Apple’s record 4 million unit sales helps tech giant post its largest quarter growth in India

Apple is celebrating a major milestone in India, having achieved record sales of 4 million units in Q3 2024, making it the company’s most successful quarter yet in the country. According to the latest International Data Corporation (IDC) report, this growth was driven by the strong performance of the iPhone 13 and the newly launched iPhone 15.

The Indian smartphone market overall grew by 5.6 per cent year-over-year, marking its fifth consecutive quarter of positive growth. While Apple made headlines with its impressive numbers, Vivo maintained its position as the market leader, holding 15.8 per cent of the total market share. Oppo, however, stole the spotlight with a staggering 40 per cent increase in sales compared to the same period last year, making it the fastest-growing brand in India for this quarter.

Average selling price goes up

Another interesting trend noted in the report is the increase in the average selling price of smartphones, which went up by 0.9 per cent. The mid-range segment, with devices priced between $200 and $400, accounted for 42 per cent of this growth. Oppo emerged as a key winner here, while established brands like Samsung and Vivo saw their numbers dip.

The premium smartphone segment, comprising devices priced between $600 and $800, witnessed the most significant growth, soaring by 86 per cent. Apple’s iPhone lineup, including the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15, was a major contributor, alongside other high-end models like Samsung’s Galaxy S23 and the OnePlus 12. This segment’s success highlights a growing appetite for premium devices among Indian consumers.

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Booming demand for 5G smartphones

The report also shed light on the booming demand for 5G smartphones, with shipments in this category jumping to 83 per cent from 57 per cent a year ago. Budget 5G smartphones, particularly those priced between $100 and $200, nearly doubled in sales, reflecting the increasing affordability and accessibility of 5G technology.

IDC predicts that after the usual post-festive dip in demand, India’s smartphone market will return to double-digit growth in 2025. The focus is expected to shift towards entry-premium devices, bolstered by aggressive marketing campaigns highlighting next-gen AI features. It seems the Indian smartphone market is set for an exciting future, with brands vying for dominance and innovation leading the charge.