Archive · 19 Sep 2026
iPhone 18 Pro Sales Outpace iPhone 17 Pro at Launch
Apple has started selling its new iPhone 18 Pro models in India.
Early signs suggest more people want them than wanted last year's iPhone 17 Pro models.
One research company estimated demand was 15% to 28% higher in several cities.
Retailers gave a bigger estimate, saying bookings were 40% to 50% higher.
Burgundy is the most popular color so far.
Many shoppers are also choosing phones with more storage.
The iPhone 18 Pro costs at least Rs 164,900, and the Pro Max costs Rs 179,900.
Apple will launch its less expensive iPhone 18 model early next year.
Its first foldable phone, called the iPhone Duo, will begin bookings on October 17 and costs Rs 299,000.
Counterpoint Research estimates iPhone 18 Pro demand was 15% to 28% higher than iPhone 17 Pro demand across several Indian cities.
Apple stores in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Jaipur and Meerut were inspected for the preliminary assessment.
Retailers reported combined bookings for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max were 40% to 50% higher than last year's models.
Burgundy is reportedly the most popular color, while higher-storage versions are also attracting demand.
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Rs 164,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 179,900; the iPhone Duo costs Rs 299,000.
- Who
- Apple Inc., Counterpoint Research and Apple retailers are involved.
- What
- Early estimates indicate stronger demand for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max than for the previous Pro models.
- When
- Sales and deliveries began on Friday; iPhone Duo bookings start October 17, and the entry-level iPhone 18 is planned for early next year.
- Where
- The preliminary research covered Apple stores in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Jaipur and Meerut, India.
- Why
- Demand is being driven by the new Pro models, interest in burgundy and higher storage, although longer-term performance remains uncertain.
Counterpoint Research
Apple Retailers
Early sales estimates
Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint Research estimated that iPhone 18 Pro demand was 15% to 28% higher than iPhone 17 Pro demand, depending on the city.
Apple Retailers
Top retailers reported a larger 40% to 50% increase in combined bookings for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max compared with last year's models.
Confidence in the trend
Counterpoint Research
Counterpoint said early feedback was positive but that performance should be monitored after the initial launch excitement fades.
Apple Retailers
Retailers' booking figures indicated strong early interest, though the article did not provide their longer-term assessment.
- Estimated demand increase
- 15% to 28% above iPhone 17 Pro levels, according to Counterpoint Research
- Retailer booking increase
- 40% to 50% above combined iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max bookings
- Popular color
- Burgundy
- iPhone 18 Pro price
- Starts at Rs 164,900
- iPhone 18 Pro Max price
- Starts at Rs 179,900
- iPhone Duo price
- Rs 299,000
- iPhone Duo bookings
- Begin October 17