Apple logo at BKC store in Mumbai.
Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit
In September 2020, Apple officially launched the online store in India and later introduced the Apple Store mobile app, which complements two physical stores in Bandra Kurla Complex (in Mumbai) and Saket (in Delhi).
To further enhance the user experience on its online store, Apple on Wednesday (July 30) launched the 'Shop with a Specialist over Video' service in India.
It connects customers with an Apple Store team member through a secure, one-way video call. They can browse the latest Apple products, including the iPhone 16 lineup, iPad Air M3, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air and Pro models.
The specialists can assist the customers in discovering new features of the devices and learn about Apple’s trade-in programme, financing options, and more — all from the comfort of a home.
As part of Apple's user privacy policy, the customer will only be in audio and customer support person can be viewed in a one-way video call.
India is a vibrant and dynamic market, and we’re thrilled to deepen our connection with customers here through 'Shop with a Specialist over Video'. Whether someone lives in a metro city or a smaller town, we’re committed to making it easier than ever for them to access the incredible products, services, and support Apple is known for. Our team members are excited to connect with even more customers in India and provide them exceptional service as they learn what Apple products suit their needsKaren Rasmussen, Apple's head of Retail Online
Initially, the service will be offered in English, and will support customers on iOS and non-iOS devices.
The 'Shop with a Specialist over Video' service will be available to customers in India from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm IST, from Monday to Friday.
The new service is sure to improve the virtual shopping experience on Apple's online store and, in a way, boost the revenue for Apple.
It should be noted that India is the second country after the US to get the 'Shop with Specialist over Video' service on Apple's online store.
For the last five years, the Cupertino-based company has been actively investing in India, which is the world's fastest and second biggest smartphone market.
Apple has signed multiple supply partners, including Pegatron, Tata Electronics and more to assemble iPhones and accessories in multiple plants spread across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In 2024, the iPhone production in India exceeded the $17.5 billion (appx. Rs 1 Lakh crore) mark in terms of value, 46 per cent more than the previous year.
Apple's online and physical stores are clocking big revenues with a strong double-digit growth. In the fiscal year 2024, Apple India's revenue rose 36 per cent to Rs 67,122 crore.
Later this year, Apple has plans to open four more physical stores in India, including in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai.
Apple has also facilitated a whopping $5.31 billion (around Rs 44,447 crore) in billings and sales in 2024.
Last year, App Store developers generated around $4.65 billion (roughly Rs 38,906 crore) in total billings and sales from the sale of physical goods and services.
Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech.