Apple enters top five smartphone brands in India for the first time: Report | Tech Tips

Apple has achieved a major milestone in India. The company has reportedly entered the coveted list of the top five smartphone brands for the first time since it started selling iPhones in the country.
While the company recently released its first ever artificial intelligence(AI)-based iPhone 16 series, the feat comes on the heels of the rising popularity of its older generation iPhone 15 and the iPhone 13 models, a new report says.

Apple captures 10 percent of smartphone market in India

• According to the preliminary data by IDC and Counterpoint Research shared with MoneyControl, Apple captured 9-10 percent of the smartphone market during the festive season in India in the fourth quarter of 2024.

• Festive discounts coupled with other factors such as 24-months no-cost EMI and special deals by e-commerce platforms, made iPhones more affordable to purchase, which in turn drove the sales in the country.

“With increasing disposable income and aspirational purchases among the growing middle class, especially the youth, Apple has become the brand of choice for young consumers. Beyond tier 2 cities, the iPhone represents more than just a smartphone – it’s a lifestyle statement,” Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, told the publication.

He also said that Apple’s sales figures have been rising for five consecutive years and it’s expected to touch 15 million units mark by 2026. This growth trajectory is expected to make India’s Apple’s third largest market by the same time. For reference, at the moment, India is the company’s fifth-largest market.

Apple’s growth story so far

As per the report, Apple shipped over 12 million iPhone units in India in 2024 compared to the nine million iPhone units in 2023. This marks a growth of 34-35 percent year-on-year.

The company also focused on expanding its manufacturing capabilities in India in 2024. For understanding, the company started manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max via Foxconn and Pegatron in India in 2024. Additionally, the company is ramping up the production of its other devices, including the AirPods, MacBooks and iPads in the country. As per the report, these factors are expected to help the company to increase its revenue and profit in the coming fiscal year.

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