A new Croma study shows that affordability drives iPhone sales in India, with non-Pro models accounting for 86% of purchases. Premium Pro and Pro Max variants together contribute only 14%, highlighting India’s value-conscious market. Students, young professionals, and everyday consumers prefer devices that deliver the Apple experience without stretching budgets.
128GB Variant Is The Top Choice
When it comes to storage, 128GB reigns supreme, capturing nearly 75% of total sales. The 256GB variant contributes 24.4%, while higher capacities like 512GB and 1TB together account for less than 1%. This reliance on mid-tier storage is aided by widespread adoption of cloud services like iCloud and Google Drive, reducing the need for larger onboard space.
Maharashtra Tops iPhone Demand
Geographically, Maharashtra leads iPhone sales with a 25% share, followed by Gujarat (11%) and Delhi (10%). Urban centers like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad remain strongholds, driven by affluent professionals and tech-savvy youth. Bengaluru also plays a notable role thanks to its thriving IT ecosystem. These insights could guide Apple’s marketing focus for the iPhone 17 launch.
Classic Colours Lead Preferences
Indian buyers prefer timeless hues, with Black (26.2%), Blue (23.8%), and White (20.2%) emerging as the top choices. This suggests a cultural tilt toward elegant, versatile designs that work well in both professional and festive settings. Apple may consider more India-specific finishes for future models.
Upgrade Culture And AppleCare Adoption Rising
The study found that 20.5% of buyers upgraded from older iPhones, showcasing a strong loyalty to the Apple ecosystem. AppleCare adoption is also on the rise, with 17% of buyers opting for device protection—highest among iPhone 16 users (20%). This indicates growing awareness about repair costs and device longevity in India’s challenging climate.
Why It Matters
As Apple prepares to unveil the iPhone 17 series, these findings underline India’s unique market behavior: aspirational yet cost-conscious. Non-Pro models, 128GB storage, and classic colours dominate, while upgrade and protection trends signal a maturing consumer base. For Apple, tailoring offerings to this balance of aspiration and affordability will be key to deepening its footprint in India.
