Apple to expand Indian development center, announce accelerator program for startups

Coinciding with Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook's first-ever visit to India, the iPhone maker will reportedly make a pair of key announcements for the emerging market, related to software development and local start-up companies.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with Apple's plans, Reuters reported on Tuesday that Apple will announce a startup accelerator in India. The goal is for Apple to work more closely with developers in India on apps for iOS and OS X, increasing the amount of localized content available in the country.

The report also said that Apple plans to expand its $25 million tech center located in Hyderabad, India. The 250,000-square-foot software development facility opened in the country earlier this year.

Cook's visit could also coincide with retail announcements, as recent reports have indicated the Indian government is prepared to waive regulatory hurdles that have previously blocked Apple from opening stores in the country. It's been suggested that Apple's first three Indian stores are on track to open by the end of 2017.

From an earlier encounter between Cook and Modi.

Cook is set to arrive in India on Tuesday, and will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this week. The trip marks Cook's first time in India as the head of Apple.

iPhone sales in the market surged 56 percent last quarter, but Apple has depended largely on older models to stay competitive. The company has also sought to import used iPhones into the market, but has run into some resistance from the local government in those efforts.

Foxconn, Apple's primary assembly partner, is said to be working on a plant in the town of Maharashtra that will reportedly be dedicated exclusively to Apple products. The $10 billion facility could address some of those issues Apple currently faces as it works to further penetrate the market.

In recent months, Cook has told investors that he sees huge growth potential in India, and emerging market with a population of nearly 1.3 billion people. Cook and Apple previously bet heavily on China, a move that fueled much of the company's growth over the last few years.