iPhone 18 Pro initial sales in India rise 15–28% despite ₹1.65 lakh starting price
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series has posted 15–28% year-on-year initial sales growth in India, according to Business Today. Urban upgraders, higher-storage models and Burgundy finishes are leading demand, while EMI financing—used for about 66% of Apple sales in India—helps absorb the premium price point ahead of festive season.
What happened
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro series recorded 15-28% year-on-year initial sales growth in India despite a Rs 1,64,900 starting price. Demand is led by urban upgrade
Key facts
- iPhone 18 Pro series sale began September 18
- Starting price: Rs 1,64,900
- Initial sales up 15-28% year-on-year
- Approximately 66% of Apple sales in India are EMI-based
Why this matters
Apple’s India momentum highlights the strategic value of partners in consumer financing, premium retail distribution and localized trade-in ecosystems that can expand access to ultra-premium devices.
What to watch
- Festive-season sell-through versus retailer inventory replenishment, especially in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
- Share of sales financed through EMI and whether average loan tenure lengthens.
- Pro versus base-model mix, storage-tier mix and Burgundy availability or wait times.
- Trade-in values for iPhone 13, 14 and 15 models and the level of bank-funded cashback.
- Premium Android flagship discounting from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and Vivo.
- Any increase in Apple Store openings, authorized reseller expansion or India-localized financing partnerships.
- Apple and large-format retailers are likely to expand no-cost EMI, instant-bank-discount and trade-in campaigns ahead of Diwali.
- Channel inventory will skew toward Pro/Pro Max and higher-storage SKUs, increasing the risk of localized shortages in the most popular finishes.
- Competing Android premium brands are likely to respond with aggressive exchange bonuses, bundled wearables and zero-down-payment financing.
- Accessory, protection-plan and premium case sales should rise alongside the higher-value iPhone mix.
- Apple may use the stronger premium installed base to push AppleCare+, wearables and service subscriptions, raising customer lifetime value beyond handset revenue.