Exclusive:Bengaluru to Get Apple’s Next Retail Store at Phoenix Mall of Asia

Apple's first flagship store in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is opening in the Phoenix Mall of Asia. Last year, it was reported that Bengaluru is set to get South India's first retail store.

Apple locked in the location last year and is quietly developing the store. The store could be launched somewhere in June or July, sources familiar with the matter told The Left Shift.

Apple is also reportedly looking to open a store in Pune. The iPhone maker currently has stores in Mumbai and Delhi.

In March, Apple officially launched the hiring process for its flagship stores across four cities.

"Apple’s journey in India has been incredible, and we’re thrilled to continue growing in these vibrant cities. To make these new stores a success, we’re looking for passionate and talented individuals to join our team", Apple Store Leader John Taffe, said in a LinkedIn post.

Apple opened its first stores in India in 2023—Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in Delhi—drawing huge crowds, particularly during iPhone launch events.

Recently, CEO Tim Cook told CNBC that Apple now produces half of the iPhones sold in the U.S. market in India, where tariffs are lower than in China.

He added that Apple also sources other products for the U.S. from Vietnam, though China still manufactures the majority of its devices for global markets.

Cook confirmed that India will increasingly serve as the 'country of origin' for iPhones sold in the U.S., as Apple diversifies its supply chain away from China due to its higher tariff rates, compared to the 10% levied on goods from India and Vietnam.