Indian consumers are shifting away from traditional budget smartphones, with Apple Inc.’s iPhone 16 base model becoming the best-selling smartphone in India in 2025. According to a Counterpoint Research report, out of 154 million smartphone shipments in 2025, the iPhone 16 base model accounted for approximately 6.16 million units, capturing 4% of the market share.
Launched in September 2024, the iPhone 16 base model is priced at around Rs 71,000. The report also highlighted that around 60% of premium smartphones in India are now purchased through equated monthly installment (EMI) plans, as per Counterpoint Research.
The success of the iPhone 16 in India is attributed to Apple’s brand appeal and financing options like EMIs, which have increased affordability, along with exchange offers. Apple CEO Tim Cook mentioned that the company achieved a quarterly revenue record in India during the October-December period.
Apple’s production and exports in India have been consistently increasing, with the company setting revenue records in various regions, including the Americas, Europe, Japan, and the rest of Asia Pacific. Cook stated that Apple is gaining momentum in emerging markets, including India, with strong double-digit revenue growth.
India, being the second-largest smartphone market globally and the fourth largest PC market, has seen Apple setting quarterly revenue records across various product lines. Kevan Parekh, Apple’s CFO, noted that iPhone revenue reached $85.3 billion, a 23% increase year-over-year, driven by the iPhone 17 family.
