Have iPhone 17 Pre-bookings in India Surpassed Those of iPhone 16?
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Synopsis
Exciting news for Apple fans! The pre-bookings for the iPhone 17 series have exceeded those of the iPhone 16, with great expectations for sales during the upcoming Diwali quarter. This article delves into the implications of this trend and what it means for Apple’s future in India.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone 17 pre-bookings have exceeded iPhone 16 levels.
- Projected sales for the new series: 15–20% of total.
- Strong demand for iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max may cause supply shortages.
- Base models upgraded to 256GB, enhancing value.
- Apple opens new stores in India to boost market presence.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) Pre-orders for Apple’s iPhone 17 series in India have outpaced those of the iPhone 16 during its launch period, with projections indicating that the new series will contribute 15–20 percent of total sales, according to industry insiders.
The pre-booking figures for the iPhone 17 suggest a robust Diwali quarter for Apple, even amid supply challenges concerning the iPhone 17 Pro models.
Data shows that total iPhone shipments in India are anticipated to exceed 5 million units in the July–September period of 2025. In the third quarter of 2024, Apple shipped around 4 million iPhones, with new models accounting for 10 percent of these sales.
Experts note a particularly high demand for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, raising concerns about potential supply shortages in the initial weeks following the launch. Pre-orders for the base models with upgraded 256 GB storage have surged, with 'Cosmic Orange' emerging as the most popular color.
The base variant has been improved to 256GB, presenting a better value compared to last year's launch, according to analysts.
The iPhone 17 series is available for purchase in India starting today. The latest lineup begins at Rs 82,900 for the iPhone 17 (256GB). The new iPhone Air, a more streamlined model, starts at Rs 1,19,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) is priced at Rs 1,34,900. The top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) is available for Rs 1,49,900.
Retail sources indicate that base models will be readily available; however, the allocations for Pro and Pro Max models are significantly limited, constituting only about 10 percent of standard deliveries. This scarcity is leading to black-market premiums ranging from 10–20 percent.
Analysts highlighted that the iPhone 16 was the highest-selling model in India during the first half of 2025, driving a remarkable 96.50 percent growth in the premium smartphone sector.
Recently, Apple inaugurated two new stores in Bengaluru and Pune as part of its retail expansion strategy in India, positioning the country as a vital market for future growth. In contrast, sales in Apple's largest overseas market, China, saw a modest growth of only 4.4 percent in the June quarter after two years of declines.
India is also becoming crucial to Apple's manufacturing initiatives, with one in every five iPhones now being produced locally.
Point of View
The surge in pre-bookings for the iPhone 17 series signifies not just consumer enthusiasm but also a pivotal moment for Apple in India. The company’s strategic expansion and commitment to local manufacturing position it well in a competitive market. Analyzing these trends offers insights into shifting consumer preferences and the future landscape of premium smartphones in the region.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are driving the high pre-booking numbers for the iPhone 17?
The high pre-booking numbers can be attributed to improved specifications, particularly the increased storage in base models, and the popularity of colors like 'Cosmic Orange'.
How does the iPhone 17 series compare to previous models in terms of sales?
The iPhone 17 series has surpassed the iPhone 16 in pre-bookings, indicating a stronger market reception and potential for higher sales during the Diwali quarter.
What are the expected sales figures for iPhones in India for Q3 2025?
Total iPhone shipments in India are projected to exceed 5 million units in the July-September period of 2025.
What supply issues are anticipated with the iPhone 17 Pro models?
Analysts expect high demand for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, leading to potential supply shortages in the early weeks after launch.
What is the pricing structure for the iPhone 17 series in India?
The iPhone 17 series starts at Rs 82,900 for the base model, with prices going up to Rs 1,49,900 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
