In a strategic move to enhance its retail footprint in the world’s most populous country, Apple unveiled its dedicated Apple Store application in India last Friday. The tech giant is keen to leverage the increasing consumer demand in India, a key market for its iPhone.
The app, which is now available on India’s App Store, allows customers to buy Apple products directly. It also offers personalized shopping suggestions, according to the company’s recent statement.
The new app provides users with the option to tailor their Mac to their needs, including upgrades to more robust chips, extra storage, and additional memory. This customization feature has been highly anticipated by Indian consumers. The app also facilitates delivery or in-store pickup arrangements for purchases.
This initiative is part of Apple’s broader strategy to bolster its presence in India. The company opened its first brick-and-mortar stores in Delhi and Mumbai in 2023, with plans to launch four more stores in Bengaluru, Pune, and other regions of Delhi and Mumbai. Apple had previously launched its online store in India in 2020.
“Apple is committed to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. The launch of the new Apple Store app in India is an exciting step to extend our reach and strengthen our relationship with Indian users,” said Karen Rasmussen, Apple’s head of retail online.
The Apple Store app includes distinct tabs for products, personalized suggestions, and post-purchase support such as virtual setup sessions with Apple specialists. It also allows customers to register for complimentary training sessions at Apple stores, learn about trade-in and financing options, and add free engravings in eight languages to selected Apple devices like AirPods and iPads.
As the world’s second-largest smartphone market, India’s significance for Apple continues to grow. The tech giant is keen on diversifying its manufacturing bases beyond China, and India has emerged as a viable option. Apple started assembling iPhones in India in 2017, with production subsequently expanding through collaborations with Foxconn and the Indian conglomerate Tata.
