Have you ever looked at your iPhone or MacBook and wondered, “Instead of just buying their products, why don’t I own a piece of the company?”
Apple Inc. (AAPL) isn’t just a tech giant; for many, it’s a cornerstone of a global investment portfolio. As of early 2026, Apple remains a dominant force, driven by its aggressive push into AI through “Apple Intelligence” and its rock-solid ecosystem. For Indian investors, the barriers to Wall Street have never been lower.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to buy Apple shares from India, covering the latest 2026 regulations, tax implications, and the best platforms to get started.
Why Should Indians Consider Apple (AAPL) in 2026?
Before jumping into the “how,” let’s look at the “why.” Apple has transitioned from a hardware-first company to a services and AI powerhouse.
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Global Diversification: Investing in the US market protects your wealth against Rupee (INR) depreciation. When the Dollar strengthens, your Apple investment gains value in INR terms, even if the stock price remains flat.
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AI Integration: Analysts expect 2026 to be a “monumental year” for Apple as it monetizes its AI roadmap across 2.4 billion active devices.
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Dividends and Buybacks: Apple is famous for its massive share buyback programs and consistent (though modest) dividends, providing a safety net for long-term holders.
How to Buy Apple Shares from India: 3 Main Methods
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Depending on your risk appetite and capital, you can choose one of these three paths.
1. Direct Investing via International Brokerage Apps
This is the most popular method. New-age platforms have made it possible to open a US brokerage account from your living room in India.
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Top Platforms: INDmoney, Vested, Fi Money, and HDFC Sky.
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The Process: You complete a digital KYC (using PAN and Aadhaar), fund your account in INR, and the platform converts it to USD to buy shares.
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Fractional Shares: You don’t need $250+ to buy one full share. Most platforms allow you to buy as little as $1 (approx. ₹85) worth of Apple stock.
2. Investing via Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
If you don’t want to put all your eggs in the Apple basket, you can buy US-based ETFs that have a high weighting of Apple stock.
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Example: The Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) or Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT).
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How to Buy: These are bought just like stocks through the international brokerage apps mentioned above.
3. Indian Mutual Funds with US Exposure
For those who prefer a more traditional route, several Indian Mutual Funds invest in US tech stocks.
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Feeder Funds: Funds like Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF or Franklin India US Opportunities Fund give you exposure to Apple without needing a US brokerage account.
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Note: Keep an eye on RBI’s industry-wide limits on foreign investments for mutual funds, which can occasionally restrict new lumpsum inflows.
Understanding the Rules: LRS and TCS in 2026
When you move money out of India to buy stocks, you fall under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
The LRS Limit
The RBI allows every Indian resident to send up to $250,000 USD abroad per financial year for investments. For most retail investors, this is more than enough.
TCS (Tax Collected at Source) – Updated for 2026
As per the latest budget guidelines applicable in 2026:
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Up to ₹10 Lakh: No TCS is collected on foreign remittances for investments.
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Above ₹10 Lakh: A 20% TCS is applicable on the amount exceeding ₹10 lakh.
Pro Tip: TCS is not an “extra” tax. It is an advance tax that you can claim as a refund or adjust against your total tax liability when you file your ITR.
Tax Implications for Indian Investors
When you earn from Apple shares, you are liable for taxes in both the US and India. However, the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) ensures you aren’t taxed twice on the same income.
| Income Type | US Tax Treatment | India Tax Treatment |
| Dividends | 25% Flat Withholding Tax | Taxed at your income tax slab (Credit for US tax can be claimed) |
| Capital Gains | 0% (For Non-Residents) |
LTCG: 12.5% (if held >24 months) STCG: Taxed at your income tax slab |
Step-by-Step: Buying Your First Apple Share
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Pick a Platform: Choose a reputable app like INDmoney or Vested. Ensure they are partnered with a SEC-regulated US broker (like DriveWealth or Alpaca).
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Complete KYC: Upload your PAN and Aadhaar. Approval usually takes less than 24 hours.
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Fund Your Wallet: Transfer INR from your Indian bank. Using a partner bank (like HDFC or IDFC) often results in lower “fixed” remittance fees.
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Search “AAPL”: Once your dollars reflect in the app, search for Apple Inc.
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Place Order: Choose “Market Order” to buy at the current price or “Limit Order” to set a specific price.
Final Thoughts
Investing in Apple is a great way for Indian investors to participate in the global tech revolution. While the process of how to buy apple shares from india has become incredibly simple, always remember that US markets are subject to volatility and currency fluctuations.
Start small, utilize fractional shares to “SIP” into the stock, and keep a long-term horizon of at least 5–7 years to truly see the power of compounding.
FAQs
1. Is it legal for Indians to buy US stocks?
Yes, it is 100% legal under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
2. What is the minimum amount I need to invest?
Through fractional investing, you can start with as little as $1 (approx. ₹85–₹90).
3. Which ITR form should I file if I own Apple shares?
You cannot file ITR-1. You must use ITR-2 or ITR-3 and disclose your holdings in Schedule FA (Foreign Assets).
4. Do I need a US bank account?
No. The brokerage apps create a virtual US account for you to facilitate the trade.
