In a significant shift for the Indian smartphone landscape, Apple's iPhone 16 has clinched the title of the most popular smartphone in the country for the year 2025. According to fresh data from the market research firm Counterpoint, the tech giant sold an impressive approximately 6.5 million units of the iPhone 16 within the first eleven months of the year. This achievement underscores a notable change in consumer tastes in a market historically ruled by budget and mid-range Android phones.
iPhone Dominates Sales Charts and Festive Seasons
The Counterpoint report reveals that Apple didn't just stop with the iPhone 16. The company also secured a spot in the top five best-sellers for the year with its 2023-launched iPhone 15, showcasing the brand's enduring appeal. The iPhone 16 spearheaded Apple's shipments in India, with robust demand flowing in from both metropolitan hubs and smaller cities. Its popularity was supercharged during the festive season, where it emerged as the 'top deal' during Flipkart's flagship Big Billion Day sale, ranking among the highest-selling devices in that period.
Furthermore, the iPhone 16 led the overall market and held the number one position for three consecutive quarters. Strong festive promotions in India, coupled with a sustained market recovery in Japan, helped the model cushion the typical seasonal decline expected ahead of the newer iPhone 17 series launch.
Apple's Record-Breaking Financial Milestones
India played a starring role in Apple's global financial success. While announcing global revenues of $102.5 billion, an 8% growth driven by a "tremendous response" to the new iPhone 17 and the previous iPhone 16 series, CEO Tim Cook highlighted India's exceptional performance. "We also set a Sept quarter revenue record in emerging markets and an all-time revenue record in India," Cook stated. He credited this surge to the expansion of the company's retail footprint across various geographies, including recent store openings in India and the UAE.
In a landmark achievement, Apple's market valuation soared to become a $4 trillion company for the first time ever in October 2025. This milestone, following a 25% surge in its shares over three months, is largely attributed to the powerful sales of the iPhone 17 models. Apple joined the ranks of Nvidia and Microsoft, which had reached the $4 trillion mark earlier in July.
Strategic Positioning and Manufacturing Shift
Analysts point to Apple's strategic moves as key to its current strength. JPMorgan analyst Samik Chatterjee noted that Apple's positioning in the global tariff landscape has improved due to increased domestic investment and a rapid shift of product manufacturing for the US market away from China to countries like India and Vietnam. This strategic pivot not only bolsters production capabilities but also strengthens Apple's market presence in critical growth regions like India, where it is now reaping unprecedented financial rewards.
The convergence of a best-selling product, record-breaking revenue in a key market, and historic corporate valuation paints a picture of a tech titan successfully navigating and capitalizing on the evolving dynamics of the global smartphone industry, with India at the center of its growth story.
