Apple Achieves Record Market Share in India’s Smartphone Sector

Apple has emerged as the top player in India’s smartphone market in terms of value, achieving a 28% share its highest to date. This milestone reflects a significant shift in consumer behavior, with more Indians opting for premium smartphones despite steady overall volume growth.

The success of the iPhone 16 series, coupled with festival promotions, financing schemes, and trade-in offers, has propelled Apple’s dominance. Analysts note that while brands like Vivo and Samsung continue to lead in shipment volumes, Apple’s revenue leadership underscores the growing premiumisation trend in India’s second-largest smartphone market.

Counterpoint Research highlights that India’s smartphone market grew just 1% year-on-year in volume but expanded 8% in value, showing that consumers are increasingly trading up to more expensive models.

Key Highlights

• Apple’s Value Share: Record 28% in India’s smartphone market.
• Growth Drivers: iPhone 16 sales, financing schemes, trade-in offers.
• Market Trend: Premiumisation consumers shifting to high-end devices.
• Volume Leaders: Vivo leads with 20% shipment share; Samsung and Oppo follow.
• Market Expansion: 1% YoY growth in volume, 8% YoY growth in value.
• Consumer Behavior: Indians increasingly prioritize premium smartphones over budget models.

Apple’s rise signals a transformation in India’s smartphone landscape, where value growth outpaces volume growth, and premium devices are becoming mainstream. This positions Apple as a dominant force in India’s high-value segment, reshaping competitive dynamics in the market.

Sources: Counterpoint Research, Economic Times, Hindustan Times, BusinessLine