Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, opens the company’s first retail store in India.

This move has been long anticipated by tech enthusiasts and Apple fans around the world. India, with its massive population and growing middle class, has long been seen as a promising market for Apple’s products. Until now, Apple has sold its products in India through third-party retailers and authorized resellers, but with the opening of this first store, Apple is taking a major step forward in establishing a more direct presence in the country.

The store is located in Mumbai, one of India’s largest and most vibrant cities. It covers over 20,000 square feet and boasts a stunning, modern design that is sure to turn heads. The store is staffed by a team of over 100 employees, who are all eager to help customers discover the full range of Apple’s products and services.

In addition to offering Apple’s latest products, the store also includes a Genius Bar, where customers can get technical support and advice from Apple experts. There is also a dedicated space for Apple’s growing lineup of services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade.

But this is just the beginning for Apple in India. As Tim Cook himself has said, “We’re just getting started in India.” Apple plans to open a second retail store in India on Thursday, this one located in the southern city of Bengaluru. Like the Mumbai store, the Bengaluru store is expected to be a major hub for Apple’s products and services in the region.

This move is part of a broader push by Apple to expand its presence in emerging markets. While the company has long been dominant in North America and Europe, it has faced stiff competition in markets like China and India. By opening these new stores and establishing a more direct presence in these markets, Apple is signaling its commitment to winning over customers and expanding its reach around the world.

But the stakes are high for Apple in India. The country has a complex regulatory environment, and Apple has faced challenges in meeting local sourcing requirements and navigating local tax laws. Additionally, Apple’s products are often seen as premium products in India, where the majority of the population lives on a relatively modest income. Apple will need to find ways to make its products more accessible to this demographic if it hopes to succeed in the long run.

Still, the opening of these new stores is a major milestone for Apple and a sign of the company’s growing ambitions in India and other emerging markets. As Tim Cook said, “We believe in India, and we’re here for the long haul.” We’ll be watching closely to see how Apple’s presence in India evolves in the coming months and years.