Apple unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 16 series in India on September 20, 2024, attracting enthusiastic crowds and marking a major milestone in one of its fastest-growing markets. At Apple Stores in Mumbai and New Delhi, excitement ran high as eager customers, some of whom camped overnight, lined up to be among the first to get their hands on the new devices.
The launch kicked off at 8 AM, drawing a lively mix of pre-order customers and walk-ins. The atmosphere was electric, with shoppers eager to explore Apple’s latest offerings. While the stores buzzed with excitement, quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and BigBasket promised speedy deliveries. However, stocks quickly vanished from virtual shelves, mirroring the pre-order rush.
Many customers took the opportunity to upgrade their entire Apple ecosystem, pairing their new iPhones with AirPods 4 and the latest Apple Watches. Unfortunately, not everyone left happy; Amit Gupta, who arrived later in the day, found himself empty-handed after the frenzy had depleted the inventory.
Launch day highlighted the contrasting experiences in India and the U.S. According to Counterpoint Research, U.S. stores had greater inventory for walk-in customers compared to previous years, while Indian stores saw longer queues and increased demand, particularly for the Pro models. This year, the standard iPhone 16 emerged as a crowd favorite, but the reduced price of the Pro models—starting at Rs 1,19,900 instead of Rs 1,39,900—attracted more buyers than ever.
Notably, the iPhone 16 series launched without the highly anticipated Apple Intelligence AI software pre-installed. Despite heavy marketing of these features since June, customers will need to wait for future software updates. Nonetheless, the excitement surrounding the new models highlighted strong brand loyalty and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Analysts predict that this launch will contribute to another record quarter for Apple in India. For the second consecutive year, India-made iPhones were available globally on release day, underscoring the country’s growing importance in Apple’s supply chain. With the festive season approaching, expectations for sales, particularly for the premium Pro and Pro Max models, are high.
Apple’s commitment to India is further reinforced by plans to shift 25% of its iPhone production to the country by 2025, in line with the “Make in India” initiative. Foxconn, a key manufacturer for Apple, has already begun producing standard iPhone models locally and plans to assemble Pro models in India this year.
The success of the iPhone 16 launch, combined with the rollout of made-in-India units and innovative delivery options, marks a new chapter in Apple’s relationship with one of the world’s most dynamic smartphone markets. This launch not only reflects the increasing demand but also signifies Apple’s deepening roots in India.
