Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook has announced that the company will be opening its first store in India by next year. A company spokesperson confirmed the news, which was reported earlier by Reuters.

Retail major Brightstar India on Wednesday said iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus would be available for pre-orders starting September 17 at its authorised stores in north and east India.

With Apple iPhone being the most desired smartphone in Indian niche market, it is expected that the latest model - iPhone 8 - may touch INR 1 lakh mark in the market. Due for the launch in September this year, the official price of Apple iPhone 8 is yet to be revealed by the company.