The Indian market potential is five years away for Apple. Establish a beachhead, for sure, but don't expect too much in the next couple of years from India. Very PC-centric, and 3G is not even really rolled out, so wireless data has a long ways to go. Wifi penetration is low too.

China is where Apple is going gangbusters in the next five.

Apple's official presence doesn't really matter that much here in India as the re-sellers are doing an excellent job. I haven't heard from anyone ever that they could not buy an Apple product because there was no official store around. iPods, iPads etc are available at so many outlets that I am not really sure if official stores are even needed. As far as genius bars etc are concerned, re-sellers are doing that too. I myself have used it a couple of times.

The one thing which Apple could do though is to lower the price of iPhone in India. It currently sells for about US$825 (unlocked).

I don't think that Apple should concentrate too much on India. The average salary there is extremely low. Isn't Android doing ok in India, because the devices are dirt cheap? There might be a shitload of people in India, but only a few of them will be able to buy Apple's devices.

India is where they also made and released a $35 Android tablet. I'm sure that's a technological marvel and a real pleasure to use.

It will be a great move from apple, and a better still for the Indian consumers. This will trigger of a chain reaction where in other companies will try to get their retail outlets of their own. Which in turn will reduce the middle men and greater benefits for the consumer. I do agree to one of the messages posted that India is more of a Windows PC markets but the post PC devices like iPad and iPhone have really caught on as consumers are very much aware of the Apple brand and their products especially the iPad and iPhone. Affordability of the indian consumers have increased manifold and I am surprised about the ignorant comments that Indian cannot afford them, yeah we do look for a good deal but most of them do look for a good product too. I dont think Apple will be even considering opening the store if they dont think they have a market out here.

If it happens more power to the Indian consumers. Personally I will be thrilled.

Well a few points about indian Telecom Regulations -

1. Locking for contracts is not allowed by Indian Telecom Regulators. So, the iPhone cannot be sold subsidized.

2. Apple products always cost about 20-25% higher in india than rest of the world. iPhone is the costliest phone in india. It is not true for other cellphone manufaturers like samsung or nokia. Apple seem to love pricing themselves out here.

3. Most people who can afford apple products know people who are living in US and/or visiting there, so a whole lot of them just get it from the US for the lower price even though they can already get it in most cities in india. The price differential is worth it. (I know, me and a bunch of my colleagues here all have apple products and none of them are bought in india).

Availability was never the problem, price was. All this will do is probably provide a good looking landmark in mumbai / new delhi, which will increase the visibility of apple in india.

Currently, apple products have more snob value here than usability value, due to their price.