Last year Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) made a request to the Indian government to be allowed to sell refurbished iPhones in the country. However, the request was met with stiff rejection by the commerce and industry Minister. The minister claimed that the government was not supporting any company that was selling used phones. Many other Indian government officials have also expressed their concern. Their arguing is that used devices may undermine the “Make in India” program.
However, despite all the rejection, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. An anonymous source states that the tech giant has made a second request on refurbished. The request may have been triggered by the fact that the Cupertino Company has obtained a deal to manufacture iPhones in India. Speculations indicate that Apple has vowed to have its used devices comply with quality standards. The local manufacturing plant, which is expected to open at the end of April, will come in handy in taking care of these standards.
India and Apple have been seeking to have a closer relationship for months
For the longest time possible, the tech giant has been seeking to establish a closer relationship with the India. It has been a tall order. However, from last weeks’ talk, Apple may have won favor with the country. The country’s regional minister has stated that the iPhone maker will begin production on iPhones in Bangalore in two months time. Nonetheless, Apple is yet to confirm these statements and its interest in having a share of the Indian market.
The new initiative if successful would be a fortunate for Apple
The present ay market of technology is very competitive. Hence every tech firm is on toes to sustain its products in the market. This explains why Apple did not relent even after the rejection of the first request. The success of being able to sell used iPhones in India will be a new beginning for Apple. The company will become the first technology company to have its handsets in India.
However, the talks are still in progress before a final decision can be reached. In the meantime, Apple’s stock closed at $130.29 witnessing an increase of $1.21 or 0.94%.