Apple announced on April 11 that it plans to open its much-anticipated retail store Apple BKC in Mumbai on April 18, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the country that is becoming increasingly important for its future growth. Apple BKC will be the company's first company-owned retail store in India.

The iPhone maker also announced plans to open its second store in Delhi on April 20, in addition to unveiling the barricade for the outlet named Apple Saket. The company said that its design is inspired by Delhi's many gates, each signifying a new chapter to the city’s storied past.

"These retail locations will offer great new ways to browse, discover, and buy Apple products with exceptional service and experiences for customers," Apple said in a statement.

Delhi and Mumbai are two of Apple's largest cities, accounting for about 11 percent and 10 percent of iPhone sales in India, respectively, as per Counterpoint Research's city level tracker.

First Apple store in India in Mumbai -Apple BKC

Apple BKC will open on Tuesday, April 18, at 11 a.m. In celebration of the first Apple Store opening in India, Apple BKC announced a special Today at Apple series — “Mumbai Rising" — running from opening day through the summer. Bringing visitors, local artists, and creatives together, these sessions will offer hands-on activities with Apple’s products and services that celebrate the local community and culture in Mumbai. Customers can explore the “Mumbai Rising" sessions and sign up at apple.com/in/today.

Ahead of opening day, customers are invited to download custom Apple BKC and Apple Saket wallpapers, specially curated playlists on Apple Music to move to the sounds of Mumbai and Delhi.

First Apple store in Delhi- Apple Saket

Apple Saket will open for customers April 20 at 10 a.m. Customers will be able to stop by to explore Apple’s latest product lineup, find creative inspiration, and get personalized service and support from the store’s team of Specialists, Creatives, and Geniuses. The barricade for Apple Saket features a unique design that takes inspiration from Delhi’s many gates, each signifying a new chapter to the city’s storied past. The colorful artwork celebrates Apple’s second store in India — located right in the nation’s capital.

Why Apple is so interested and invested in India?

Apple is currently the leader in India's premium smartphone market (above Rs 30,000) and the country's smartphone market in terms of shipment value in Q4 2022, according to the market research firm Counterpoint Research. It clocked record shipments of over 6.5 million in 2022, registering a 16% growth YoY, the firm noted.

India is also becoming a key manufacturing hub for Apple as it looks to diversify its manufacturing capabilities beyond China. The company is currently making iPhones in India through contract manufacturers such as Foxconn, Wistron and Pegatron, with plans to make other products such as its wireless headphones Airpods in the country.

Apple captured 25 percent of 'Made in India' smartphone shipments in terms of value in 2022, as compared to 12 percent in 2021, as per Counterpoint Research. The company's ‘Made in India’ shipments grew by 65 percent year-on-year (YoY) by volume and 162 percent YoY by value in 2022, it said.