When Tim Cook took the helm as Apple’s CEO, India wasn’t exactly the first market people associated with the tech giant’s success story. Fast forward a few years, and it has become clear that Cook made a strategic bet that India would play a crucial role in Apple’s future. Under his leadership, Apple didn’t just dip its toes but put down deep roots in the rapidly growing Indian market, a move that has set the stage for its next decade of growth.

Back in 2016, Apple’s presence in India was relatively modest—no official Apple retail stores, fragmented sales channels, and limited local manufacturing. Many viewed the Indian market skeptically, often seen as a tough nut to crack for premium global brands because of pricing sensitivities and regulatory challenges. But Tim Cook was bullish and clear about Apple’s India strategy. Rather than chasing the low-cost segment head-on with cheaper iPhones, he focused on building strong infrastructure, investing in local manufacturing, and enhancing the ecosystem for developers and premium customers alike.

One of the significant hurdles Apple faced was India’s local sourcing requirements, which mandated a substantial percentage of products sold through single-brand stores to be locally manufactured. This policy pushed Apple to ramp up its assembly facilities in India. Today, a majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. are manufactured in India, underscoring how integral the country has become to Apple’s global supply chain.

But it wasn’t just about manufacturing. Apple also took painstaking steps to create an exclusive retail presence. The first Apple retail store in Mumbai is part of a broader retail push to showcase Apple’s brand and provide an enriched customer experience. This move aligns with Cook’s vision of not just selling devices but building a loyal customer base that values the entire Apple ecosystem.

Under Cook’s leadership, Apple also bet heavily on the Indian app developer community. Recognizing India’s burgeoning tech-savvy youth and growing smartphone penetration, Apple invested in training and support for local app developers, helping nurture a thriving marketplace for apps that complement Apple’s hardware.

Why is this significant? India represents one of the fastest-growing smartphone markets globally, and the country is poised for a digital revolution with record internet adoption and increasing disposable incomes. Cook’s foresight in planting deep roots early means Apple is well-positioned to not only increase its market share but also to influence and shape the future of digital consumption in the country.

As Tim Cook steps down, his legacy in India stands as a testament to his visionary leadership. He transformed what used to be a symbolic presence into a powerhouse market that now feeds directly into Apple’s global ambitions. Investors and tech watchers alike are keeping a close eye on how Apple will build on this foundation in India, hopeful that the company will continue to flourish in this promising landscape.

In summary, Tim Cook’s journey with India shows the importance of patience, strategic investment, and belief in long-term opportunities. Apple was not just bullish on India; under Cook’s guidance, it became a fundamental part of Apple’s global story—one that is likely to echo for many years to come.