Key Points:
- iPhone 16 sold 6.5 million units in first 11 months of 2025, leading Indian smartphone market
- Vivo Y29 5G ranked second with 4.7 million units sold during same period
- iPhone 15 also secured top 5 position with 3.3 million units sold
- Apple India achieved record $9 billion domestic sales in fiscal year 2025
- Company exported $2 billion worth of iPhones from India in November, highest monthly figure ever
- One in five iPhones now manufactured or assembled in India
- Apple opened three new stores in Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida, expanding total to five locations
Apple has achieved an unprecedented milestone in India’s smartphone market, with the iPhone 16 emerging as the best-selling device in the country. According to Counterpoint Research data, Apple sold approximately 6.5 million units of the iPhone 16 during the first 11 months of 2025, outpacing competitors across all price segments. This achievement marks the first time a premium smartphone has dominated India’s volume-driven market, traditionally ruled by budget and mid-range Android devices.
The iPhone 15 also maintained strong momentum, securing a spot among the top five best-selling phones with 3.3 million units sold. The success is particularly remarkable given the price differential; Apple’s smartphones start at ₹47,000 for the iPhone 15, more than three times the price of Vivo’s popular Y29 5G at ₹14,000. This pricing dynamic underscores a fundamental shift in Indian consumer behavior toward premium devices.
Changing Consumer Preferences
The report highlights a significant transformation in India’s smartphone purchasing patterns. Historically, Indian consumers predominantly chose entry-level and mid-range phones, but the data reveals accelerating demand for expensive smartphones. Apple’s strategic combination of no-cost EMIs, cashback offers, and bank partnership schemes has democratized access to premium devices, making them attainable for middle-class consumers.
Industry analysts attribute this shift to rising disposable incomes, aspirational purchasing, and the increasing importance of smartphones as status symbols and productivity tools. The iPhone 16’s advanced camera capabilities, AI features, and long-term software support have resonated strongly with Indian buyers, justifying the premium investment.
Manufacturing and Export Surge
Apple’s manufacturing expansion in India has reached critical mass, with the country now producing one in every five iPhones sold globally. The company’s Indian operations contributed 12 percent to the global production value in fiscal year 2025, a testament to its successful diversification from China. For the first time, Apple began manufacturing its premium Pro and Pro Max models in India, signaling confidence in local supply chain capabilities.
The manufacturing boom translated into record exports, Apple shipped $2 billion worth of iPhones from India in November alone, the highest monthly export figure ever recorded. This performance helped Apple India achieve a record $9 billion in domestic sales during fiscal year 2025, while simultaneously positioning India as a key export hub for the tech giant’s global operations.
Retail Expansion and Market Strategy
Apple accelerated its direct-to-consumer presence by opening three new Apple Stores in Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida, bringing its total Indian store count to five. These locations complement the company’s online store and authorized reseller network, providing customers with authentic retail experiences, technical support, and financing options.
The retail expansion aligns with Apple’s broader India strategy, combining physical presence with aggressive financing schemes. The company partnered with major Indian banks and financial institutions to offer zero-cost EMIs, trade-in bonuses, and cashback programs, effectively reducing the entry barrier for premium iPhones.
Global Context and Future Outlook
Apple’s India success contributes significantly to its global financial performance. The United States generated $178.4 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025, representing approximately 43 percent of Apple’s worldwide revenue, with an increasing share of these devices shipping from Indian manufacturing facilities.
Looking ahead, industry experts predict Apple will deepen its India investment, potentially expanding local component manufacturing and research capabilities. The company’s achievement in India’s price-sensitive market demonstrates that premium positioning, when combined with flexible financing and local production, can succeed in emerging economies. This template may influence Apple’s strategy in other developing markets seeking to balance affordability with aspirational branding.
