Apple's India sales hit record $9 billion after big retail push

Apple Inc's annual sales in India hit a record of nearly $9 billion in the past fiscal year, signalling growing consumer demand for its flagship devices as the company ramps up its retail footprint in the world's most populous country.

- SANKALP PHARTIYAL

Revenue rose about 13% in the 12 months through March from $8 billion a year earlier, according to a person familiar with the matter, who declined to be named as the information is private. Apple’s marquee iPhones accounted for a majority of the sales, and demand for MacBook computers also surged.

The outsized jump — which hasn't been previously reported — is a boost for the Cupertino, California-based company at a time it’s grappling with plateauing mobile device sales around the world. While India represents still a fraction of its overall business, the company is investing in a country it expects to become a key market in coming years.