Apple Enters Into India’s Top Five Smartphone Brands With 10% Market Share

Highlights

• Apple captures a 9-10% share in India’s smartphone market in Q4 2024.
• The brand entered the list of India’s top five brands for the first time.
• Festive discounts, no-cost EMIs and deals on e-commerce platforms helped boost sales.
• Apple shipped over 12 million iPhones in India in 2024 showing a 34-35% year-on-year growth.

Apple has made a significant leap in India’s smartphone market capturing a 9-10% share in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to preliminary data from IDC and Counterpoint Research.  The Cupertino Giant has entered the top five smartphone brands in India for the first time, thanks to growing demand for its premium devices.

The festive season of 2024 played a key role in Apple’s success. Aggressive pricing strategies, including festive discounts, no-cost EMIs of up to 24 months and attractive deals on e-commerce platforms, helped the brand appeal to a broader audience.

While the new AI-powered iPhone 16 series generated plenty of excitement, Apple’s older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13 also sold remarkably well.

Research Director at Counterpoint Tarun Pathak said, “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.”

Apple shipped over 12 million iPhones in India in 2024, marking a staggering 34-35% year-on-year growth compared to 9 million units in 2023. This growth cements Apple’s position as a rising star in India’s cost-sensitive smartphone market.

Apple has managed this feat despite competition from Chinese smartphone makers like Vivo and Huawei, who continue to dominate with affordable Android options. Its ability to blend premium features with aspirational branding has helped it stand out in a crowded market.

India has now become Apple’s fifth-largest market and could climb to the third spot by 2026. Experts predict the company will sell around 15 million iPhones annually in India by then mainly due to expanding manufacturing footprint in the country.

FAQs

Q1. What market share did Apple capture in India’s smartphone market in Q4 2024?

Answer. Apple captured a 9-10% share in India’s smartphone market in the fourth quarter of 2024, entering the top five smartphone brands for the first time.

Q2. What strategies helped boost Apple’s sales in India during the festive season of 2024?

Answer. Aggressive pricing strategies including festive discounts, no-cost EMIs of up to 24 months, and attractive deals on e-commerce platforms, helped boost Apple’s sales in India.

Q3. How many iPhones did Apple ship in India in 2024?

Answer. Apple shipped over 12 million iPhones in India in 2024, marking a 34-35% year-on-year growth compared to 9 million units in 2023.

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