Apple consumers in India often complain about how the company is solely invested in markets like the US, parts of Europe, China and Japan among others. When most mobile majors had a strong India focus, Apple went the other way. But, it’s safe to say that’s not the case anymore.
In an earnings call earlier this month, the company reported meager iPhone growth and forecast its first revenue drop in 13 years. But India stood out as a bright spot for Apple with 76 percent growth in smartphone sales from the year-ago quarter.
The company has sought permission from the government to open single brand retail stores and enter the e-commerce business in India. But that’s just a start. Here’s what Apple can and should be doing to get a headway in India in the foreseeable future.
Treat the Indian Market With Respect
Apple has always been an aspirational brand for Indian buyers. Be it the iPhone, iPad or the MacBook, Apple products find many takers despite the hefty price tag.
The Apple Watch starts from Rs 34,990 in the country and was launched in India only after Apple’s top markets like the US, UK, Australia, even Japan. But guess what Apple, India has much more to offer you now, as is evident from your sales numbers here, and it’s time you treat us with respect.
Make iPhone, iPad and MacBooks Cheaper
The new iPhone 6S was priced starting Rs 62,500 (has been revised recently), up all the way to Rs 92,000 for the 128GB model of iPhone 6S Plus. Same goes for the 11.6-inch MacBook which starts from Rs 59,000 for standard hardware comprising of 4GB RAM and a mere 128GB onboard storage.
For that price, you can easily buy a top-end Windows notebook, as most consumers in India do. Now that Apple is finally turning towards India, it’s time we got Apple products at prices that are favourable to buyers here. It won’t be easy but with some leniency from the Indian government with respect to its taxation laws, the change is very much possible.
Smaller, Affordable iPhone is Doable
When we first heard about the iPhone 5SE rumours, we weren’t sure if Apple would commit another iPhone 5C-like mistake and suffer more losses. However, come to think of it, this is the perfect time for Apple to look beyond its philosophy to endear itself to more buyers in India with the iPhone 5SE.
Apple is believed to be working on a new 4-inch iPhone that is expected to have some specifications similar to the iPhone 6. If and when Apple manages to officially roll out this device, we’re hopeful that the company will have India on top of its mind and price the rumoured iPhone 5SE at an un-Apple like range.
Get More Apple Shops to Sell in India
The FDI regulations in India do not permit foreign brands to fully own their ventures in India, which has severely dented Apple’s visibility in stores. It’s hard to dislike what Apple’s design ethics when you walk into Apple Stores in US, South Korea or anywhere in Europe.
India has been deprived of the so-called Apple Genius guys who preach Apple and its products. Wouldn’t it be nice to finally have Genius Bars in India and have them serve up customers who shell out big money for Apple products?
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