Apple is pushing to open its own retail stores and sell products online. Currently, iPhones are only available through a network of Indian-owned distribution companies and retailers as well as eCommerce retailers.
Apple is trying to become a bigger competitor by appealing to the aspirational middle class and has mounted ad campaigns to stress why its products are within reach and worth the money. Recent price cuts and distributing phones outside India?s biggest cities to previously untapped pockets of people who can afford them.
Apple has worked with banks so customers can get interest-free loans on its phones, spreading the payments out so more people can afford the devices. Apple has started using more distributors with strong networks of retailers in all parts of the country.
Our recent checks in Asia with supply chain companies suggest that production plans for the iPhone 5S model remain unchanged, albeit prepping up for a price cut to potentially as low as US$300 (from US$450 currently).
