Apple is seeing strong demand for the iPhone 18 Pro in India, with sales figures rising by nearly 20% compared to the iPhone 17 Pro in 2025. This growth follows a price increase for the new model, which retail stores in major Indian cities saw firsthand on September 18, when the device officially launched and drew long queues of customers.
Counterpoint Research projects that Apple could capture a 10% share of the Indian smartphone market in 2026. This would mark the first time the company reaches double-digit market share in a single calendar year, a significant rise from the 4% share recorded in 2022. Analysts attribute this to a broader trend of premiumization among Indian consumers.
To facilitate high-end sales, Apple offers zero-interest installment plans, allowing users to pay less than one-tenth of the device's price monthly. Although the base model of the iPhone 18 Pro is priced at approximately $1700, these financial options have helped maintain a consistent growth trend in India that has lasted for about four years.
While Apple continues to expand, manufacturers focused on entry-level smartphones are facing declining sales as consumer preferences shift toward premium brands. Despite this success, industry experts note that future growth remains dependent on sustaining brand appeal and managing potential competition from Chinese smartphone brands entering the high-end segment.
