Apple India Shipments Set for 40% Boost as Foldable iPhone Launch Looms

Apple is expected to see a significant boost in iPhone shipments in India during the upcoming launch quarter, with CyberMedia Research (CMR) estimating a 40% increase over the average quarterly level. According to CMR's preliminary estimates, Apple's average quarterly shipments in India during 2026 are expected to be around 20%. The research firm expects the iPhone 18 Pro to account for around 8% of Apple's share during the launch quarter, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could account for around 5%. However, the anticipated iPhone Fold is expected to capture a significant 24% of India's foldable smartphone market during its launch quarter.

The estimated growth comes at a time when Apple is navigating challenges such as an ongoing AI talent brain drain and a generational leadership transition. Despite these challenges, the company's entry into the foldable segment could create significant consumer interest, particularly among Apple loyalists who have been waiting for the company to introduce a foldable device.

Apple's longstanding privacy positioning is expected to remain an important part of its brand differentiation, with the Siri relaunch and broader artificial intelligence push being integrated into core consumer use cases such as productivity and camera functionality. The company's rumoured product release strategy also indicates a deliberate shift in the timing of its iPhone launches, with the Pro, Pro Max, and foldable models anchoring the festive-season Q4 lineup.