Apple announced that it will launch an online Apple Store in India on September 23, letting Indian customers buy the company’s products directly and receive product guidance in both Hindi and English for the first time. Previously, Apple sales in India were entirely held through third-party partners like Apple Premium Retailers. It is reported that Apple planned to launch an online store in India sooner, but had to change its plans due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“We’re proud to be expanding in India and want to do all we can to support our customers and their communities,” said Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and People Deirdre O’Brien in a statement. “We know our users are relying on technology to stay connected, engage in learning, and tap into their creativity, and by bringing the Apple Store online to India, we are offering our customers the very best of Apple at this important time.”

In a blog post on the company’s website, Apple states that “customers in India will be able to shop Apple’s full range of products, and get expert advice and support from Apple Specialists.” The products will, of course, include the latest ones that Apple presented last week: a new iPad Air, an eight-generation iPad, Apple Watch Series 6, and Apple Watch SE. Besides, on September 15, Apple introduced the final versions of its new operating systems: iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, and watchOS 7.

India is quite an important market for Apple right now as the company has started manufacturing some of its devices in the country and has made significant investments in India in recent years.

Physical Apple Stores in India are expected to arrive in 2021. Also, Apple has recently welcomed the first floating apple store at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

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