Apple significantly increased its iPhone market share in India in 2025. This is remarkable because the country's overall smartphone market is stagnating at the same time. New market data shows that Apple's growth came at just the right moment: while many manufacturers are struggling with declining figures, the iPhone is reaching new highs in market share and shipments in India.
India has been one of Apple's most important growth markets worldwide for years. A recent report from TechCrunch, based on data from Counterpoint Research, provides a detailed look at the development of the Indian smartphone market in 2025. The figures clearly illustrate why Apple is consistently expanding its investments in the country and which market conditions have contributed to this success.
Apple achieves record market share in India
Apple sold approximately 14 million iPhones in India in 2025. This increased its market share to 9 million units, the highest it has ever achieved there. In 2024, the share was 7 million units.
However, the Indian smartphone market barely grew during the same period. A total of approximately 152 to 153 million smartphones were shipped in 2025. Apple was thus able to gain market share without the overall market growing. In terms of volume, India remains the world's second-largest smartphone market.
According to Tarun Pathak, Director of Devices and Ecosystems at Counterpoint Research, Apple's growth is primarily due to three factors:
- the iPhone product portfolio
- the increasing demand
- significantly better availability across all sales channels
Growing presence through production and retail
Apple has steadily increased its operations in India in recent years. This includes higher investments in local production, resulting in a growing number of iPhones being manufactured directly in the country. At the same time, Apple is in the midst of a large-scale retail expansion. Existing Apple Stores are to be supplemented by further locations planned for the coming years.
India was also highlighted several times in the conference calls regarding the latest quarterly results. Apple executives cited record sales, strong growth in the installed base, and increasing upgrade momentum among existing iPhone users in the country.
Stagnant market despite the holiday season
Apple's success stands in stark contrast to the general market situation. According to estimates from Counterpoint, India will conclude 2025 with virtually unchanged smartphone shipments for the fourth consecutive year.
The last quarter of the year is particularly striking: From October to December, actually the most important sales period due to the holidays, deliveries fell by 8 to 10 % compared to the previous year. The report cites the following reasons:
- a growing demand for refurbished smartphones
- Longer replacement cycles, where users keep their devices for longer.
The premium segment is growing significantly
The premium segment is a clear exception. Sales of smartphones priced over 30,000 rupees (around US$327) grew by 15 million units in 2025 compared to the previous year. This segment accounted for a record 23 million units of total smartphone shipments – more than ever before.
Apple is particularly well-positioned in this area. The growth of the premium segment has therefore been a major factor in enabling Apple to expand its market share despite stagnant overall sales figures.
Competition remains ahead in terms of volume
Despite a strong year, Apple's growth wasn't enough to place it among the top three smartphone manufacturers in India by units shipped. Measured by volume, a Chinese manufacturer remained in the lead in 2025.
- Vivo led the market with a 23.% market share.
- Samsung followed with 15 %
- Xiaomi reached 13 %
Apple thus remains a clear premium provider among the top suppliers, with comparatively low unit sales but growing influence.
Apple is growing in India despite strong competitive pressure
Apple made a strong statement in India in 2025. A record market share of 91,500, around 14 million iPhones sold, and a growing premium segment demonstrate the success of its strategy of local production, improved availability, and a focus on high-quality devices. At the same time, the overall market remains under pressure, and high-volume competitors continue to dominate. For Apple, this means: growth is real, but the road to the top spots in the Indian smartphone market is still long. (Image: Shutterstock / gracethang2)
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