Did the iPhone 16 Become India's Top-Selling Smartphone?
Synopsis
Apple's iPhone 16 has taken the Indian smartphone market by storm, achieving impressive sales figures. With strategic initiatives and enhanced local manufacturing, Apple is reshaping consumer preferences. Read on to discover how the tech giant is making waves in India and transforming its retail landscape.
Key Takeaways
iPhone 16 is India's highest-selling smartphone with 6.5 million units sold.
Apple's local manufacturing accounts for 12% of global production.
Innovative financing options have made premium smartphones more accessible.
Apple opened three new stores, increasing its retail presence in India.
Apple India posted record domestic sales of $9 billion .
Mumbai, Dec 29 (NationPress) — The renowned tech company Apple has achieved remarkable success by selling approximately 6.5 million iPhone 16 units in the initial eleven months of 2025, making it the leading smartphone in India, according to a recent report.
The study conducted by Counterpoint Research indicates that Apple has surpassed its Android competitors during this timeframe. The data revealed a significant gap, with the iPhone 15 also securing a spot among the top five best-selling smartphones.
This performance by Apple highlights a shift in consumer purchasing behavior in a market that has traditionally favored budget and mid-range models.
This shift is further supported by Apple's strategic efforts to enhance local manufacturing and diminish dependence on China. Recently, Apple inaugurated three new stores in Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida, bringing its total retail footprint in India to five locations.
Innovative financing options, including no-cost EMIs, cashbacks, and bank offers, have made premium smartphones more accessible to a wider audience. In November, Apple achieved a record export value of $2 billion from India, based on the latest industry data.
Additionally, a company filing revealed that Apple India recorded an unprecedented domestic sales figure of $9 billion in FY25, with one in every five iPhones produced worldwide in FY25 being manufactured or assembled in India.
Apple's manufacturing operations in India accounted for 12 percent of the company’s global production value. Notably, Apple has commenced local assembly of high-end iPhone Pro and Pro Max models in India for the first time.
The filings also demonstrated that the Americas contributed $178.4 billion to Apple’s revenue in FY25, almost 43 percent of its global earnings, with an increasing number of iPhones being shipped from India.
aar/na
Point of View
I recognize that Apple's remarkable sales achievement with the iPhone 16 reflects a significant shift in India's smartphone landscape. This trend highlights the evolving preferences of consumers and emphasizes the importance of local manufacturing. Apple's strategic approach not only boosts its market presence but also strengthens India's position in the global tech industry.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many iPhone 16 units have been sold in India?
Approximately 6.5 million iPhone 16 units have been sold in India within the first 11 months of 2025.
What factors contributed to the iPhone 16's success?
Key factors include Apple's strategic push for local manufacturing, innovative financing options, and changing consumer preferences.
What is the significance of Apple's manufacturing in India?
Apple's manufacturing in India accounts for 12% of its global production value, highlighting the country's growing role in the tech sector.
How has Apple's retail presence expanded in India?
Apple recently opened three new stores in Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida, raising its total retail presence in India to five locations.
What was Apple's export value from India in November?
In November, Apple achieved an export value of $2 billion from India.
