Apple strengthened its position in India’s rapidly evolving smartphone market, recording a 25% year-on-year (YoY) growth in iPhone shipments during the January–March 2025 quarter, according to CyberMedia Research’s (CMR) latest Mobile Handset Market Review. The company captured an 8% market share, fueled by strong demand for premium smartphones and a growing retail presence nationwide.
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Apple continues to strengthen its foothold in India’s fast-evolving smartphone market, with iPhone shipments growing 25% year-on-year (YoY) in the January–March 2025 quarter, according to CyberMedia Research’s (CMR) latest Mobile Handset Market Review. The tech giant secured an 8% market share during the quarter, driven by robust demand for premium devices and an expanding retail footprint across the country.
The impressive performance was largely propelled by the iPhone 16 series, particularly the iPhone 16e, which resonated well with premium buyers. Apple’s market share in the super-premium segment (Rs 50,000 – Rs 1 lakh) jumped 28% YoY, while in the uber-premium bracket (above Rs 1 lakh), the share rose 15% YoY. These figures underscore the increasing appetite among Indian consumers for high-end smartphones and Apple’s ability to capitalize on that trend.
“Apple’s strategic focus on premiumization and deeper market penetration through offline and online channels has begun to yield solid results,” the CMR report stated. “The iPhone 16 series, with its performance upgrades and targeted pricing, has especially contributed to the brand’s momentum in India.”
While Apple made gains in the premium segment, the overall Indian smartphone market was led by Chinese brand Vivo, which captured a commanding 20% share in Q1 2025. Samsung followed closely with an 18% share, maintaining its stronghold in both mid-range and premium device categories.
Xiaomi, once a dominant player in the Indian market, slipped to third place with a 13% market share — a sharp 37% YoY decline, the most significant drop among the top five brands. The report attributed Xiaomi’s downturn to intensified competition and gaps in its affordable and value-for-money smartphone lineup, a segment where it historically held strong.
Meanwhile, Oppo maintained its position in the market with an 8% YoY growth in shipments, securing a 12% share. Motorola emerged as a surprise performer, registering a 53% YoY growth, reflecting renewed consumer interest in the brand’s recent launches in the mid-range segment.
5G Smartphone Surge and Affordable Access
India’s transition to 5G continues to accelerate, with 5G-enabled smartphones now accounting for a remarkable 86% of overall smartphone shipments during the quarter — a 14% YoY increase. The surge was especially noticeable in the affordable 5G segment, with devices priced between Rs 8,000 and Rs 13,000 witnessing over 100% YoY growth. This trend highlights the increasing penetration of next-generation connectivity even among budget-conscious consumers.
Vivo led the 5G smartphone market with a 21% share, followed by Samsung with 19%, reinforcing their strength across different price tiers. “The democratization of 5G smartphones is opening up new opportunities for OEMs to tap into first-time and upgraders’ segments,” the report noted.
Feature Phone Market Still Holds Ground
Despite the surge in smartphone adoption, the feature phone segment remained relevant, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. Chinese brand itel led the feature phone market with a commanding 41% share, although its supplies declined 6% YoY. Lava, a homegrown player, experienced a 14% drop in shipments but remained a key player in the segment.
HMD Global, known for its Nokia-branded feature phones, held a 19% market share, also witnessing a 6% dip in supply. While the feature phone market continues to shrink, it still plays an essential role in serving non-smartphone users and those seeking backup devices.
Chipset Wars: MediaTek Leads, Qualcomm Powers Premium
On the chipset front, MediaTek emerged as the dominant player in India’s smartphone processor market, commanding a 46% share. The brand continues to benefit from widespread adoption in entry-level and mid-range smartphones.
However, in the premium smartphone segment (above Rs 25,000), Qualcomm maintained a leadership position with a 35% market share, highlighting its preference among high-end Android devices for better performance and connectivity features.
The Indian smartphone market remains dynamic and fiercely competitive. Apple’s double-digit growth and increasing market share point to a broader shift in consumer behavior toward premiumization. Simultaneously, brands like Vivo and Samsung are consolidating their positions with a strong presence across price segments, while Motorola’s resurgence signals room for more competition. As 5G becomes more accessible, the battle for both volume and value will intensify, setting the stage for a compelling year ahead in India’s mobile landscape.
