Reliance Retail will close 16 of its 20 exclusive Apple iStores in India.

The stores will close because they do not comply with Apple’s global store design format.

“Of the 16 stores, 12 of them did qualify as per the new Apple norms. But the group decided to convert them into Digital Xpress (outlets) since the locations are prime. These stores will also sell Apple products along with all other leading electronic brands,” said a senior executive who runs a chain of Apple stores.

“Moreover, since Apple is now focusing on iPhones and iPads more than Mac computers, which requires specialised selling skills, consumers would buy these products more from multibrand mobile phone stores with Apple expanding its distribution reach,” said another executive.

Apple is unhappy about its standing in India as its share of the smartphone market lags way behind Korean rival Samsung.

Reliance wasn’t keen about complying with Apple’s standards because it was not getting the desired returns.

However, Reliance and Apple will remain partners, the executives said.