Google has started direct online sales of its hardware products in India, including Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds. Users can purchase these devices through the official Google Store website.

Previously, Google sold its devices in India through authorized retailers and Flipkart, a Walmart-backed e-commerce platform.

This change comes ahead of Google’s planned launch of its first physical retail stores in India, which would be its first outside the United States. According to Reuters, Google is still finalizing store locations in the country.

This development reflects Apple’s retail strategy, which includes direct sales and physical stores. Apple operates retail outlets in Mumbai and New Delhi, with plans to expand further.

🔗 Source: Reuters

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Premium smartphone battleground intensifies in India’s growing market

Google’s move comes at a time when India’s premium smartphone segment (>INR 30,000) is showing robust growth despite overall market fluctuations.

Apple currently dominates this premium space with approximately 55% market share compared to Pixel’s modest 2% 1.

This timing is strategic as Apple has recently achieved record shipments in India, with IDC reporting 12 million units shipped in 2024 (a 35% year-on-year increase) and Apple entering India’s top five smartphone brands for the first time 2.

The average selling price of smartphones in India reached a record $259 in 2024, indicating consumers’ increasing willingness to invest in higher-end devices 2.

Google faces a significant challenge in gaining market share, as multiple research firms confirm Apple’s strengthening position, with Counterpoint reporting 29% year-on-year growth for Apple in Q1 2025 alone 3.

2️⃣ Multi-channel retail strategy becomes critical for tech giants in India

Google’s dual approach of launching direct online sales while planning physical stores mirrors a proven strategy that helped Apple build its presence in the Indian market.

The offline retail channel remains crucial in India, accounting for 51% of total smartphone shipments in 2024 according to IDC data, highlighting why both Google and Apple are investing in physical retail presence 2.

India’s retail landscape continues to be dominated by traditional stores, with research showing that ‘mom & pop’ shops account for 89% of merchandise spending, making a multi-channel approach essential for success 4.