Apple is reportedly experiencing a notable slowdown in iPhone sales across India, with demand during the crucial festive season dropping by as much as 30%. This decline, highlighted in a Moneycontrol report citing IDC, raises questions about Apple's momentum in a market it considers increasingly vital.
Several factors are contributing to this unexpected downturn. The primary reason cited is the ongoing increase in smartphone prices, which has made iPhones significantly more expensive. Consequently, traditional festive discounts and offers have become less appealing, and in some cases, customers are encountering fewer and more limited promotional deals, making new purchases less affordable.
Demand for the newer iPhone 15, 16, and 17 series has particularly weakened following these price hikes, leading to an accumulation of unsold inventory within the supply chain. Customers are adapting their buying behavior, either delaying upgrades, holding onto their current smartphones for longer, or opting for older iPhone models that offer better value.
Supply Constraints and Launch Cycle Shifts Impact Demand
Beyond pricing, supply chain challenges are also playing a role. The premium iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are reportedly facing supply shortages, limiting their availability to eager consumers. Sanyam Chaurasia, an analyst at Omdia, noted that customers are exercising caution when considering upgrades to new-generation models due to increased pricing and the limited availability of certain desired iPhone models.
Another significant factor is a shift in Apple's product launch cycle. The standard iPhone 18 model reportedly skipped its usual September launch this year, a move expected to contribute to the weakened festive demand. If the base iPhone 18 launches in early 2027, customers planning a purchase between October and December 2026 may postpone it until the first quarter of 2027.
Potential for First Annual Decline in Shipments
Despite strong global demand for the iPhone 18 Pro models and the iPhone Duo gaining traction as a new premium offering, India's market performance is diverging. Experts predict that iPhone shipments in India could see a double-digit decline this year, a sharp contrast to the record 14.3 million units shipped in 2025. This potential decline would mark Apple's first annual drop in shipments in India after years of consistent growth, underscoring the challenges posed by local market dynamics and consumer price sensitivity.