Apple To Begin Direct Sales, Set Up Experience Centre In Mumbai As Modi Government Tweaks FDI Rules

The American technology giant Apple is set to start direct online sales of its electronic devices in India in the coming months, reports Hindustan Times.

The development comes after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Wednesday (28 August) decided to ease rules, which forced companies such as Apple to source 30 per cent of their production locally, to include exports as part of the requirement.

The iPhone maker has been lobbying with the Centre against the local sourcing norms for years as the rules posed problem for the company due to most of its devices being manufactured in China.

Besides, the government also allowed the single brand retailers to set up online stores prior to opening of the brick and mortar stores.

According to the report, Apple will begin selling its iPhone, iPads and Mac computers online in the coming months. The company is also firming up Mumbai location of its first own brick and mortar store in India, which is expected to open next year.

At present, Apple sells its products through franchisee stores and via online retail platforms such as Amazon India and Walmart-owned Flipkart. However, after easing of the norms, the company can now directly sell its product online.

“We love our customers in India and we’re eager to serve them online and in-store with the same experience and care that Apple customers around the world enjoy,” the company said in a statement.

“We appreciate the support and hard work by Prime Minister Modi and his team to make this possible and we look forward to one day welcoming customers to India’s first Apple retail store,” it added.