Can Apple and Reliance disrupt the Indian market together?

Reliance Industries has already pumped in billions to bring 'Lyf' to its 4G services.

Now, a deal with Apple could mean more sleepless nights for the competition. Apple CEO Tim Cook  has already said that the main reason for iPhone's lacklustre performance in India is the poor network in the country and the absence of LTE and 4G networks. 

Can Reliance's $22 billion investment in the 4G market change all this, and more?

It is clear that Reliance Jio will corner a major market with Lyf. But with Apple on board as well, Jio has the unmatched opportunity to cement its position across the spectrum of smartphone buyers. 

Lyf can service the low-end of the market and Apple's iPhone on Jio can be the darling of the top spender. 

Win-win?
On the first day of his maiden visit in India amid dwindling iPhone sales, Reliance officials, including Anant Ambani met Cook over lunch at Antila, where the two parties decided to enter into a long-term relationship which will see VoLTE iPhones working on Jio's 4G network, an Economic Times report said.

The bundling deal with Reliance Jio may just give Apple the edge it is looking for to boost iPhone sales in the country.

Apple will also be able to take advantage of Reliance's sales and distribution network which covers 1.2 lakh retailers and e-commerce firms to push sales of the iPhone. 

Reliance Retail is already one of the largest retail chains in India and the company is eager to roll out Apple Pay on its network. 

What will happen remains to be seen but will Reliance play out to be the perfect weapon Apple needs to push sales in India?