Apple is constantly opening new Apple Stores but since these are not enough, the company is also partnering with other retailers to bring their products to new markets. The latest such partnership will strengthen Apple's position in India.

The Cupertino Company has struck an exclusive deal with Reliance Retail, to bring what will be known as 'iStores' to India. The deal was sealed on Monday and is Reliance Retail's first exclusive alliance with an international brand. The first of the iStores will be opened by the end of October, in Bangalore, with ten more on the way before the end of the calendar year.
Unlike other previous 'store within a store' partnerships Apple has had, the iStores will be standalone stores selling all Apple products from iPods and Macs to the iPhone when it is finally released in India. The first of the iStores will be opened just before Diwali and will cover 2,000 sq ft.
Besides selling Apple products, Apple Stores also have a theatre for presentations and workshops, a studio for training with Apple products and a Genius Bar for technical support and repairs and also offer free workshops to the public, but it is unlikely that the iStores will have any of these for the time being.

Although the deal will certainly be a boon for both companies, some are already wondering if there is more to this than just the retail sale of Apple's products. While Apple has not announced any plans for the iPhone in India, there can be little doubt that the iPhone will eventually be available everywhere. News of the iStores have people wondering if the partnership with Reliance might go deeper, as Apple could also be considering them as an iPhone carrier.
Should this partnership work out, Reliance would definitely have an advantage over other carrier by already having a good working relationship with Apple and the perfect locations to sell the iPhone.

If indeed there is more to this partnership than just retail stores, it is only a matter of time before we find out, though the wait will be a long one.