Apple launches Apple Store mobile app ahead of offline retail expansion in India

apple store app

Apple has introduced the Apple Store app in India, marking a key milestone in its growing focus on the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The launch reflects Apple’s deepening focus on India, a rapidly emerging market vital to the Cupertino-based tech giant’s global expansion strategy.

With the app now available for download from the App Store, customers across India can shop directly with Apple, access personalized recommendations, and enjoy a streamlined, tailored shopping experience.

This follows Apple’s initial foray into direct customer engagement in India with the launch of the web-based Apple Store in September 2020, offering its full range of products and support online—mirroring the experience of its physical stores worldwide.

In April 2023, Apple further strengthened its footprint in India by opening its first two retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi, with additional locations planned for Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai. The launch of the Apple Store app and its expanding retail presence underscores Apple’s long-term vision for India as a cornerstone of its future growth strategy.

“At Apple, our customer is at the center of everything we do, and we are thrilled to introduce the Apple Store app to reach even more users in India, further deepening our connections,” Karen Rasmussen, Apple’s Head of Retail Online said in a statement. “With the Apple Store app, customers will discover a new and seamless way to shop for all our incredible products, receive personalized support, and experience the best of Apple.”

The Apple Store app is designed to offer a highly curated shopping experience, featuring tabs such as “Products,” where customers can explore the latest Apple products, accessories, and services. This section also provides details on programs like Apple Trade In and financing options, making Apple’s ecosystem more accessible to a broader audience.

The “For You” tab delivers a personalized touch, offering tailored recommendations and organizing saved or favorited items for quick access. Post-purchase, the “Go Further” tab connects users to Apple Specialists for online setup sessions, helpful tips, and free Today at Apple sessions at local Apple Stores, aimed at maximizing their Apple product experience.

Personalization remains a central theme. Shoppers can customize their Macs with upgraded specs, engrave AirPods, iPads, and other products, and soon, they’ll have the option to include digital gift messages with their purchases.

Additionally, the app offers flexible delivery and pickup options, ensuring customers receive their Apple products quickly and conveniently.

Moneycontrol on January 16 reported exclusively that Apple secured its place among the country's top five smartphone brands for the first time since it started selling iPhones in India. Apple achieved a 9–10 percent market share during the festive October–December period of 2024—a historic feat since the brand first began selling iPhones in India, according to preliminary data from market trackers IDC and Counterpoint Research, exclusively available with Moneycontrol.

“Apple set a record by entering the top five vendor list for the Indian smartphone market in Q4 2024 with a market share exceeding 9%. Festive discounts drove this growth, alongside affordability offers such as 24-month no-cost EMIs, which ran throughout 2024 and emerged as one of the leading factors for this surge. E-tailer deals also ensured a high double-digit growth for Apple through the year,” Upasana Joshi, Research Director at IDC told Moneycontrol.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, explained that the growing premiumisation trend in India has particularly benefited Apple.

“There has been a significant rise in the premium smartphone segment in India. With increasing disposable income and aspirational purchases among the growing middle class, especially the youth, Apple has become the brand of choice for young consumers. Beyond Tier 2 cities, the iPhone represents more than just a smartphone—it’s a lifestyle statement,” said Pathak.