Archive · 19 Sep 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Demand Surges in India Despite Higher Prices
Many people in India are buying Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro models even though they cost more.
Early store checks show demand has risen by about 15% to 28%.
Much of this interest comes from Apple fans who were waiting to upgrade.
Many shoppers use loans or monthly EMI payments to buy iPhones.
About two-thirds of Apple's sales in India are usually made this way.
The new Burgundy color is popular with early buyers.
Customers are also choosing phones with more storage.
Analysts say the higher price has not slowed Pro-series sales so far.
They will watch demand longer to see whether it stays strong after the launch excitement fades.
Early store checks indicate iPhone 18 Pro demand is up 15-28% across Indian retail channels.
Counterpoint Research attributes the increase mainly to loyal Apple enthusiasts upgrading early to Pro models.
About 66% of Apple sales in India are typically financed through consumer loans or EMI plans.
Apple's Burgundy color and higher-storage configurations are reportedly especially popular among early buyers.
Analysts say higher prices are not currently hurting Pro sales, though demand for other models could bring more grey-market activity.
- Who
- Indian consumers, especially Apple enthusiasts and existing Apple loyalists, are driving demand; Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint Research provided the market assessment.
- What
- Demand for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro series in India has reportedly increased by 15-28% despite higher prices.
- When
- During the early launch period, ahead of India's festive shopping season.
- Where
- Across retail channels in India, particularly in urban centres.
- Why
- Strong brand loyalty, early-upgrade enthusiasm, flexible financing and EMI options, and interest in premium colors and higher storage are supporting sales.
- Reported demand increase
- 15-28% in early Indian store checks
- Main buyers
- Early-upgrade enthusiasts and Apple loyalists
- Typical EMI share
- Approximately 66% of Apple sales in India
- Popular color
- Burgundy
- Popular configurations
- Higher-storage variants
- Market timing
- Ahead of India's festive shopping period
- Analyst
- Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research