Apple delays opening of 1st India Store owing to pandemic-related issues

28 Jul 2022 , 01:10 PM

Apple’s first physical outlet in India has been delayed owing to the pandemic-related issues faced by the company being inadvertent delays in supplies causing supply disruptions, interior fitting, etc.

The company expressed that the opening of Apple’s flagship retailer outlet in India has been delayed further to the January-March quarter next year. This is the second time the iPhone maker has pushed forward its debut in the Indian markets.

Indian markets much await an official Apple retail store, as it is becoming one of the most sought countries for the iPhone market. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has expressed interest in setting up a base here in India even after the delays.

Owing to this, Apple has already ramped up its production in the country with the most recent iPhone 12’s assembly taking place in India. Currently, Apple manufactures iPhone 11, iPhone SE 2020, iPhone XR, iPhone 7, and iPhone 6s in India.

Earlier in September last year, Apple launched its exclusive online store in India. It is the closest way of buying an Apple product directly from the seller rather than from authorized Apple resellers. The online store also presented new opportunities for Apple to launch its upgrade programmes, offer support, exclusive offers, and deals in the Indian markets.

CEO Cook believes that the online store is one of the major growth contributors in Indian markets, accompanied by the popularity of the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR models.

Apple still envisions India as a growing market with an upward trajectory in sales. In Q2 this year, Apple cited double-digit growth in markets, including India.