Air Link to Open Pakistan’s First Apple Retail Store — What It Means for Local Tech Retail (Target: Q4 2025)

Lahore — Air Link Communications has announced plans to open Pakistan’s first official Apple retail store by the end of 2025, the company revealed during a corporate briefing. The move — part of a strategy to expand premium-brand retail presence in the country — will be accompanied by a Xiaomi retail outlet at Dolmen Mall, Lahore, and a pilot shipment of Acer laptops that could lead to local manufacturing. Profit by Pakistan Today+1

A major step for premium consumer tech in Pakistan

If launched as planned, the Apple retail store will mark a first for Pakistan: a dedicated Apple retail experience offering iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watch models and official accessories under one roof. Air Link said the retail rollout follows its agreement to partner as a premium partner alongside GNEXT Technologies, Apple’s authorised distributor for Pakistan, to broaden availability of Apple products in the market. Pakistan Today+1

Bringing an official Apple retail footprint into Pakistan would change the customer experience in several visible ways: consolidated product displays and accessories, access to genuine Apple packaging and warranties, and a localized point for device support and service information. For consumers who have historically relied on third-party channels and parallel imports, an authorized retail presence promises more predictable pricing, warranty clarity, and official after-sales support channels.

Dolmen Mall to host Xiaomi outlet alongside Apple store

Air Link confirmed a Xiaomi retail outlet will also open at Dolmen Mall in Lahore. That store will complement the Apple offering with Xiaomi’s product portfolio and reinforce Dolmen Mall’s role as a regional tech retail hub. For Air Link, diversifying brands under its retail strategy can help attract a wider range of customers — from value-segment buyers to premium-brand shoppers. ProPakistani+1

Acer pilot shipment and the prospect of local laptop assembly

Beyond retail expansions, Air Link disclosed it expects an initial shipment of 10,000 Acer laptops by November 2025 for a pilot program. The company said the shipment will be used to evaluate market demand and logistics; if the pilot meets targets, Air Link intends to progress toward local manufacturing of these laptops. Local assembly could reduce landed costs, create jobs and shorten supply chains. ProPakistani+1

Manufacturing & distribution pipeline: another brand onboarded

Air Link also indicated it is in the process of onboarding an additional mobile brand for manufacturing and distribution in Pakistan. While the company did not name the brand at the briefing, the development signals Air Link’s intent to scale beyond retail into broader distribution and manufacturing partnerships — a vertical integration approach that could position the company as a meaningful player in both consumer retail and device assembly. Business Recorder

Strategic implications for Pakistan’s tech ecosystem

1. Consumer access and trust: An authorized Apple store and official Xiaomi outlet could reduce reliance on grey-market channels and increase consumer confidence around warranties and service.
2. Competition and pricing: Authorized retail presence tends to increase price transparency; local assembly of laptops may improve pricing competitiveness.
3. Jobs and skills: Moving toward local manufacturing could create roles in assembly, quality control and logistics, while stimulating demand for technical training and after-sales service capabilities.
4. Retail infrastructure: High-profile brand stores can elevate retail standards (store design, in-store services, customer experience) and attract more foot traffic to malls and retail districts.

What to watch next

• Store timeline and exact location: Air Link has targeted “by end of 2025”; watch for official store opening dates, floor plans and service centers. Profit by Pakistan Today
• Acer pilot results (November 2025): Sales performance of the 10,000-laptop shipment will determine whether local manufacturing proceeds. ProPakistani
• Official brand announcements: Confirmation of the unnamed mobile brand Air Link is onboarding, and the nature of any local manufacturing agreements. Business Recorder
• Pricing & warranty terms: Whether products sold through the new retail outlets carry local warranties and how pricing compares to existing channels.

Sources / Further reading

• Air Link to launch Pakistan’s first Apple retail store by end of 2025 — Profit / Pakistan Today. Profit by Pakistan Today+1
• Pakistan to get its first Apple retail store by 2025 end — Business Recorder. Business Recorder
• Acer laptops will be made in Pakistan soon (pilot shipment details) — ProPakistani / TechJuice.