New Delhi– Apple posted its strongest-ever first-quarter shipments in India during Q1 2025, fueled by strong demand for the iPhone 16 series and attractive Republic Day promotions across e-commerce platforms and large-format retail stores, according to a report released Monday by market research firm Canalys.
A key driver behind Apple’s performance was the introduction of the iPhone 16e, which helped the company expand its footprint in India’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities, further deepening its market penetration.
“Despite starting the quarter with high inventory levels and an overall 23% year-over-year decline in total shipments, Samsung managed to record 5% annual growth in its Galaxy S25 series compared to the S24 during Q1 2024,” said Sanyam Chaurasia, Senior Analyst at Canalys, now part of Omdia. He credited the growth to the brand’s continued premium momentum and the integration of conversational AI features.
Chaurasia noted that for both Apple and Samsung, success in the coming quarters will hinge on maintaining ecosystem loyalty and executing effectively in premium sales channels.
As overall consumer demand softens, major smartphone brands are pivoting their strategies to focus on upgrade cycles and increasing average selling prices (ASPs). In this climate, India is becoming more important in the global smartphone value chain, particularly in light of evolving U.S. tariff policies.
“The changes in U.S. tariffs present an opportunity to boost local manufacturing, with Indian smartphone exports expected to benefit,” Chaurasia said. “However, demand-side risks remain, especially in export-dependent sectors facing weakening global demand due to rising U.S. prices.”
The report pointed out that the post-pandemic replacement cycle is nearing its end, tapering demand by mid-2025. With limited organic growth drivers and increasing reliance on channel dynamics, India’s smartphone market is expected to see modest growth this year.
Nevertheless, rising ASPs and financing-led premiumization offer a silver lining, with the pricing sweet spot shifting toward the ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 range (approximately $250 to $350), according to the report.
India’s smartphone market began 2025 on a cautious note, with total shipments reaching 32.4 million units in the first quarter. Vivo retained its top position with 7 million units shipped and a 22% market share, widening its lead. Samsung followed with 5.1 million units, while Xiaomi took third place with 4 million units and a 12% share. (Source: IANS)
