The iPhone 17 marked a major step in the evolution of the premium handset. While the design was left largely unchanged, Apple made a host of upgrades under the skin, making it a much more desirable upgrade than its predecessor have ever been. The Pro variants received cosmetic updates and a greater dose of performance boost. Hence, it comes as no surprise when a research firm found out that Apple’s bestseller has been the new iPhone 17 since its launch – not the older models!
Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series has emerged as the company’s best-selling model since its launch. The strong initial sales performance, which has also powered Apple to a historic $4 trillion market valuation, shows how the brand’s focus on the Indian market helped it achieve top-level sales.
Early sales data from research firms like Counterpoint, IDC and Bernstein, as reported by Mint, indicates that the iPhone 17 lineup has already surpassed its predecessor, the iPhone 16 series. Pre-bookings jumped approximately 19% in India compared to the previous year. The iPhone 17 outsold the iPhone 16 series globally by 14% in key launch markets like the US and China during its first 10 days of availability. In India, sales were up by up to 20 per cent than earlier models.
This has occurred for the first time in a price-sensitive market like India, where previous generation models usually acquire a larger market share in the months following the launch of a new model.
iPhone 17 series sales at an all-time high
Some of the reasons why analysts think the iPhone 17 series did well in India include:
A value-for-money base model: The standard iPhone 17 offers significant upgrades, including a better chip, improved display, and higher base storage. The starting price is higher at Rs 82,900, but you now get 256GB as standard in India. This offers a better value proposition than prior base models.
Financing and discounts: A strong demand for the iPhone 17 is credited to accessible financing options, such as up to 24 months of EMI and significant cashback offers. These deals make the premium devices more affordable for a wider segment of consumers.
More Indians buying premium phones: The Indian premium smartphone market (priced above Rs 30,000) is experiencing rapid growth, and Apple, with its strong brand presence, is capitalising on this trend.
While the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro models are seeing exceptional demand, with the Cosmic Orange Pro variant selling out quickly in some regions, the new ultra-slim iPhone Air has reportedly struggled to gain expected sales figures.
India and the iPhone 17: A match made is heaven?
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the record sales coincide with India’s rising status as Apple’s preferred manufacturing hub. For the first time in almost a decade, all iPhone 17 models are being produced in India for global markets right from launch. Along with support by the Indian government, Apple’s iPhone exports from India hit a record $10 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year.
