1 week ago
Apple bucks India's weak smartphone market with 15% growth
India's smartphone market had a difficult period from April to July 2026.
Many phones became more expensive, so people were careful about spending.
Shoppers often waited for discounts before buying a phone.
Apple did better than other brands, with sales rising 15 percent.
Demand for the iPhone 17 series and payment offers helped Apple.
Big sales events increased purchases for a short time.
After one July promotion ended, sales fell for three weeks in a row.
Researchers expect discounts and new phones during the festive season to help, but the market may still shrink overall in 2026.
India's smartphone market faced pressure during April-July 2026 as prices rose and consumers limited spending.
Apple recorded 15% year-on-year sales growth, supported by demand for the iPhone 17 series and affordability offers.
Weekly smartphone sales were mostly below year-ago levels, while promotional events delivered only temporary boosts.
Sales declined for three consecutive weeks after major festive promotions ended in July.
Counterpoint Research expects India's smartphone market to decline about 13% in 2026, despite a potentially stronger second half.
- Who
- Apple, Indian smartphone buyers, and smartphone brands were involved; Counterpoint Research provided the market analysis.
- What
- Apple's smartphone sales grew 15% year on year while India's overall market remained under pressure.
- Where
- India.
- When
- The reported period was April-July 2026, with a forecast covering all of 2026.
- Why
- Apple benefited from demand for the iPhone 17 series and affordability offers, while the broader market was hurt by price increases and cautious consumer spending.
Key facts
- Apple sales growth
- 15% year-on-year during April-July 2026
- Overall 2026 market outlook
- Expected to decline by around 13% year on year
- Price increases
- Affected models rose by an average of around Rs 3,200 during April-July 2026
- Post-promotion trend
- Sales declined for three consecutive weeks after July's major festive sales
- Apple demand drivers
- The iPhone 17 series and continued affordability offers
- Expected market support
- Festive-season discounts, financing schemes, and new launches
Quotes
Prachir Singh
Senior analyst at Counterpoint Research
“"Continued price hikes, particularly in the mass‑market segments, with prices of affected models increasing by an average of around Rs 3,200 during April-July 2026, are also extending replacement cycles as consumers delay purchases or wait for better deals."”
thehansindia.com
“"We expect demand to improve gradually in the coming months as brands increase promotional activity ahead of the festive season."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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