India offers billion dollar opportunity for Apple

India is a hub of nearly all the big players of tech industry. But Apple still has to gain ground over here. While iPad is creating ripples all over the world, India is gradually warming up to tablets.

Analysts are estimating that India can be one of the biggest emerging market opportunities for the iconic iPad and iPhone maker in near future. Analysts believe that India is a $9.4 billion opportunity for Apple in four years.

Budding markets, including India, could add up to 63 per cent of Apple’s mounting sales between now and 2015, representing as much as $70 billion in additional revenue.Over $9 billion revenue milestone in India signals Apple selling 98 lakh iPhones, 57 lakh iPads, a little over 3 lakh Mac desktop computers and nearly 5 lakh Mac laptops, according to a source.

Apple will also benefit from its relationship with telecom carriers in India. It currently share relationship with Bharti Airtel having 156 million subscribers and Vodafone with about 130 million subscribers. Interestingly, these carriers together can offer Apple access to nearly 300 million mobile phone subscribers, who could be potential owners of Apple products.

However, some analysts are arguing that the estimation is grossly excessive.

Apple targets a niche audience and has not yet been successful with its tablet PC, iPad.

Now, Apple is going more aggressive in its approach and is planning to launch cheaper products aimed purposely at emerging markets. Let’s hope, unlike in past, Apple doesn’t ignore India in its future big launches.

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