Apple’s sales growth in India slowed sharply in the last fiscal year, rising 18 percent to reach Rs 79,378 crore. This is the weakest growth the company has recorded in the country in six years. The moderation comes at a time when Apple’s overall presence in India has expanded significantly, making high percentage growth more difficult to achieve as the base becomes larger.
A major reason for the slowdown is a shift in what consumers are buying. A growing share of Apple’s India revenue now comes from older iPhone models that are sold at lower prices. These units move in higher volumes but contribute less to revenue growth compared to newly launched flagships. Analysts expect this pattern to continue in the coming fiscal year, with estimated growth falling further to around 10 to 15 percent.
Despite the softer numbers, Apple’s India operations remain sizeable. The company has invested in local manufacturing, opened exclusive retail stores and strengthened its service network. However, the challenge now lies in reviving demand for premium models so that growth does not rely heavily on discounted older devices. Industry observers note that the higher dependence on legacy models signals weakening momentum for Apple’s latest products in India.
Looking ahead, analysts believe the current model mix will keep revenue growth subdued in the near future. Unless Apple finds ways to boost demand for its newest iPhones, the company may find it difficult to return to the strong expansion rates it enjoyed earlier. This trend reflects the broader market environment in India where consumers are increasingly value conscious even within the premium smartphone category.
In effect, Apple’s scale in India remains impressive, but the combination of a large base and changing consumer preferences means the company is entering a period of more moderate growth in one of its fastest growing global markets. |
