Hyderabad gets Apple maps development centre

​Hyderabad: Global technology giant Apple Inc on Thursday opened its new facility in Hyderabad that will focus on development of maps for its flagship products, including iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch.

Tim Cook inaugurates $25-mn facility which will generate 4,000 jobs

This investment, reportedly $25 million (or nearly Rs 168 crore), in the new facility will accelerate maps development and create up to 4,000 jobs.

“Apple is focused on making the best products and services in the world and we are thrilled to open this new office in Hyderabad which will focus on maps development,” said Tim Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc.

“The talent here in the local area is incredible and we are looking forward to expanding our relationships and introducing more universities and partners to our platforms as we scale our operations,” he added.

“I travelled to India this week knowing about the culture, knowing about the people and I learnt a lot about all of those. And, I still have a lot to learn.

But most of all, I believe India is inspiring and I am deeply inspired by the vibrancy of the people, the energy, the enthusiasm, and the incredible talent,” Cook said.

Housed in global real estate player Tishman Speyer's WaveRock facility at Nanakramguda on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the 250,000-sft facility, taken reportedly on a 10-year lease, is Apple's first India centre, and the largest outside the United States.

Apple has been continually updating and adding new features to maps, including 3D views, the Flyover feature and tools to help customers find convenient places to shop, eat and explore nearby areas.

With iOS 9 Apple added Transit, offering a combination of trains, subways, buses and walking, which is already available for more than 300 cities around the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao said, “We are honoured Apple chose Hyderabad as a home for its maps development office.

This will create thousands of jobs here and is a testament to our proactive approach, quality infrastructure and the excellent talent base we have in the region.”

Apple revolutionised personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV.

Telangana IT and industries Minister K T Rama Rao told Cook that his Government would extend all possible support, including land, and invited Apple Inc to set up its own campus in Hyderabad, which has already become the second home to tech majors including Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Amazon.

“Consider Telangana whenever Apple plans to establish its manufacturing facility in India,” Rao said, requesting Cook to treat the Telangana Government as their partner in developing an innovation-led startup ecosystem.

Apple Inc currently employs 100,000 globally. Across India, it supports over 640,000 iOS app developer jobs and other positions related to the iOS ecosystem.

Apple’s four software platforms – iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS – provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud.