Apple’s relationship with India has officially entered a new era. Once considered a secondary market, India is now emerging as one of Apple’s strongest engines of growth—both in terms of sales and manufacturing scale.
The company’s latest quarterly results make that crystal clear. As Apple’s global revenue rose 8% year-over-year to $102.5 billion in the September quarter, India delivered an all-time high revenue record, powered by the iPhone 17 series and sustained demand for the iPhone 16 lineup.
Tim Cook’s Confidence in India and the Holiday Quarter
Apple CEO Tim Cook couldn’t have been more upbeat. Calling this the best iPhone lineup ever heading into the Christmas and New Year season, Cook said the company expects a “massive” holiday quarter ahead.
He also singled out India’s performance as a standout success story, saying that India was one of the key markets contributing to Apple’s all-time record revenues. Apple even achieved a September quarter record across all major emerging markets—with India again leading the way.
Retail Growth Fuels India’s Momentum
Cook attributed much of this growth to Apple’s expanding retail footprint. In the past year, Apple opened new stores in India and the UAE, alongside additional locations in the US and China. The company sees these retail investments as a major driver of local brand trust and customer accessibility.
iPhone 17 Series Drives Tremendous Demand
According to Cook, the new iPhone 17 lineup has received a “tremendous response” since launch. Apple CFO Kevan Parekh added that iPhone revenue alone grew 6% year-over-year, reaching $49 billion—thanks to strong performance from both the iPhone 16 family and the iPhone 17 ramp-up.
Apple also reported September quarter revenue records in dozens of regions, including the US, Canada, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, Latin America, South Asia, and Western Europe. Once again, India was highlighted at the top of that list.
Installed Base and Upgrade Records
Beyond new device sales, Apple’s installed base of iPhones continues to grow rapidly, now standing at an all-time high. The company also achieved a record number of upgrades during the September quarter.
This indicates that Apple’s growth in India isn’t just about attracting first-time buyers — it’s also about building long-term loyalty among existing users. More Indians are upgrading their iPhones than ever before, strengthening Apple’s recurring revenue ecosystem.
Apple’s Expansion in India Shows No Signs of Slowing
Apple has made it clear that its expansion in India will continue aggressively, both in retail and manufacturing. Despite occasional geopolitical tensions between Delhi and Washington, the company remains fully committed to scaling up in the region.
iPhone production in India continues to ramp up through Apple’s local manufacturing partners, while the company’s retail network expands steadily. With this dual-pronged strategy, India is no longer a back-bench player—it’s front and center in Apple’s global growth narrative.
The Big Picture
Apple’s record-breaking performance in India underscores a long-term shift. What began as a challenging market is now one of Apple’s most strategic growth pillars. With stronger local manufacturing, increasing retail presence, and rising consumer demand, Apple isn’t just betting on India’s future—it’s building it.
