First Apple Store in India Delayed Due to Pandemic

The first Apple Store set to open in India has been delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Primed to open this year in Mumbai, the retail location was first announced by Apple CEO Tim Cook during an earnings call in 2020.

Apple had targeted 2021 as the window in which India’s very first Apple Store would open its doors to eager consumers. However, Apple has confirmed with The Indian Express that the opening has been delayed due to the pandemic. The company has not given a new window in which the Mumbai community can expect to see the store open. Instead, it’s apparent that Apple will maintain a close eye on how the pandemic continues throughout the year.

India has become a more important market for Apple to tap. Earlier this year, Apple approached India’s government and sought after incentives in exchange for bringing iPad production to the country. India had been investing $6.7billion USD into smartphone incentives and it seemed to pay off as Apple has increased manufacturing within the country.

Additionally, last September, Apple opened its online store in India. Right off the hop, Apple offered financing options, Apple Care+, Today at Apple sessions and more benefits to the Indian community.

The relationship between Apple and India has clearly been growing over the years. Although the delay in opening the Mumbai Apple Store has altered plans, it’ll be interesting to see how this relationship evolves over time.