Is the iPhone 16 Revolutionizing India's Smartphone Market?
Synopsis
The smartphone landscape in India is witnessing a shift as Apple's iPhone 16 leads sales in 2025. With changing purchasing habits and increased popularity of premium devices, the iPhone 16's success highlights a new trend in consumer preferences.
Key Takeaways
The iPhone 16 is the top-selling smartphone model in 2025.
Over 60% of premium smartphone purchases in India are made using EMI plans.
Apple's brand appeal plays a significant role in the device's success.
The company has set revenue records across multiple regions, including India.
India is now the second-largest smartphone market globally.
Mumbai, Jan 31 (NationPress) The purchasing habits of Indian smartphone users have undergone a significant transformation, signaling a departure from the long-standing dominance of the budget segment. According to a report, Apple Inc.'s iPhone 16 base variant has emerged as the leading smartphone model in 2025.
The Counterpoint Research report indicates that India saw approximately 154 million smartphone shipments in 2025, with the iPhone 16 base model contributing about 6.16 million units, accounting for roughly 4 percent of the overall market volume.
Launched in September 2024, the iPhone 16 starts at around Rs 71,000 for the base variant.
Notably, around 60 percent of premium smartphones in India are currently acquired through equated monthly instalment (EMI) plans, as found by Counterpoint Research.
The strong sales of the device in India can be attributed to Apple's brand prestige and financing alternatives like EMIs, which have improved affordability, further enhanced by attractive exchange offers.
Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced that the tech giant set a quarterly revenue record in India during the October-December timeframe.
Apple's production and export levels in India continue to reach new heights each quarter.
In the December quarter, the company reported unprecedented revenue figures in the Americas, Europe, Japan, and the broader Asia Pacific region.
“We are gaining traction in emerging markets, including India, where we recorded robust double-digit revenue growth,” Cook mentioned during the earnings call held late on Thursday (US time). He added that Apple plans to open another store in Mumbai shortly.
When responding to an analyst's inquiry, Cook confirmed that the company had indeed set a quarterly revenue record in India during the December quarter.
“India stands as the world's second-largest smartphone market and the fourth-largest PC market,” he noted, emphasizing that Apple achieved quarterly revenue records across iPhone, Mac, and iPad, along with an all-time revenue record in services.
Apple’s CFO, Kevan Parekh, revealed that iPhone revenue reached $85.3 billion, marking a 23 percent year-over-year increase, primarily driven by the iPhone 17 family.
Point of View
The rise of premium smartphones like the iPhone 16 in India's vast market showcases a critical shift in consumer behavior. As aspirations evolve, the growing trend of financing options reflects a changing economic landscape. NationPress remains dedicated to covering these developments as they shape the future of technology and commerce in India.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the iPhone 16's success in India?
The iPhone 16's success can be attributed to Apple's strong brand appeal, financing options like EMIs, and attractive exchange offers that enhance affordability.
How does the iPhone 16 impact the smartphone market in India?
The iPhone 16's emergence as a top-selling model indicates a shift in consumer preferences towards premium smartphones, moving away from the traditional budget segment.
What are the latest sales figures for Apple's iPhone in India?
In 2025, the iPhone 16 base model accounted for approximately 6.16 million units sold in India, representing about 4 percent of the market by volume.
