In 2022, one in five smartphones sold in the Indian market was categorized as premium, according to data from market research firm Counterpoint Research. This trend is attributed to India's status as the world's most populous country and its rapid economic growth, leading to a significant uptick in demand for high-end devices such as Apple’s iPhone 16. Premium smartphone shipments in India constituted 22% of the total market, reaching historical highs and fostering expectations that India will emerge as a new battleground for smartphone manufacturers following China.

The report highlights that Apple dominated the Indian smartphone revenue market in 2022, commanding a 28% share, the highest ever recorded for the brand in the region. Following closely was Samsung with a 22% market share. The iPhone 16 was the most sold smartphone, reflecting not just Apple’s growing popularity but also its pivotal role in the surge of premium smartphone sales, significantly influencing the overall revenue of the sector which rose by approximately 8% due to the influx of high-priced models.

Apple has intensified its focus on the Indian market, recently opening its first official store in Mumbai, where CEO Tim Cook engaged directly with customers and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Furthermore, to establish India as a key manufacturing hub, Apple operates five iPhone production facilities across the country. In a recent internal meeting, Cook emphasized that emerging markets like India are a priority for Apple, highlighting the company’s strategic commitment to strengthening its position in this rapidly growing market. Meanwhile, Samsung is also increasing its sales of premium models like the Galaxy S25 and its foldable series, prioritizing high-margin products over budget-friendly options that are popular in emerging markets.