Apple is focusing on its retail stores in India to drive revenue growth. The company aims to generate more sales from its 200 franchisee-owned exclusive retail stores in the country. It has introduced a student offer in its company-owned stores, providing discounts and freebies on Mac computers and iPad tablets. This offer is steeper than what is available in the franchise-based Apple Premium Reseller stores. The move indicates that Apple is seeking double-digit revenue growth in India. Despite the decline in the overall smartphone market, Counterpoint Research predicts that Apple will sell around 9 million iPhones in India this year. The premium smartphone market, where Apple operates, is growing, while the slowdown in sales is largely in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment. The premium segment now makes up 16% of the overall market by volume and 50% of the market by value. Apple wants to go aggressive in the run-up to the festive season, with its stores, online sites, and exclusive outlets playing a critical role. In a recent meeting with the Apple team, premium resellers were advised to increase the area of their stores and focus on improving customer experience. Apple plans to open more company-owned stores and franchise stores are looking at ways to provide similar services. The SelectCity Walk store in Delhi has become the go-to place for Apple product buyers due to the superior customer experience it offers. Apple remains the largest brand in the premium smartphone segment, followed by Samsung.