Apple Achieves Record Smartphone Shipments in India
Apple has made significant strides in the Indian smartphone market in 2024, achieving record unit shipments. A recent report from a market research firm highlights that overall smartphone shipments in India grew by four percent year-over-year (YoY), reaching a total of 151 million units. This growth is attributed to a robust performance in the first half of the year, which saw a seven percent increase. However, the second half experienced a slower growth rate of two percent. The report also indicates that shipments through both offline and online channels grew by four percent YoY, mirroring the overall market growth.
Indian Smartphone Shipments Witness 4 Percent Growth YoY in 2024
The International Data Corporation (IDC) has released a report detailing the trends in smartphone shipments in India for 2024. Despite the overall growth of four percent, the report notes a cyclical dip in the fourth quarter, where shipments fell to 36 million units, marking a decline of three percent. This decline in the latter part of the year contrasts with the strong performance earlier, where the market saw a seven percent growth in the first half.
Interestingly, the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones reached a new high of $259 (approximately Rs. 22,470) in 2024. The entry premium segment, which includes devices priced between $200 and $400 (roughly Rs. 17,350 to Rs. 34,700), experienced remarkable growth of 35.3 percent YoY. This segment now holds a 28 percent share of the market, up from 21 percent in 2023. Meanwhile, the premium segment priced between $600 and $800 (approximately Rs. 52,000 to Rs. 69,400) also saw a notable increase of 34.9 percent, with its market share rising from three percent in 2023 to four percent in 2024. Key models driving this growth include the iPhone 15, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23, and Samsung Galaxy S24.
5G Smartphones Surge in Popularity
The report from IDC also sheds light on the increasing popularity of 5G smartphones in India. In 2024, a total of 120 million 5G smartphones were shipped, marking a significant increase in market share from 55 percent in 2023 to an impressive 79 percent. This surge indicates a growing consumer preference for advanced technology and connectivity options.
Interestingly, the ASP of 5G handsets saw a decline of 19 percent YoY, dropping to $303 (approximately Rs. 26,300). This decline suggests that while more consumers are opting for 5G devices, they are also seeking more affordable options. Some of the most shipped 5G handsets include popular models like the Redmi 13C, iPhone 15, Vivo Y28, iPhone 13, and Vivo T3X. The shift towards 5G technology reflects a broader trend in the Indian market, where consumers are increasingly prioritizing connectivity and performance in their smartphone choices.
Apple’s Remarkable Growth in India
Apple’s performance in India has been particularly noteworthy in 2024. The company achieved a record shipment of 12 million units, representing a remarkable 35 percent YoY growth. This achievement positions India as Apple’s fourth-largest market, highlighting the brand’s expanding influence in the region. Furthermore, Apple entered the top five smartphone brands in India, capturing a 10 percent market share in the fourth quarter of the previous year.
In contrast, other major brands like Samsung, Realme, and OnePlus faced challenges in maintaining their market share. Samsung experienced a decline of 19.4 percent, while Realme and OnePlus saw reductions of 8.5 percent and 32.6 percent, respectively. This shift in market dynamics underscores the competitive nature of the Indian smartphone landscape, where consumer preferences are rapidly evolving.
Feature Phones and Overall Mobile Shipments
While smartphones dominate the market, feature phones still play a significant role in India. In 2024, a total of 54 million feature phones were shipped, reflecting an 11 percent decline YoY. Among the leading brands in this category, Transsion secured the top position with a 30 percent market share, followed by Nokia and Lava. Overall, the total number of mobile phones shipped in the period reached 205 million, indicating a slight annual drop of one percent.
This decline in feature phone shipments may be attributed to the increasing affordability and accessibility of smartphones, particularly 5G devices. As consumers continue to embrace advanced technology, the demand for feature phones is likely to diminish further. The evolving landscape of mobile technology in India presents both challenges and opportunities for brands as they navigate the shifting preferences of consumers.
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