Is Apple really coming to Pakistan? Here’s the truth

The recent excitement about “Pakistan’s first-ever official Apple retail store” has turned out to be a misunderstanding. The news came from Air Link Communication Limited, a local smartphone assembler, which announced plans to open a retail outlet selling Apple products at Dolmen Mall, Lahore, by the end of this year.

However, industry experts have now clarified that this new store is not an official Apple Store. It’s actually an authorized reseller outlet, meaning Air Link will sell genuine Apple products — but the store won’t be owned or directly managed by Apple Inc.

What Actually Happened

The rumor started on October 24, 2025, during Air Link’s corporate briefing with Topline Securities. Many media outlets and social media pages quickly celebrated it as Apple’s official entry into Pakistan. But in reality, Air Link has only expanded its reseller operations under GNEXT Technologies, Apple’s official distributor in the country.

Apple itself has made no announcement about opening a direct retail store in Pakistan. The company’s website and official store listings show no mention of Pakistan, focusing instead on countries like the US, China, India, and UAE.

What’s the Difference?

An Apple Store is fully owned and run by Apple. It includes Apple’s own staff, the Genius Bar, and company-controlled pricing and service.
On the other hand, an authorized reseller like Air Link operates independently but follows Apple’s brand standards.

Tech Community Reacts

Many tech enthusiasts were quick to correct the story online. On Reddit’s r/PakistaniTech, users pointed out that the store will be run by Air Link, not Apple itself. One comment said:

“Airlink is the official iPhone retailer for Pakistan, the shop opening will be an Airlink shop not an Apple one.”

Another user wrote:

“Apple is not officially coming to Pakistan but Airlink can get only Premium Reseller concept. If Apple wanted to open a store, it would be news worldwide!”

What This Means for Consumers

Even though it’s not a real Apple Store, this Air Link outlet could still be good news. It may offer genuine Apple products, official warranties, and better after-sales service than grey market sellers. But prices will likely remain high due to taxes and Apple’s pricing policies.

For now, the dream of a true Apple Retail Store in Pakistan remains just that — a dream. Until Apple confirms it directly, consumers should buy from verified sellers and avoid believing viral rumors.

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