple’s first-ever retail store in India, called Apple BKC, opened on April 18. It is located at Jio World Mall, in the upscale area of Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Apple Saket opened New Delhi on April 20.
Cook is planning to meet PM Narendra Modi during his short visit. He is also expected to hold talks with key ministers regarding strategic issues such as manufacturing expansion and exports.
Since Cooks’ last visit, seven years ago, Apple has witnessed major growth in the country including local manufacturing of iPhones, AirPods, and the launch of online Apple Store.
On Apple earnings calls, Cook has stressed India’s importance as a market and production base. During the latest such conference, Cook said Apple set “a quarterly revenue record and grew very strong double digits year over year” in the country.
“India is a hugely exciting market for us and a major focus,” Cook said on the call. “I’m very bullish on India.”
Apart from Cook, Apple’s senior vice president of retail and people Deirdre O’Brien is also expected to visit India this month for the opening of the two stores. Together, they are likely to explore opportunities to expand manufacturing in the region, as Apple looks to reduce its dependence on China.
Apple is expanding its manufacturing in India, and planning to manufacture the upcoming iPhone 15 in the country. The company has already started producing iPhone 15 casings. Notably, the other models of the series that include iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be manufactured in China.
