This is the first time the company is opening a first party retail channel in the country
Alongside the full range of Apple products, the online store will also include its local contact centre — which provides support and services to Indian customers — for the first time
American technology giant Apple’s first online retail channel in India will go live on September 23, the company confirmed. This is the first time the company is opening a first party retail channel in the country. So far, Apple has sold products in India through e-commerce and offline partners.
“One thing we’ve learned is when we enter the market with Apple Retail, all boats rise,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Senior Vice President of Retail and People at Apple. “It creates tremendous interest in our products, which are available on our online store and through our network of trusted resellers, allowing us to connect with our customers where they are. As of today Apple Store Online is selling a wide range of Apple products,” she added.
Alongside the full range of Apple products, the online store will also include its local contact centre — which provides support and services to Indian customers — for the first time. The company also announced a dedicated education store for India, which will offer special pricing on Mac computers, iPad tablets, their accessories and Apple’s premium support option, called AppleCare Plus.
At the moment, the store will have products from Apple only, but third party accessories should be added in future. The company has also integrated UPI and cash on delivery (COD) payments options, among others.
Apple’s online store in India has been expected since last year when the Indian government relaxed its local sourcing norms for companies like Apple. CEO Tim Cook had confirmed the launch during an earnings call earlier this year, but the pandemic delayed Apple’s plans by a few months. With next week’s launch, the company will be ready for the festive sale period in the country.
According to industry estimates, Apple’s market share in the Indian smartphone market remains at about 2%, but the company has been making headway in India over the past few quarters. Data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) shows that Apple gained 48.8% market share in the premium segment in India in the quarter ended June 2020, up from 41.2% a year ago.
