NEW DELHI (AP) — Apple has announced that it will set up an app design and development center in southern India, shortly after company chief Tim Cook arrived in the country on his first visit.

Tens of thousands of Indian developers design apps for Apple devices, and the company said in Wednesday's statement that the development lab would give them specialized support. It's expected to open in the technology hub of Bangalore in early 2017.

While the company hasn't revealed any details of Cook's schedule, local news reports say he'll meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials. He is also expected to meet top business leaders.

India is one of the world's fastest growing smartphone markets but is dominated by Android phones.