Apple is all set to launch its third retail store in India—this time in Bengaluru’s bustling Phoenix Mall of Asia, according to a report by Business Standard. The move signals Apple’s deepening investment in the Indian market, even as the company faces growing scrutiny from U.S. policymakers.
Inside Apple’s Upcoming Bengaluru Store
Spanning 8,000 square feet on the first floor of the mall, Apple’s Bengaluru outlet will be comparable in size to its Delhi store. However, Apple BKC in Mumbai will continue to hold the title of India’s largest Apple Store at over 20,800 square feet.
Apple has inked a 10-year lease for the Bengaluru space. The lease follows a revenue-sharing model, where Apple will share 2% of the store’s revenue for the first three years, which will later increase to 2.5%—a structure commonly used in high-traffic malls.
Expanding the Retail Footprint in India
This Bengaluru store marks just the beginning of Apple’s next phase in India. CEO Tim Cook recently confirmed that the company is planning four more stores across major cities, including Pune, Mumbai (a second location), Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru.
Apple’s existing retail stores—Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in Delhi—opened in 2023 to enthusiastic crowds and long queues, symbolizing the growing demand for premium Apple experiences in India.
India: A Manufacturing Powerhouse for Apple
Apple’s expansion isn’t just about retail—it’s also rapidly shifting its manufacturing operations to India, amid ongoing global supply chain reshuffles.
During Apple’s Q2 2025 earnings call, Tim Cook revealed a game-changing development:
“For the June quarter, we expect the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. will have India as their country of origin.”
He also added that Vietnam is now the primary manufacturing base for iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods sold in the U.S.
This supply chain realignment comes as part of Apple’s strategy to reduce its dependence on China, especially amid increasing tensions between the U.S. and China.
Political Pushback in the U.S.
Apple’s decision to manufacture abroad hasn’t gone unnoticed back home. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones not made in the U.S. in an attempt to bring manufacturing back onshore.
Despite the looming threat of tariffs, several reports suggest Apple would still profit more by importing Indian-made iPhones to the U.S. than by shifting production stateside—a calculation that may influence the company’s future choices.
What’s Next?
With Apple confirming the Bengaluru store and planning more outlets across India, the tech giant appears fully committed to cementing its presence in one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets in the world.
But whether political pressure from Washington will change Apple’s course remains to be seen. What do you think about Apple’s India strategy? Let us know in the comments.
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