Apple is planning to open four new retail stores in India and has begun manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro models domestically, the company said as it deepens its presence in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.

The U.S. tech giant plans to launch stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai, building on its first two Indian outlets opened in Mumbai and New Delhi last year.

“We are thrilled to build our teams as we plan to open more stores in India, because we are inspired by the creativity and passion of our customers across this country,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail, in a statement. “We can’t wait for them to have even more opportunities to discover and shop for our amazing products and services, and connect with our extraordinary, knowledgeable team members.”

She did not provide specific timelines for the new store openings.

Apple also confirmed that it has started producing its entire iPhone 16 lineup, including Pro models, in India. For more, read the full report by TechCrunch.

In News on India's iPhone Production

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told CNBC during a one-on-one interview in New York on Tuesday that 14% of the world’s iPhones are now manufactured in India, with that number “expected to grow.” Apple increased assembly in the country in the last two years while boosting its retail presence to attract new iPhone buyers. And according to Goyal, Indian customers are increasingly opting for the more expensive iPhones.

Apple has also begun manufacturing other products, including iPads, AirPods and Apple Watches in the country. “They’re increasing production,” Goyal added.

Apple’s expansion efforts in India have brought 150,000 jobs across manufacturing facilities in India, making it the biggest employer in the country’s electronics industry, according to India’s Commerce department. An Apple spokesperson was not immediately available to comment.