In a significant move signaling the deepening of its local partnerships, Apple Inc. has officially handed over its iPhone repair operations in India to the Tata Group, further solidifying the conglomerate's role as Apple's key strategic partner in the subcontinent.

According to industry insiders and sources familiar with the development, Tata-owned Infiniti Retail, which operates Croma, will now oversee authorized iPhone repair services across India. This marks a pivotal shift in Apple’s service and support ecosystem within the country, as the tech giant scales up its manufacturing, retail, and after-sales capabilities in the region.

A New Phase of Collaboration

This new arrangement follows a series of growing engagements between the two companies, including Tata Electronics’ role in manufacturing iPhone casings and its reported takeover of a Wistron iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka. With the repair business now under Tata’s umbrella, Apple is expected to streamline its operations in India and strengthen customer service availability.

Apple has been focusing on creating a self-sustained, India-based supply and support chain. With this partnership, iPhone users across India will likely benefit from faster turnaround times, more authorized service locations, and improved post-sales support.

Why This Matters

India is Apple’s fastest-growing market, and it has become increasingly central to its global supply chain. Apple opened its first two flagship retail stores in Mumbai and Delhi last year, and is steadily ramping up local manufacturing to meet both domestic and international demand.

By transferring the repair services to Tata, Apple is also aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative, which encourages foreign firms to localize operations and enhance skill development in the technology and manufacturing sectors.

What Users Can Expect

• More Service Centers: Under Tata’s management, Croma and affiliated partners are expected to expand the number of Apple-authorized service centers.

• Faster Repairs: Localized logistics and operations will reduce wait times for iPhone repairs and battery replacements.

• Official Apple Standards: Tata Group is expected to maintain Apple’s strict quality control and customer service guidelines.

Looking Ahead

Analysts believe this partnership will have long-term benefits for both Apple and Tata. For Apple, this means a more efficient and locally adapted business model in India. For Tata, it signals the group's growing importance in global tech supply chains and its ability to execute premium consumer tech services at scale.

Apple and Tata have yet to issue an official statement confirming the details, but industry watchers view this as a milestone that highlights India’s increasing importance in Apple’s worldwide operations — not just as a market, but also as a strategic manufacturing and service base.