Are Apple iPhone 17 Air and 17 Models Driving Strong Sales in India?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 17 series sales exceed expectations in India.
- 28% year-on-year growth forecast by analysts for 2025.
- Apple achieved record annual sales of $9 billion last fiscal.
- iPhone Air features advanced durability with Ceramic Shield.
- India is a crucial hub for Apple's manufacturing plans.
New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the iPhone 17 Air and 17 models are experiencing a notable surge in popularity compared to last year's Plus and 16 series in India, as reported by vendors and industry analysts. The new 17 series is rapidly being sold out across the nation.
Apple is on track to achieve its highest festive-sales figures in India, with analysts predicting a remarkable 28% increase in year-on-year sales by 2025, driven by the success of the iPhone 17 series. Last fiscal year, Apple's annual sales reached an impressive $9 billion, fueled by rising disposable incomes amidst strong consumer demand.
During the inaugural week of sales for the iPhone 17 series, figures indicated a 19% increase compared to the iPhone 16 series.
As stated by Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, Apple is effectively leveraging the premiumization trend in India. “The new iPhone 17 Air, although priced higher, is gaining greater popularity than last year’s Plus model,” Pathak remarked.
With expectations to surpass 4.5 million shipments this festive quarter, the new iPhone Air is anticipated to generate additional traction.
Prabhu Ram, VP of Industry Research Group (IRG), CMR noted that in a market predominantly focused on value-for-money devices, premium smartphones are experiencing healthy growth due to increasing disposable incomes within the expanding middle class.
“Apple's growth is propelled by its strong brand presence and enhanced manufacturing and retail strategies within the Indian market,” he added.
The price points for the iPhone models are as follows: the iPhone 17 (256 GB) starts at Rs 82,900, the iPhone Air (256 GB) at Rs 119,900, the iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) at Rs 134,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB) at Rs 149,900.
Featuring a revolutionary titanium design, the iPhone Air is both elegant and lightweight yet incredibly durable. The rear of the iPhone Air is shielded with Ceramic Shield, while the front boasts Ceramic Shield 2, providing three times better scratch resistance than previous models.
The iPhone Air showcases a stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion capabilities up to 120Hz. Equipped with the most Apple-designed chips in an iPhone — the powerful A19 Pro, N1, and C1X — it is the most power-efficient iPhone to date. Its robust 48MP Fusion Main camera simulates four lenses, delivering exceptional image quality, while the innovative 18MP Center Stage front camera elevates selfies.
The iPhone 17 includes the new Center Stage front camera that enhances selfies; a formidable 48MP Fusion Main camera featuring an optical-quality 2x Telephoto lens; and a new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera that captures expansive scenes and intricate macro photography details, as per the company.
The 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion is bigger and brighter, providing smooth scrolling, immersive gaming, and improved efficiency, all powered by the latest-generation A19 chip for enhanced performance and longevity.
India is increasingly becoming a vital hub for Apple's manufacturing strategies, with one out of every five iPhones currently being produced in the country.