Apple BKC: India's First Apple Store Revealed

Apple has revealed its first wholly-owned and branded store for India called "Apple Store." The store, called Apple BKC, is located in Mumbai's Jio World Drive mall in the Bandra Kurla Complex. It is a sprawling store with its design inspired by Mumbai's famed black and yellow taxis. Customers will be greeted with the classic Apple greeting of "Hello Mumbai."

Currently, Apple has only released an image of the store from the outside and dedicated wallpapers for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Apple has also created a Mumbai-inspired playlist on Apple Music, featuring hit numbers from Vishal Dadlani, Oaff, Divine, and even left-field musicians like Sandunes. The store is expected to open in April, but the final date is unknown. Apple has been trying to open its iconic Apple Stores in India since 2020, and the next Apple store will be opened in Delhi. 

Apple had lobbied hard with the Indian government to change the local components sourcing rules for a wholly owned brand store ever since the Modi government came to power. In 2020, Apple also launched its own online store in India. 

Previously, Apple operated via resellers who owned franchise stores like Imagine and iWorld. However, users could not get the famed Apple customer support or avail of Apple Care. The Apple Store will have the famed Apple Geniuses with Genius counters.