iStore Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation and Impact in South Africa

In a heartfelt celebration yesterday marking its 20-year milestone in South Africa, iStore reflected not only on its technological evolution, but also on its deep commitment to community transformation. Over the years, and with roots firmly planted in Apple’s global ethos of accessibility, innovation, and empowerment, the company has evolved beyond just a retail destination   ultimately becoming a force for educational and economic inclusion across the country.

“At iStore, we believe that technology should do more than function it should enrich lives. For the past 20 years, our purpose has been to make the Apple experience accessible, meaningful, and personal for every customer who walks through our doors,” said Chris Dodd, CEO of iStore.

Empowering Education Through Technology

One of the most impactful moments of the celebration was the spotlight on iStore’s ongoing partnership with School-in-a-Box Africa a decade-long initiative dedicated to bringing digital education to South Africa’s most under-resourced schools. Through this effort, the program delivers mobile labs of iPads, preloaded with the full South African curriculum, in order to promote literacy, numeracy, and subject-based learning even in the most remote communities.

Additionally, collaborations with local champions like rugby legend Siya Kolisi, who returned to his former primary school as part of the initiative, reinforce the power of giving back and unlocking potential. “My journey began in this primary school, and I want to give the same to you,” Kolisi shared, further underscoring the importance of opportunity, access, and inspiration.

Training Youth for a Future-Ready Workforce

In addition, iStore also highlighted its career development programs aimed at training young people who may have nothing more than a matric certificate. Through these carefully designed initiatives, participants gain hands-on experience in technical support, customer service, and digital literacy thereby equipping them with the confidence and skills needed in today’s tech-driven economy.

As a result, this model has already helped countless young South Africans become not only employable but also resourceful and entrepreneurial. Ultimately, it represents iStore’s firm belief that while talent is everywhere, opportunity must be intentionally created.

Unveiling the iStore AI Development Hub

 iStore further announced the launch of its AI Development Hub an exciting initiative designed to support small businesses and AI entrepreneurs. Specifically, the hub provides access to powerful computing infrastructure that supports the testing and development of advanced AI models.

Key specs include:

• Up to 900GB of memory
• 36 CPU cores
• 54 GPU cores

To begin with, the first hub opens in Sandton Drive, with nationwide expansion already on the horizon. In the long term, it aims to develop local AI talent, upskill youth, and shape Africa’s future digital capabilities cementing iStore’s role in bridging the technology gap across communities.

Beyond its retail footprint, iStore has built careers, fostered innovation, and supported entrepreneurs with tools to thrive. Whether enabling a student with their first Mac or helping a small business streamline their operations, iStore has always been about more than just devices it’s about delivering what matters most to people.