Apple's CEO Tim Cook Visits India to Drive Expansion: New Stores, and Talks with PM Modi

Apple is making a big splash in India this week with the opening of its first two official retail stores in Mumbai and New Delhi. The company's CEO Tim Cook is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar as part of his visit, according to sources.

Why is Apple interested in India?

India is the world's second-largest smartphone market, with over 1.3 billion people and a growing middle class. However, Apple has a relatively small share of the market, estimated at around 3%, compared to rivals like Samsung and Xiaomi. Apple's high-end iPhones are often seen as too expensive for most Indian consumers, who prefer cheaper and more locally-made models.

But Apple sees India as a long-term opportunity, not only for selling its products but also for manufacturing and exporting them. The company has been assembling iPhones in India since 2017 through its contract partners Foxconn, Wistron and Pegatron. It also plans to start making iPads and AirPods in the country soon. According to industry data, Apple exported more than 50% of the $9 billion worth of smartphones that were shipped out of India between April 2022 and February 2023.

Apple also hopes to tap into India's young and tech-savvy population, who are increasingly looking for premium devices and services. The company has been investing in its online presence, offering discounts, trade-ins and financing options to attract customers. It has also been expanding its ecosystem of apps, music, video and cloud services in India.

What are Apple's new stores like?

Apple's new stores in Mumbai and New Delhi are the first ones that are owned and operated by the company itself. Until now, Apple has been selling its products through third-party resellers or e-commerce platforms like Amazon. The new stores will offer a more immersive and personalized experience for customers, who can try out the latest products, get technical support and attend workshops.

Hello, Mumbai! We can’t wait to welcome our customers to the new Apple BKC tomorrow. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/9V5074OA8W

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) April 17, 2023

The Mumbai store is located in the upscale Reliance Jio World Drive mall, which houses other luxury brands like Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Swarovski. The store covers 20,800 square feet and features a glass facade that showcases Apple's signature minimalist design. The New Delhi store is smaller, at 10,000 square feet, and is situated in the Select Citywalk mall in Saket.

Both stores will open to the public on April 18 and April 20 respectively. They will follow strict health and safety protocols amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, such as limiting capacity, requiring masks and temperature checks, and offering contactless payment options.

What will Tim Cook discuss with Modi?

Tim Cook's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday will be his second one since he became Apple's CEO in 2011. He last met Modi in 2016 during his first visit to India. At that time, they discussed issues such as manufacturing, innovation and digital empowerment.

This time, Cook is likely to seek Modi's support for Apple's expansion plans in India, especially in terms of easing regulatory hurdles and providing incentives for local production and exports. He may also discuss how Apple can contribute to Modi's flagship initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India and Skill India.

Cook may also raise concerns about some of the recent policies that have affected foreign tech companies operating in India, such as the new IT rules that require them to comply with government requests for user data and content removals. He may also seek clarity on the proposed data protection bill that could impose restrictions on data transfers and storage.

Cook may also explore opportunities for collaboration with the Indian government on areas such as education, health care and renewable energy. He may also highlight Apple's social impact initiatives in India, such as supporting women entrepreneurs, empowering rural communities and promoting environmental sustainability.

Apple's entry into the Indian market through the opening of its official retail stores and manufacturing facilities represents a significant milestone for the tech giant. With the world's second-largest smartphone market and a young, tech-savvy population, India offers Apple a tremendous opportunity for growth and innovation. As Tim Cook meets with Indian government officials and explores opportunities for collaboration and expansion, it will be interesting to see how Apple's presence in India will continue to evolve and shape the country's tech landscape in the years to come.