India Mania: Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Sparks Frenzy in World's Second-Largest Smartphone Market
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro has sparked a frenzy in India, with long lines forming outside stores in major cities. The demand for the new phone is stronger than last year, with early channel checks showing nearly 20% higher interest compared to the previous model.
The strong sales are driven by zero-cost monthly payment plans and student discounts, which make the iPhone more affordable for Indians. However, the high price of the iPhone 18 Pro - about $1,700 in India - may be a barrier for some buyers.
India is a key market for Apple, and the company's growing share could help drive growth. Counterpoint Research expects Apple to reach 10% market share by 2026, up from 4% in 2022. The iPhone 18 Pro series has seen stronger sales than expected, which could contribute to this growth.
Despite the strong demand, Apple's shipments to India fell in the June quarter due to supply shortages. The company is guiding for revenue growth of 9% to 11% in the September quarter, a slowdown from the previous quarter. However, if Apple can address the supply issues, the Indian market could provide a significant boost to the stock.
Apple's India sales have been growing steadily, with sales increasing by 16% in 2025 compared to the regional average of 12%. The company sold 14.4 million iPhones in India last year, and the strong demand for the new iPhone 18 Pro could contribute to further growth.