Apple to launch online store in India this year: Report
02 May 2017
Apple's iconic offline stores may be some time coming to India, but the company will initially set up its own online store by this year, piggy-riding on the fact that local manufacturers can have a direct online presence in the country, The Economic Times reported.
Apple's online store will initially sell iPhone SE which will be manufactured in India and the product portfolio will be expanded as it grew the local production to other models.
According to two senior industry officials, Apple's online store plans did not require foreign direct investment (FDI) approval in retail since the government allowed companies to directly sell online models manufactured locally. The company had plans to start assembling of iPhones in Bengaluru by June.
"Apple will initially start its online store by selling iPhone SE which will be manufactured in India and will be in line with government policies. The company is hopeful to start the online store in India around Diwali," said one of the executives, ET reported.
