India's Smartphone Market Shatters Records: iPhone Leads Stunning 5-Year High Sales Boom!

India's smartphone market experienced exceptional growth in the third quarter of 2025, reaching a five-year high with 48 million units shipped, representing a 4.3% increase year-over-year (YoY). Apple Inc. was a major driver, achieving a record 5 million iPhone shipments in a single quarter and securing the fourth position in market share for the first time. This surge, partly attributed to the iPhone 16, also significantly boosted the industry's average selling price (ASP).

Chinese manufacturers Vivo and Oppo continued to lead in overall unit volumes with their mainstream Android devices. However, the demand for mass-budget (Rs 9,000-18,000) and entry-premium Android smartphones (Rs 18,000-36,000) remained subdued due to affordability issues.

According to International Data Corporation (IDC), the strong performance was driven by premium segment demand, supported by new launches and previous models. IDC cautioned that a significant inventory build-up is expected heading into the fourth quarter, potentially leading to a market slowdown. This surplus, compounded by rising component costs, especially for memory, and currency fluctuations, is prompting brands to consider price increases after the Diwali festival.

Motorola Inc. also showed impressive market share growth, albeit from a smaller base.

Impact: This news has a significant impact on the Indian stock market as it reflects consumer spending trends, the performance of technology companies, and the overall health of the electronics retail sector. Investors closely watch these metrics for companies operating in or selling into India. Impact Rating: 8/10

Terms Used: * YoY (Year-over-Year): A comparison of a company's performance or a market metric from one period to the same period in the previous year. * Average Selling Price (ASP): The average price at which a product is sold, calculated by dividing total revenue by the number of units sold. * Mass budget smartphones: Entry-level smartphones typically priced at the lower end of the market. * Entry-premium Android smartphones: Mid-range Android smartphones that bridge the gap between budget devices and high-end flagships. * Inventory build-up: An increase in the stock of goods held by a company or a market, which can indicate future slowdowns if demand does not match supply. * Component costs: The expenses incurred in acquiring the raw materials and parts needed to manufacture a product. * Currency fluctuations: Changes in the exchange rate of one currency against another, which can affect the cost of imported components or the revenue from exports.