Apple Records Highest-Ever Shipment Volume in India with 29% Growth in March Quarter

Apple has set an all-time high by recording its highest-ever shipment volume in India during the January-March quarter of 2025 with a 29% year-over-year growth, according to a recent report by Counterpoint Research. Apple's performance also topped the Indian smartphone market in terms of value.

In Q1 2025, the Indian smartphone industry focused on achieving more sustainable and structured growth. The majority of the big brands were experiencing excess inventory and wished to dispose of excess stock to bring operations to normal, providing a better platform for the rest of the year.

There was, however, steady consumer demand for ultra-premium products, with the ultra-premium segment (Rs 45,000 and above) posting a 15% year-on-year (YoY) growth. In addition, the selling price (ASP) of phones increased at an 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) post-COVID, a trend towards premium smartphones.

The trend for premiumization was enabled by increased affordability and availability of financing schemes that made premium products available to broader consumers.

Vivo, which further established its dominance in India's smartphone segment, recorded 9% YoY growth, retaining its third consecutive quarter at the top. Apple, on the other hand, continued its strong northward progress, recording a 29% YoY growth and solidifying its grip on the high-end segment.

OPPO claimed the third position in the market with the help of its A3 and K series, which was centered around toughness—an aspect rapidly becoming important among consumers.

Interestingly, Nothing was the quarter's fastest-growing brand with a whopping 156% YoY growth, driven mainly by the popularity of its recently launched 3a series. This was the fifth consecutive quarter that Nothing topped the list as the fastest-growing smartphone brand in India.

The report also suggests that India's smartphone market is expected to grow at a low single-digit percentage in 2025, driven by a favorable economic situation and increased global interest in Indian manufacturing.