Apple opens its first official store in Mumbai; what we know so far

Located at Reliance Jio World Drive Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex, the 20,800-sq ft flagship store was opened at 11 am today by Apple CEO Tim Cook

Apple's first official India store opened in Mumbai at 11 am today. It became operational after the company's chief executive officer (CEO) Tim Cook opened its doors for customers.Located at Reliance Jio World Drive Mall in Bandra Kurla Complex, the 20,800-sq ft flagship store will provide a space for customers to come together, explore Apple products and services, and buy them. Cook had landed in Mumbai on Monday for the launch of the store.

After the opening of the Apple BKC store today, Apple will open its second flagship store at Select Citywalk Mall in Saket, New Delhi, on April 20.

 

Apple's increasing focus on India

Apple has around 500 retail stores in major parts of the world. With the opening of these stores in Mumbai and Delhi, it aims to tap into the highly aspirational Indian market. As of September, it accounted for 40 per cent of total smartphone sales in India in the premium segment, higher than its rivals Samsung and OnePlus.  

Another factor is the company's intention to shift away from China due to rising geopolitical tensions. India currently accounts for 3 per cent of the company's total production share, but it is expected to rise to 5 per cent in the next few years.

Business Standard earlier reported that Apple's three vendors in India have assembled iPhones whose free on board (FOB) value hit $7 billion (Rs 60,000 crore) for FY23, including both for exports and domestically. The data is based on details provided by the vendors — Foxconn, Wistron and Pegatron — to the government.

Apple is also planning to assemble iPads and AirPods in India.

Apple BKC Store: What's new for customers?

Apple's retail store in Mumbai will offer several new facilities for customers.

They can take a tour of the store, check the devices and ask for a demo. The executives will assist them in operating the devices. There will also be community-led sessions at the store which will educate the customers about Apple products.

Photo: Shivani Shinde

Second, there will be better customer service as the store will have 100 Apple team members fluent in speaking 20 languages, offering advice on the best options available for the customers' needs.

Photo: Shivani Shinde

Third, the store will also offer the "Apple Pickup" service, where customers can place an order online and pick up products at their convenience.

Photo: Shivani Shinde

Fourth, the store will also provide after-purchase services to the customers. This includes service and repair of the devices.

What's special at the Apple BKC store?

The company previewed the store on Monday. Among other things, it will run on 100 per cent renewable energy. There is a dedicated solar array and "zero reliance on fossil fuels for store operations".

Apple BKC: Solar Array (Photo: Apple)

Apple BKC store features a triangular handcrafted timber ceiling that extends beyond the glass façade to the underside of the exterior canopy, reflecting the unique geometry of the store. Each tile is made from 408 pieces of timber, forming 31 modules per tile with a total of 1,000 tiles that make up the ceiling. There are over 450,000 individual timber elements, all of which were assembled in Delhi.

Apple BKC: Handcrafted timber ceiling (Photo: Apple)

Upon entering the store, customers are greeted by two stone walls sourced from Rajasthan and a 14-meter-long stainless steel staircase connecting the ground level and the cantilevered mezzanine.

Moreover, there will be surrounding display tables and avenues featuring the latest iPhone, Mac, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple TV lineups, as well as accessories like AirTag.

Apple CEO Tim Cook's Indian adventure

Cook landed in Mumbai one day ahead of the opening of the store. He spent Monday with several business leaders like Mukesh Ambani and N Chandrasekaran and Bollywood stars like Madhuri Dixit Nene.

According to reports, Cook is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers in New Delhi this week.