Recent advancements include Riyadh becoming the first city in the Middle East to implement Apple Pay's Express Mode for metro transit, joining over 250 cities globally.

Apple has announced a significant retail expansion in Saudi Arabia, which includes the introduction of flagship stores and an Apple Developer Academy.

As part of this initiative, CEO Tim Cook revealed that the online Apple Store will launch in summer 2025, providing the first direct purchasing option for customers in the country.

Cook emphasized the plan for an iconic store in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring Apple's commitment to the region.

This expansion is strategically aimed at reducing Apple's reliance on third-party resellers amid a backdrop of slowing device sales.

The Developer Academy will focus on training women in coding, design, and entrepreneurship, aligning with Saudi Arabia's workforce development goals.

The new physical stores will provide hands-on experiences and access to in-person experts for customer assistance.

Apple Pay has seen widespread adoption in Saudi Arabia since its launch in 2019, including its integration into the public transport system, such as the Riyadh metro.

The online store will offer personalized support and convenient shopping options, eliminating third-party markups.

Apple aims to foster a sustainable tech ecosystem that promotes economic growth and innovation while empowering local creators and entrepreneurs.

Currently, Saudi customers must rely on third-party resellers for Apple products, despite the iPhone holding a 46% market share as the best-selling smartphone in the country.

Despite a slight decline in stock value, Apple remains strong with a year-to-date increase of 30.81%, closing at $242.84.