**Apple’s iPhone Sizzles in India, But the Country’s Smartphone Market Remains Flat**
Apple is killing it in India, folks! According to the latest numbers, the Cupertino giant shipped around 14 million iPhone units in 2025, making it the company’s best year in the country yet. But, the Indian smartphone market as a whole is stuck in neutral, with shipments staying flat at around 152-153 million units.
What’s behind Apple’s success? According to Counterpoint Analysis’ Tarun Pathak, it’s all about the diversity of their product portfolio, growing demand for premium devices, and the expansion of Apple’s retail presence in the country. We know that Apple has been beefing up its local manufacturing and retail game in India, including opening its fifth Apple Store in Noida last month.
But, Apple’s success isn’t just a one-off – the company’s also making a push to win over more customers with its services offering. Apple Creator Studio, a bundle of creative apps priced at ₹399 a month (around $4.35) in India, is 66% cheaper than the US price tag. That’s a smart move, considering India’s competitive market.
So, what’s holding back the Indian smartphone market? Longer replacement cycles, fewer feature phone users upgrading to smartphones, and the growing popularity of refurbished devices are all contributing to the stagnation. But, the premium segment is still growing, with devices above ₹30,000 (around $327) increasing 15% year-over-year in 2025 and accounting for 23% of total shipments.
In this landscape, premium manufacturers like Apple, Xiaomi, and Samsung are reaping the benefits. China’s Vivo still tops the market in terms of shipments, followed by Samsung and Xiaomi. But, Apple’s market share has risen to 9%, up from 7% last year.
Looking ahead, Counterpoint expects the Indian smartphone market to drop by 2% in 2026, citing rising memory prices and potential price hikes as major challenges. However, average selling prices are forecast to increase by 5% next year, suggesting that the trend towards premiumization is here to stay.
What do you think? Can Apple keep its momentum going in India, or will other players catch up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
