Apple Poised For Record Q1 iPhone Sales In India; Surpasses 3 Million Units

According to preliminary IDC data, Apple is on track to achieve its highest-ever first-quarter iPhone sales in India, as affordability schemes and local expansion fuel demand.

iPhone Shipments Cross 3 Million Mark

Apple shipped over 3 million iPhones in India during the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant jump from 2.21 million units during the same period last year.

This milestone positions Apple for its best-ever Q1 performance in India.

“Surpassing 3 million units in 1Q25, Apple will record its largest first-quarter shipments in India,” said Upasna Joshi, research manager at IDC.

She attributed the growth to aggressive affordability schemes such as no-cost EMIs, cashback offers, and e-tailer discounts.

Apple Defies Market Slowdown

Apple’s growth comes at a time when India’s overall smartphone market is expected to contract by mid-single digits. Despite widespread discounts and price reductions, IDC’s data from January and February shows an 8.1% year-on-year market decline as consumer sentiment remains cautious.

In contrast, Apple posted a robust 36.1% year-on-year growth, the fastest among the top five brands, according to IDC analyst Aditya Rampal.

The newly launched iPhone 16 series, especially the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, contributed significantly to Apple’s Q1 success.

The 16 series accounted for more than half of total shipments, indicating a shift from 2024 when the iPhone 15 and 13 models led sales during festive seasons.

Apple Strengthens Position In Indian Market

In 2024, India became Apple’s fourth-largest market globally, behind only the US, China, and Japan.

The company shipped a record 12 million iPhones that year, achieving 35% year-on-year growth. During Q4 2024, Apple entered India’s top five smartphone brands for the first time, with a 10% market share led by strong iPhone 15 and 13 sales.

Analysts expect this momentum to continue, with 2025 shipments projected to reach 13–14 million units.

This would further entrench Apple’s leadership in the high-value smartphone segment and keep it among the top five smartphone brands by volume.

Apple Expands Manufacturing & Retail Footprint

To solidify its market position, Apple is rapidly expanding its local manufacturing and retail operations in India. The company is opening four new stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai.

It currently employs more than 3,000 people in the country and has posted hundreds of new job openings tied to this expansion.

Apple’s suppliers—Foxconn, Pegatron, and Jabil—are also scaling up operations to support increased production of iPhones and AirPods.

Foxconn’s new facility in Telangana is expected to begin AirPods production in the coming months, with iPads and MacBooks to follow later.

Strong Financial Performance In India

Apple India reported a 23% rise in net profit in FY24, reaching ₹2,745.7 crore. Revenue grew 36% to ₹67,121.6 crore, driven largely by booming iPhone sales.

Apple expects to continue its double-digit growth in 2025, positioning the company to accelerate revenue and profit in one of its fastest-growing global markets.

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