Apple CEO Tim Cook is set to land on Indian soil in the coming weeks to launch the iPhone maker’s first store in the country, and during his tour he is likely to have an interaction with key ministries regarding manufacturing expansions and exports.
Mr Cook is likely to preside over the opening of the twin shops in India’s financial and political capital, people familiar with the situation said, who asked to remain anonymous because they were discussing private arrangements. Apple announced on Tuesday that it will open two stores in India on 18 April and 20 April in Mumbai and Delhi, respectively.
The CEO’s first visit was seven years ago, in 2016, and the trip takes place as significant milestones are reached by the most valuable corporation in the world: Currently, the sale of iPhones in India has reached the pinnacle, with annual iPhone exports from the country reaching billions of dollars.
Apple has been trying to focus on India to spread its assembly operations outside of the U.S. due to the strained relationship between China and the U.S.
Mr Cook is expected to unveil the first Apple store in India at an upscale mall in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. After a few days, he is ready to open the second store in the national capital, in Saket Mall.
The company first unlocked its Indian online store in 2020. India is the second-largest smartphone market, and the growth rate is immense. But the price of Apple is high, which is not affordable for most of the people of the country, where a reasonable price plays a key role in the purchase decision of the people.
However, Apple wants to arrange a meeting for Mr Cook with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Modi government has been encouraging electronics manufacturing units and motivating several of Apple’s manufacturing partners, such as Foxconn Technology Group and Pegatron Corp.