Beyond the iPhone: How Tim Cook made India the backbone of Apple's next decade of growth

In 2016, Tim Cook's inaugural visit to India marked the beginning of a significant journey for Apple, which had a minimal footprint in the country at the time. Fast forward to today, and Cook's impending departure as CEO has spotlighted India as a critical player in Apple's growth narrative, contributing significantly to global revenues and production. As Cook prepares to hand over the reins to John Ternus on September 1, he reflects on his tenure, describing it as 'the best job in the world.' Under his leadership, Apple's market valuation skyrocketed from approximately $350 billion in 2011 to nearly $4 trillion today. Revenue surged from $108 billion in FY2011 to over $416 billion projected for FY2025, with the services sector alone generating more than $100 billion annually. India's transformation under Cook is particularly remarkable. The CEO made a notable return in 2023 to launch Apple's first two retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in the company's local strategy. During earnings calls, Cook has consistently highlighted India's potential, revealing that the country set a December quarter revenue record driven by robust sales across multiple product lines, including iPhones, Macs, and iPads. Currently, Apple operates six retail outlets across India, with plans for further expansion. Manufacturing efforts have also gained momentum, with India now producing around 25% of Apple's global iPhone output. By 2025, the country is expected to assemble approximately 55 million units, marking a significant year-on-year increase. Experts in the field have noted that Cook's engagement with India extends beyond mere sales figures. Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint Research emphasized that Cook has successfully showcased India's potential through strategic initiatives ranging from manufacturing to retail growth. Prabhu Ram of CyberMedia Research highlighted Cook's operational excellence and agility during a transformative era for Apple, noting that India is poised to become a crucial long-term growth hub for the tech giant. As Apple ventures into an era of foldable technology and AI, Ram believes that India's burgeoning research and development ecosystem will play a vital role in shaping the company's future strategies. As Cook steps down, he leaves behind a legacy where India has emerged as a fundamental component of Apple's roadmap, with substantial opportunities still on the horizon.