Apple to launch exclusive online stores in India?

After inking a contract to manufacture the iPhone SE in India from June, Apple has set its eyes on selling its phones exclusively through its own online stores in India, according to a report by The Economic Times. 

This would be possible for the brand without a go-ahead from the government as the current regulations allow companies that locally manufacture products to set up exclusive online stores. 

Apple has a target of starting local manufacturing from June. It has roped in Wistron, a Tiawanese manufacturer to make its iPhones in Bengaluru. It will first start manufacturing the iPhone SE, which means it will start selling the SE on its online stores first and will then widen the online product portfolio as and when it adds more models its manufacturing capacity in India. 

Currently, iPhones are sold through the e-commerce platforms in India, like Flipkart, Amazon. They are also sold through offline electronic stores in India, like Croma, others. 

According to the report, Apple will also sell its accessories online on its exclusive stores. They will also offer other services like engraving, embossing to personalise the iPhones.