Apple’s latest iPhone 17 series is off to a flying start in India, with early sales numbers looking stronger than last year’s iPhone 16 lineup. Industry watchers say demand has been especially high for the new iPhone 17 Air, a fresh addition to the series. The momentum also reflects Apple’s growing manufacturing presence in India, which now plays a bigger role than ever in the company’s supply chain.
Sales Off to a Hot Start
Market data shows that first-week sales for the iPhone 17 series are up 19% compared to the iPhone 16 launch. Analysts believe this could push Apple’s sales in India up by as much as 28% year-on-year in 2025, powered by a growing appetite for premium devices and higher disposable incomes.
For the current festive quarter alone, Apple is expected to ship over 4.5 million units, underlining how important India has become to its global growth strategy.
Spotlight on iPhone 17 Air
The iPhone 17 Air is shaping up to be the star of the lineup. Built with a lightweight titanium design, it sports a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate. Protection is handled by Ceramic Shield 2, which Apple claims is three times more scratch-resistant than before.
Under the hood, it runs on the powerful A19 Pro chip, paired with the N1 and C1X co-processors for specialized tasks. Camera upgrades include a 48MP Fusion Main sensor and an 18MP Center Stage front camera for sharper selfies and video calls.
The Standard iPhone 17 and ‘Make in India’ Push
The regular iPhone 17 comes with a slightly smaller 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR ProMotion display and is powered by the latest A19 chip. Its camera setup packs a 48MP Fusion Main, a new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide, and the updated Center Stage front camera.
Apple’s strong start in India also ties into its ‘Make in India’ strategy. Reports suggest that one in every five iPhones sold in India is now assembled locally, further cementing the country as a key hub for Apple’s future growth.
