How is the market for Apple phones in India? How many Apple retailers are there in India?

Hello, We are All Vision India, Hope you are well

The Booming Market for Apple iPhones in India

The Indian market has become increasingly significant for Apple over the past few years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Here's a look at the current landscape:

Strong and Growing Demand:

• Apple is experiencing robust growth in India. In the first quarter of 2025, the company is estimated to have shipped over 3 million iPhones, marking its highest-ever first-quarter shipments in the country. This is a substantial increase from the 2.21 million units shipped in the same period last year.
• India is now Apple's fourth-largest market globally, trailing only the United States, China, and Japan.
• In 2024, Apple shipped a record 12 million iPhones in India, demonstrating a remarkable 35% year-over-year growth.
• This strong performance allowed Apple to enter the list of India's top five smartphone brands for the first time in the last quarter of 2024, achieving a 10% market share.
• Analysts predict that Apple's iPhone sales in India could reach between 13 and 14 million units in 2025, with a potential annual growth rate of 10-15%.

Factors Driving Growth:

• Affordability Schemes: Offers like No Cost EMIs, cashback, and discounts from online retailers have made iPhones more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
• Newer Models: The launch of the iPhone 16 series, including more budget-friendly options like the iPhone 16e, has significantly contributed to recent growth.
• Local Manufacturing: Apple is increasing its local manufacturing capabilities in India, which could lead to more competitive pricing in the future.
• Expanding Retail Presence: Apple is actively building its retail footprint in India, including the opening of more official Apple Stores in major cities.
• Brand Preference: Despite the higher price point compared to many other brands, the aspirational value and brand loyalty associated with Apple products remain strong in the Indian market.

Market Share and Competition:

• While Apple's market share is growing, it's important to note that the overall Indian smartphone market is dominated by other players in terms of volume.
• As of the fourth quarter of 2024, brands like Vivo, Xiaomi, and Samsung held larger market shares in terms of the number of units shipped. However, Apple has secured a significant share in terms of value, leading the market with a 23% value share at the beginning of 2025.
• The premium segment (phones priced above ₹30,000 or approximately $360) is a key area where Apple holds a strong position and continues to see substantial growth.

Apple Retailers in India

Apple employs a multi-channel retail strategy in India, which includes:

• Official Apple Stores: As of May 2025, Apple operates two of its own branded retail stores in India:
  • Apple BKC: Located in Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Apple Saket: Situated in Select CITYWALK, District Centre, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi.
  • Apple has plans to open four new Apple Stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai in the near future, further expanding its direct retail presence.
• Apple Premium Resellers (APRs): These are authorized retail partners that operate stores dedicated to selling Apple products. Examples include iNvent and various other chains with multiple locations across India. You can find lists of APRs in different cities on Apple's website and through partner websites like IndiaiStore.
• Corporate Resellers: Apple also partners with corporate resellers that cater to businesses and organizations. A detailed list of these resellers, organized by city, is available on the Apple India website.
• Large Format Retailers and Online Platforms: Apple products are also sold through major electronics retail chains and online marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart.

While the exact number of individual retail outlets (including APR stores and other authorized sellers) is dynamic and not precisely stated by Apple, it is estimated to be in the thousands across India, considering the extensive network of APRs and other partners in numerous cities. Websites like IndiaiStore mention partnerships with over 3000 Apple Reseller stores across the country.

In conclusion, the market for Apple iPhones in India is experiencing significant growth, establishing India as a crucial market for the company. Apple is expanding its retail presence through its own stores and a wide network of authorized resellers to cater to this increasing demand.