Apple has 60% of the premium ($500+) smartphone market in India

According to the International Data Corporation ’s (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, the India smartphone market exited 2022 with 144 million shipments (the lowest since 2019), with a 10% decline YoY (year-over-year). However, it was mostly good news for Apple.

The fourth quarter of 2022 (4Q22) declined 27% YoY as shipments fell to 30 million units. Dwindling consumer demand due to high inflation remained a challenge throughout the year despite the improved supply situation, according to IDC. The ASP (average selling price) hit a record US$224, rising 18% YoY in 2022. 

“The entry-level segment (sub-US$150) shrank to 46% of the market, down from 54% a year ago. The dearth of new launches in this critical mass segment was a barrier for new smartphone users, thus limiting the overall market’s growth,” says Upasana Joshi, research manager, Client Devices, IDC India.

The mid-premium and premium price segments of $300-500 and $500+ grew 20% and 55%, respectively, while the -$300 segment declined by 15%. In the premium segment of $500+, Apple maintained its lead with a 60% share (iPhone 13 being the third most shipped device in 2022), followed by Samsung with a 21% share.