New Delhi: As Apple CEO Tim Cook prepares to step down in September, he leaves behind not only a company valued at $4 trillion but also a significantly strengthened presence in India. His successor, John Ternus, is expected to carry forward this momentum as the company deepens its engagement with the country.

Industry experts believe Apple’s strategic push in India will continue to accelerate under Ternus, with the country becoming increasingly important both as a manufacturing base and a fast-growing consumer market.

India’s expanding role in Apple’s growth

Under Cook’s leadership, India has evolved into one of Apple’s most important global markets. This growth spans multiple areas, including local production, expansion of retail operations and the development of a large and growing user base.

Experts say India now plays a dual role for Apple. It serves as a major production hub while also acting as a high-growth market that will shape the company’s future global expansion.

Cook’s role in building Apple’s India presence

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, said Cook was instrumental in unlocking the potential of the Indian market and placing it at the core of Apple’s long-term plans.

According to Pathak, Cook not only strengthened Apple’s manufacturing footprint and retail presence in India but also fostered stronger connections with developers and consumers, helping the company build deeper engagement in the country.

He added that Ternus will need to build on this groundwork, especially given India’s long-term growth prospects. Pathak noted that Ternus’s engineering-focused background and leadership style could appeal strongly to India’s young and ambitious user base.

India’s role in supply chain diversification

Prabhu Ram, Vice President at CyberMedia Research (CMR), said India has become central to Apple’s strategy to diversify its global supply chain.

He pointed out that nearly a quarter of Apple’s global iPhone production now takes place in India. This positions the country as a key driver of Apple’s future growth, similar to the role China played in earlier years.

Ram also observed that Cook’s tenure was defined by strong execution and adaptability, particularly in managing geopolitical challenges. This included efforts to reduce reliance on China by expanding manufacturing operations in countries such as India and Vietnam.

Cook reflects on his tenure

Announcing his decision to step down, Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, described the role as deeply meaningful. “It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple,” he said.

During his time as chief executive, Apple’s market capitalisation rose dramatically to around $4 trillion, up from approximately $350 billion. The company’s annual revenue also saw significant growth, increasing nearly fourfold to more than $416 billion.

Earlier denial of exit rumours

Despite the upcoming transition, Cook had previously dismissed speculation about stepping down. In March, he described such reports as “a rumour” and reiterated his intention to continue leading the company at the time.

Agency inputs