Apple’s higher iPhone prices appear to be doing little to weaken demand in India. Instead, the iPhone 18 Pro is reportedly attracting more buyers than its predecessor did last year.
Demand for the iPhone 18 Pro has risen by almost 20% compared with the iPhone 17 Pro at the same point in 2025. Meanwhile, Apple continues to expand its share of India’s smartphone market.
Apple Gains Ground in India
Counterpoint Research director Tarun Pathak expects Apple’s volume market share in India to reach 10% during 2026. That would mark its first double-digit share for a full calendar year. In comparison, Apple held just 4% in 2022.
The iPhone 18 lineup arrived on September 18 and quickly attracted crowds. Some customers reportedly travelled for hours to reach Apple Stores in major cities such as Mumbai. Moreover, some buyers waited in line for as long as 10 hours.
Interestingly, customer comments suggest that new technology is not the main attraction. Instead, many buyers appear focused on owning Apple’s latest iPhone.
Premium Appeal Meets Flexible Payments
Price may actually reinforce the iPhone’s premium image among some Indian consumers. However, Apple is also making its expensive devices easier to purchase through financing.
The base iPhone 18 Pro costs the equivalent of about $1,700 in India. Yet zero-interest payment programs allow eligible buyers to spread that expense across a year. Monthly payments can therefore remain below 10% of the phone’s total price.
Apple did record lower Indian sales during the June quarter. However, the report attributes that decline to supply constraints and says sales otherwise grew for four years.
Strong Demand May Still Face Challenges
The current momentum does not guarantee lasting growth. Apple must balance premium pricing with financing that keeps its products within reach of aspiring buyers.
Meanwhile, lower-priced smartphone makers reportedly faced a sharper sales decline during 2026, although the source provides no figures.
India also continues to grow as an important iPhone manufacturing hub. Furthermore, recent tax breaks could strengthen Apple’s position in the country.
For now, strong iPhone 18 Pro demand suggests Apple’s premium strategy is finding an audience in one of its increasingly important markets.
