Apple has got its eyes on the Indian market for sometime now, and the South Asian country is set to become the world's second largest market for smartphones in 2017. While it currently sells its products through distributors, Apple is reportedly keen to set up its stores in India.

Apple's foray into China has been impressive, and the multinational tech company is looking to replicate the same kind of success in India. Although the high price tag of Apple's products could make them unaffordable for a majority of Indians, the company is said to be planning to start producing iPhones in India.

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According to One Plus, Bengaluru has been chosen as the place for the first store in India and contract manufacturers have started their work. Gurgaon, along with many other cities, would see Apple's stores in the upcoming months. Brand-owned Apple stores will also be started in the city of Hyderabad.

Furthermore, Apple has reportedly made requests to the government of India to relax its taxes and labeling rules. These requests are yet to be approved, but they have been conveyed to higher official authorities in the appropriate department of the ministry of technology.

According to a source, one of these official noted that India already has many smartphone manufacturing companies operating in it and so it will be after much deliberation that Apple will be allowed to produce their iPhones in India. However, the tech giant is seeking incentives, and they are being checked by the ministry of finance, according to Gadgets 360.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has announced its willingness to grant permission to Apple to set up its stores in India, provided that the company makes huge investments and creates employment opportunities.