India Embraces iPhone 18 Pro, Demand Jumps Nearly 20%
Apple's latest flagship has found an enthusiastic audience in India, with demand for the iPhone 18 Pro rising nearly 20% compared to the same point last year. The high-end device was released on September 18 and drew long lines at Apple Stores in major cities, with some customers waiting up to 10 hours. According to Tarun Pathak, director of Counterpoint Research, Apple's volume market share in India is expected to reach 10% by 2026, its first full calendar year in double digits.
The base iPhone 18 Pro costs around $1,700 in India, but Apple and partners have offered zero-interest financing options that allow eligible customers to spread payments over a year, keeping monthly installments below 10% of the phone's price. This move has helped soften the sticker shock for some consumers, who view the high price as a premium status symbol.
India is becoming an increasingly important manufacturing base for iPhones, and recent tax breaks may further strengthen Apple's position in the market. The surge in iPhone 18 Pro demand suggests that Apple's high-end strategy is resonating with aspirational buyers, but the company will need to balance premium pricing with accessible payment options to sustain momentum.