Apple is making internal management changes to further focus on India. And for the first time ever, the company will make India its own sales region, highlighting its growing importance.
The South Asian country is already emerging as a major alternative to China for manufacturing its products.
India could be the next China for Apple
Bloomberg report sheds light on Apple shuffling the management of its international business to put the spotlight on India. Following the retirement of Hugues Asseman, the VP of India, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, East Europe, and Africa, Apple is making India its own sales region.
As a part of the change, Ashish Chowdhary, the company’s head of India, will directly report to Apple’s head of product sales, Michael Fenger. And despite India becoming its own sales region, Apple will continue to group the country with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in its sales reports.
India has the second-largest smartphone market in the world after China. Due to its low-income population, Android smartphones dominate the market. However, iPhones and other Apple devices are aspirational products for the public, with Apple enjoying strong brand loyalty and following among them.
Apple continues expanding its presence in India
In recent years, demand for Apple products has surged in India. This has led the company to focus more on the country, including expanding its product availability and retail presence. Despite a decline in its global revenue and product shortages, Apple recorded its best-ever quarter in India during Q4 2022.
After years of delay, the company’s first Apple Store in India should also open later this year. This should further help boost demand for Apple’s products in the region.
Besides being a key market for driving growth, India is emerging as a significant manufacturing partner for Apple. The Cupertino giant has already asked its suppliers to step up efforts to move the production of more of its devices to India as it looks to reduce its reliance on China.
J.P. Morgan analysts believe Apple could move at least 25% of iPhone production to India by 2025.
