Apple Thrives Amid Indian Smartphone Market Decline
In January 2025, Apple reported impressive year-on-year growth, even as the overall Indian smartphone market faced a significant downturn. A recent market research report highlighted a 9.7% decline in smartphone shipments, attributed to weak consumer demand and lingering surplus inventory from the previous year. Despite these challenges, Apple secured a top-five position in the market, showcasing its resilience in a tough environment.
Indian Smartphone Market Faces Year-on-Year Decline
The International Data Corporation (IDC) revealed that smartphone brands shipped a total of 11.1 million units in January 2025, marking a 9.7% decrease compared to the same month in 2024. This decline follows a cyclical dip observed in the fourth quarter of 2024, where the market had previously shown a modest four percent growth year-on-year. The sluggish demand in January coincided with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series and various mid-range smartphones, yet manufacturers struggled to move units due to excess inventory from late 2024. Despite the downturn, IDC did not express any long-term concerns regarding the market’s trajectory.
Samsung and Other Brands Experience Significant Declines
Samsung, despite launching its flagship Galaxy S25 series, experienced the steepest year-on-year decline in shipments, plummeting by 19.5% in January 2025. Notably, the Galaxy S25 series was not available for sale until February 7, which may have contributed to the drop. Other brands also faced challenges; Vivo reported an 8.1% decline, while Realme saw a 5.3% decrease in shipments during the same period. These figures underscore the competitive pressures within the Indian smartphone market, as brands navigate shifting consumer preferences and economic conditions.
Apple Emerges as a Market Leader
In stark contrast to its competitors, Apple achieved a remarkable year-on-year growth of 11.7% in shipments for January 2025. This surge not only solidified its position among the top five smartphone brands in India but also marked the fifth consecutive month that Apple maintained this status. The IDC report emphasized that Apple’s strong performance is indicative of its growing influence in the Indian market. Additionally, Oppo was the only other brand to report positive shipment growth, with a 5.3% increase. Despite these gains, Vivo continues to lead the market share, followed by Samsung, Oppo, Apple, and Realme.
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