Bengaluru: Apple is set to expand its retail footprint in India with the launch of its third official store, Apple Hebbal, at Phoenix Mall of Asia on Bellary Road, Bengaluru. The store will open its doors to customers on September 2, 2025, just days ahead of the global unveiling of the much-anticipated iPhone 17 series.

The new outlet will join Apple’s two flagship stores—Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in New Delhi—marking a stronger push by the company to capture India’s rapidly growing premium smartphone market.

Location and design

On Thursday, Apple unveiled the barricade covering the under-construction store. The artwork, inspired by peacock feathers, pays homage to India’s national bird and symbolises vibrancy and pride. The colourful design echoes Apple’s tradition of creating store-specific motifs that connect with local culture while highlighting its brand aesthetics.

Significance of the launch

Industry watchers say the timing of the launch is strategic. Bengaluru, often called India’s “Silicon Valley,” has one of the largest concentrations of Apple’s customer base, including IT professionals, developers, and startup founders. With the iPhone 17 launch around the corner, Apple is looking to leverage the buzz by opening its third store in a city that has been at the heart of India’s tech growth.

The move also reflects Apple’s growing commitment to India, which has emerged as a key market both for consumption and manufacturing. In recent years, the company has significantly increased its local assembly of iPhones through partners like Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron, helping it reduce dependency on China and qualify for the government’s production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

Expanding presence in India

Apple opened its first two Indian stores—Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in New Delhi—in April 2023, events that drew large crowds and were personally attended by CEO Tim Cook. The Bengaluru store is expected to follow a similar model, offering not just retail sales but also technical support via the Genius Bar, free creative sessions under Today at Apple, and curated experiences for customers exploring devices across Apple’s ecosystem.

Analysts note that the expansion of Apple’s retail presence will complement its growing online store, which launched in India in 2020. With premium smartphone sales rising in double digits and Apple leading the ultra-premium segment, physical stores are seen as a way to deepen brand engagement and attract first-time buyers.

What’s next

The launch of Apple Hebbal is expected to draw large crowds, as Bengaluru is home to one of Apple’s largest engineering and development centres outside the United States. The company may also unveil special offers and interactive sessions during the opening week to mark the occasion.