Apple Posts Record $9 Billion Sales in India Amid Big Retail Push

Apple has marked a milestone in India, reporting record sales of nearly $9 billion in the last fiscal year, a 13% rise from the previous $8 billion, as per news reports. The growth was fuelled by strong demand for iPhones and MacBooks, reinforcing India’s growing importance for the US technology giant at a time when global device sales have slowed.

Retail Expansion and Consumer Demand

To strengthen its presence, Apple has been widening its retail footprint. Two new stores have opened this week in Bangalore and Pune, with additional outlets set for Noida and Mumbai in the coming year. India became its own sales region in 2023, reflecting the market’s potential. 

Apple first launched its online store in 2020 and followed up with flagship stores in Mumbai and New Delhi, inaugurated by CEO Tim Cook in 2023. iPhones, seen by many as a status symbol, now hold about 7% of India’s smartphone market, according to Counterpoint Research.

Navigating High Costs and Boosting Affordability

Despite the momentum, high import duties make iPhones costlier in India compared with other markets. As per news reports, the entry-level iPhone 16, for example, sells at ₹79,900 ($906.39) versus $799 in the US. 

To address this, Apple has rolled out student discounts, device trade-ins, and credit card rebate partnerships with banks. These steps, coupled with India’s rising middle class, have bolstered demand. Tim Cook has repeatedly called India one of Apple’s fastest-growing markets.

Manufacturing Shift to India

India has also become central to Apple’s manufacturing strategy. Today, one in every five iPhones is produced in the country. The company operates five plants, including two recently opened facilities, aiming to make India a key base for US-bound exports. 

This shift is partly driven by efforts to reduce dependence on China, where Apple has faced volatile consumption trends and stiff competition from local players such as Xiaomi.

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Conclusion

Apple’s record-breaking sales underline its rising stake in India, both as a consumer market and a manufacturing hub. With new stores, expanding production, and affordability measures, the company is laying the groundwork for sustained growth, even as global headwinds continue.

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