By BrandsShouts Apple is not just a company. It’s a global brand, a technology powerhouse, and one of the most valuable businesses in the world. From iPhones and MacBooks to services and AI integration, Apple sits at the heart of modern digital life. Naturally, many Indians want to own Apple shares — but since Apple is a U.S. company, the process is different from buying Indian stocks.
The good news is this, any Indian resident can legally buy Apple shares in 2026. You don’t need special permissions, foreign citizenship, or huge money. You just need to understand the system.
This guide explains everything step by step, starting from absolute basics.
What are Apple shares?
When you buy Apple shares, you are buying ownership in Apple Inc..
Apple is listed in the United States, not in India. Its shares trade under the ticker AAPL on the NASDAQ.
Because Apple is not listed on Indian exchanges like:
- National Stock Exchange
- Bombay Stock Exchange
you cannot buy Apple shares using a normal Indian-only trading account.
Is it legal for Indians to buy Apple shares?
Yes. It is 100% legal.
Indian residents are allowed to invest in foreign stocks under rules set by the Reserve Bank of India.
You can:
- Buy
- Hold
- Sell
- Receive dividends
All legally — as long as you follow KYC, remittance, and tax rules.
How Indians invest in U.S. stocks (basic structure)
Here’s how the system works:
- You open an international investing account
- You send money from India in U.S. dollars
- You buy Apple shares on the U.S. stock market
- Shares are held in your name overseas
You are the real owner of the shares, just like owning Indian stocks.
What you need before buying Apple shares
To buy Apple shares in India in 2026, you need:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar or address proof
- Bank account in India
- An international stock investing platform
- Internet banking enabled
You do not need:
- A U.S. bank account
- A U.S. Social Security Number
- Any special government approval
Step-by-step: how to buy Apple shares in India (2026)
Step 1: Choose a platform that offers U.S. stocks
Indian investors typically use:
- Indian apps offering U.S. stock access
- International brokers that accept Indian residents
What to look for in a platform:
- Direct ownership of U.S. shares
- Fractional share support
- Clear currency conversion charges
- Proper tax statements
Many platforms in 2026 allow you to start with small amounts.
Step 2: Complete KYC
You must complete identity verification.
Usually required:
- PAN card
- Aadhaar or address proof
- Bank account verification
Once approved, your U.S. investing account becomes active.
Step 3: Fund your account (important step)
Money is sent from your Indian bank to your U.S. investing account.
This happens under India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
Key points:
- Funds are converted from INR to USD
- Currency conversion charges apply
- Transfer usually takes 1–3 working days
This is the legal route for foreign investing.
Step 4: Search for Apple (AAPL)
Once funds are available:
- Search for AAPL
- Check live price
- Decide how much to invest
You can buy:
- One full share
- Or a fraction of a share
Fractional investing is very common in 2026 and ideal for beginners.
Step 5: Place your order
Order types:
- Market order → buys instantly at current price
- Limit order → buys only at your chosen price
Confirm the order. Once executed, Apple shares appear in your portfolio.
Can you buy partial (fractional) Apple shares?
Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages today.
Fractional shares allow you to:
- Invest ₹1,000 or ₹2,000 at a time
- Build holdings slowly
- Do monthly investing instead of lump sum
You don’t need to wait to afford one full share.
Where are your Apple shares held?
Your shares are:
- Held with a U.S. custodian
- Registered in your name (or beneficial ownership)
- Visible in your app dashboard
They are not held in your Indian demat account, but ownership is real and protected by U.S. market rules.
Dividends from Apple
Apple pays dividends.
- Dividends are credited in USD
- S. tax may be deducted first
- You can adjust this while filing Indian tax returns
Dividends add steady income along with price growth.
Taxation for Indian investors (very important)
Capital gains
For Indian tax purposes:
- Holding less than 24 months → short-term capital gains (taxed as per slab)
- Holding more than 24 months → long-term capital gains
Dividend tax
- Dividends are taxable in India
- Foreign tax credit can usually be claimed
Other charges
- Currency conversion fees
- Brokerage or platform fees
- Possible small remittance charges
Keep annual statements carefully.
Risks of buying Apple shares
Even strong companies carry risk.
Main risks:
- Stock market volatility
- USD–INR currency movement
- Global economic slowdown
- Regulatory changes
- Technology competition
Apple is stable, but not risk-free.
Alternatives if you don’t want single-stock risk
Instead of buying Apple directly, you can consider:
- S. index funds
- Global mutual funds
- Technology-focused ETFs
These include Apple as part of a larger basket.
Who should buy Apple shares?
Best suited for:
- Long-term investors
- People seeking global exposure
- Investors comfortable with moderate volatility
Not ideal for:
- Short-term trading
- Emergency funds
- People who panic during market corrections
How much should you invest?
General guidance:
- Keep foreign stocks at 10%–25% of portfolio
- Avoid putting all money into one stock
- Invest gradually over time
Apple works best as part of a diversified global portfolio.
Final thoughts
Buying Apple shares in India in 2026 is completely legal, structured, and easier than ever. The process may feel different from buying Indian stocks, but once set up, it’s simple and powerful.
Apple is not a get-rich-quick stock. It is a wealth-building business meant for patience, discipline, and long-term thinking.