Apple’s iPhone rules high-end smartphone market in India, says IDC
The analysts at IDC tell us India’s smartphone market saw 70 million smartphones shipped in the first half of the year, particularly in the second quarter which saw 7.7% growth year on year.
However, the analysts also warn that continued global economic weakness combined with an unpredictable tariff system and increased nativism in international affairs may well get in the way of India’s tech-driven recovery.
Apple continues to grow
Despite the slings and arrows of these fortunes, Apple’s performance goes from strength to strength in India where sales of high end smartphones such as the iPhone registered the highest growth of 96.4%, from 2% to 4%.
iPhone 16/15 together comprised three fifths of shipments in the premium segment, giving Apple a substantial hold on the high end market and meaning Apple was nearly singularly responsible for driving high end smartphone sales.
Shipments increased 21.5% YoY to 5.9 million units in the first half of 2025, IDC said. “The iPhone 16 was the highest-shipped model across India in 1H25, making up 4% of overall India shipments during that period,” they also said.
Apple’s growth sees it reign the high-end market, with its biggest foes being Chinese branded and lesser featured smartphones and those from Samsung, all of which did well, the analyst data shows.
But growth may slow for a while
IDC estimates a low single-digit decline in smartphone shipments for 2025, as average selling prices (ASPs) continue to rise. “Ongoing macroeconomic challenges are dampening consumer demand, especially in the budget-friendly segment. As a result, the affordable Android market is contracting, holding back overall market growth. In contrast, iPhones continue to register double-digit year-over-year growth.”
Data c/o IDC
“The mid-range smartphone market is currently oversaturated with new model launches, leading to intense competition. This could result in excess inventory during the upcoming festive season. In the crucial second half of 2025, brands and channel partners should focus on driving fresh shipments rather than relying heavily on promotions to clear old stock.” said Upasana Joshi, Senior Research Manager, Devices Research, IDC Asia Pacific.
Key Highlights for 2Q25:
- The premium segment (US$600<US$800) registered the highest growth of 96.4%, with its share up from 2% to 4%. iPhone 16/15 together accounted for more than three fifths of the shipments in this segment.
- The ASPs (average selling price) reached a record of US$275 in 2Q25, growing by 10.8% YoY.
- The entry level (sub-US$100) segment witnessed a strong growth of 22.9% YoY to 16% share, up from 14% a year ago. Xiaomi led the segment with affordable Redmi A4/A5 models.
- Shipments to the mass budget (US$100<US$200) segment grew by 1.1% YoY, as share declined from 44% to 42%. vivo, OPPO and realme continue to dominate the segment (together accounting for 60% share).
- The share of entry-premium (US$200<US$400) declined from 30% to 27%, a 2.5% YoY shipment decline. vivo, Samsung and OPPO lead, while Motorola shipments grew multifold at fourth slot.
- The mid-premium segment (US$400<US$600) witnessed growth of 39.5%, while its share increased from 4% to 5% in 2Q25. Oppo and OnePlus were major gainers in this segment compared to 1Q25.
- The super-premium segment (US$800+) also grew by 15.8% and its share remained flat at 7%. Samsung surpassed Apple for the leadership position at 49% and 48% share respectively. iPhone 16, Galaxy S25/S24 Ultra/S25 and iPhone 16Plus were key models in the segment.
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