Google to open retail stores in India to take on Apple, claims report; tech giant says ‘no comments’

Tech giant Google is finalising locations for its first-ever physical retail stores outside the United States, with India emerging as the launchpad for its ambitious expansion outside the confines of the U.S.

According to a report from Reuters, the tech giant is in advanced discussions to open stores in or around New Delhi and Mumbai, positioning itself to directly compete with Apple in the premium smartphone and gadget segment.

The tech giant, however, refused to either confirm or deny the report. Talking to Fortune India, Google said it had no comments to give on this matter.

India is a key growth market for Google, where it has committed to investing $10 billion. However, unlike Apple, which has over 500 stores globally, Google currently operates just five retail outlets, all in the U.S.

In fact, only last year, Google began assembling its Pixel line of smartphones in India, long after Apple had already done so.

The company aims to replicate Apple’s retail strategy, which has helped the iPhone maker generate billions of dollars by offering an immersive experience for its products, the report claimed.

While Bengaluru was also considered, it looks like New Delhi and Mumbai are the frontrunners for Google's first stores in India.

The planned outlets are expected to span around 15,000 square feet and could take at least six months to open, though the timeline is subject to change.

Google will also consider expanding its retail footprint further, if the initial stores are a success.

Currently, Google's products in India include its flagship smartphone, Pixel, along with a slew of smartwatches, and earbuds, all sold through authorised retailers.

Apple too followed a similar approach until it launched its first company-run stores in Mumbai and New Delhi in 2023, a move personally overseen by CEO Tim Cook.

Pixel phones in India range from approximately $370 to $2,000, while Apple’s iPhones cost between $520 and $2,130. Despite Google’s efforts, Apple dominates India's premium smartphone market (devices priced above $520), holding a 55% share in 2024, compared to Pixel’s modest 2%, Reuters said.

The expansion into physical retail stores comes amid broader challenges for Google in India. The company is facing multiple regulatory and legal hurdles, including antitrust cases related to its in-app billing system and alleged abuse of its market position in the smart TV segment.

Additionally, Google recently saw a top-level exit, with its India head of public policy stepping down—the second high-profile departure from the role in two years.

One potential store location being considered is Gurugram, a satellite city near New Delhi, home to major corporate offices, including Uber and Meta, as well as global retail brands like Uniqlo.