The iPhone 16 emerged as the best-selling smartphone in India for 2025, with about 6.5 million units sold in the first 11 months, signaling a shift toward premium devices in a market long dominated by affordable Androids.

iPhone 16 led Apple’s shipments in India and helped the iPhone 15 (launched in 2023) remain among the year’s top five best-sellers, underscoring sustained brand loyalty and demand for premium models.

Analysts noted market momentum beyond India, with Nvidia and Microsoft reaching $4 trillion valuations, while JPMorgan highlighted manufacturing and tariff shifts that could benefit Apple.

Market trends fueling this shift include demand for long-term software updates, rapid 5G adoption among premium users, and the appeal of ecosystem integration across Apple devices.

For competing brands, the shift presents a dual challenge and opportunity: Android players may push flagship models harder, emphasize differentiation and value-added services, and target aspirational premium buyers.

The trend is helped by widespread no-cost EMIs, cashbacks, and bank financing schemes that make high-end smartphones more affordable for consumers.

Apple’s success is driven by strong brand loyalty, advanced camera and performance, higher resale value, and a growing premium segment in India.

This development signals a rising willingness among Indian buyers to pay for premium devices and for long-term software and ecosystem benefits.

Apple reported record revenue in India and an 8% rise in global revenue to $102.5 billion, fueled by strong demand for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 series and expanded retail presence in India.

Counterpoint data shows the iPhone 16 maintaining leadership for a third straight quarter, aided by festive promotions and a recovery in Japan, even as the iPhone 17 launches.

Industry context remains that India’s smartphone market is expected to be flat in 2025, with total shipments around 158 million units, just modestly up from the previous year.

Demand for the iPhone 16 was strong across both metros and smaller cities, and it was a top deal during major sales events like Flipkart’s Big Billion Day.