Tech giant Apple is banking on the increasing popularity of iPhone in Vietnam.

Reports say many Vietnamese are willing to spend more than their two months average salary to purchase an iPhone or an iPad. In answer to this growing demand among brand-savvy Vietnamese, Apple plans to rollout retail outlets in major cities in the country.

Unconfirmed reports also say the iPhone maker is collaborating with FPT Corp, information and communication technology company, to expand presence in Vietnam. FPT already operates stores specialising in Apple products.

According to Lam Nguyen, country director at International Data Corporation, Apple is expected to take a big share of Vietnam’s smartphone market, forecast to record 56 per cent sales growth to 12 million units by the end of the year. Nguyen says, while there are a lot of cheaper smartphone available, a high number of Vietnamese opt for iPhone as it gives them status.

Apple also plans to ramp up presence in other Southeast Asian countries.