The company said it will build an iOS design and development accelerator in Bengaluru, considered home to India's startup scene. In addition to providing specialized support to developers, the center will also offer access to Apple experts who will lead briefings and provide one-on-one reviews.

"India is home to one of the most vibrant and entrepreneurial iOS development communities in the world," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. "With the opening of this new facility in Bengaluru, we're giving developers access to tools which will help them create innovative apps for customers around the world."

The announcement comes on the eve of Cook's maiden visit to India, in which he is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His first official visit to India as Apple CEO, Cook will be flying to India from China, where he recently made a $1 billion investment in ride-hailing service Didi Chuxing.

The center is expected to open in 2017.