Apple CEO Tim Cook will visit Mumbai, India, later this month to inaugurate the opening of the first Apple Store in the country, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Economic Times.
Earlier this week, Apple officially announced it would be opening its first Apple Store in India in Mumbai at the Jio World Drive Mall. Apple says the store is coming soon; however, TechCrunch reports it is opening later this month. Apple describes the store design as inspired by “iconic Kaali Peeli taxi art unique to Mumbai.”
During his trip to Mumbai, the report notes that Cook will meet with high-level Indian government officials as Apple and its suppliers eye the country as the next central hub of its supply chain operations. This week, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman detailed Apple’s eagerness to lessen its reliance on China to produce its products.
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Apple’s largest and most prominent suppliers, including Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron, have announced notable investments in India. These efforts come as Apple hopes to produce 10 million iPhone units in India by the end of this year and over 15 million units next year. Apple also plans to start simultaneous production of its upcoming iPhone 15 lineup in India and China for the first time.
The Economic Times notes that during his trip, Cook may also meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Cook and Modi previously met during the CEO’s trip to the country in 2016, but a meeting since has not occurred. Topics of the potential discussion are unknown, but it’s likely to include economic policy and local regulations regarding Apple moving more of its supply chain into the local Indian economy.
