Apple is significantly expanding its retail presence in India by opening new stores in Noida and Pune, following the successful launch of its first two stores in Mumbai and Delhi last year.

Recently, Apple began exporting India-assembled iPhones to the United States, marking a significant milestone in its manufacturing strategy.

Additionally, the company plans to assemble AirPods in India, which will further enhance local employment and investment in tech manufacturing.

With rising tariffs on Chinese goods in the US, India is becoming an increasingly vital manufacturing and retail hub for Apple, underscoring its importance in the company's future plans.

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, Apple holds an 11% market share in India, attributed to strong sales performance in its flagship stores.

In its first year of operation, Apple's existing stores in India, particularly in Saket and BKC, generated impressive revenue of ₹800 crore, demonstrating robust demand.

To support the new stores, Apple has posted over 20 job openings, primarily for retail roles, with each store expected to employ around 90 to 100 staff members.

The new store in Pune will be the first in the city, providing residents with access to Apple's latest gadgets, services, and expert support.

Meanwhile, the Noida store will serve as Apple's second location in the Delhi-NCR region, further enhancing its footprint in northern India.

This expansion comes on the heels of CEO Tim Cook reporting record iPhone sales in India during the December quarter of 2024, fueled by a growing demand for premium products.

India's premium smartphone market is rapidly expanding, making it a crucial focus for Apple's growth strategy, with plans to produce up to 30 million iPhones in the country by 2025.

To support this ambition, Apple is shifting approximately 25% of its global production to India, including local assembly of all iPhone 16 models through partners like Foxconn and Tata Electronics.