Tue Sep 10 23:19:58 UTC 2024: ## Apple’s iPhone 16 Sparks Hope for Record Quarter in India Amid Lukewarm US Reception

**New Delhi:** Despite lukewarm reactions from shareholders in the US, Apple’s new iPhone 16 lineup is generating significant excitement in India, with analysts predicting a record quarter for the company. Retailers are anticipating a 20% surge in iPhone sales during the country’s peak festive season, driven by discounts, product launches, and consumer demand for the latest AI features.

This surge could propel Apple’s India revenue to a record $15 billion in 2024-25, fueled by a natural upgrade cycle, competitive pricing, and attractive installment plans. iPhone sales have been steadily growing in India over the past five years, reaching $7.5 billion in 2023-24.

Experts project Apple to sell up to 3.3 million iPhones in India in the next three months, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. Apple’s overall Indian revenue, including iPhone sales, is projected to skyrocket to $3 billion in the December quarter, a 30% rise compared to last year. This is attributed to the increasing popularity of AI features in the base iPhone 16 model and substantial discounts on the iPhone 16 Pro.

While US investors showed muted response to the new iPhones, retailers and analysts in India are bullish. The launch coincides with a natural upgrade cycle for iPhones, and the festive season will further boost sales.

“With iPhones largely seeing a usage cycle of 3-4 years, Apple is anyway tipped to see stronger buyer interest this year,” said Navkendar Singh, associate vice-president at IDC India.

The reduced price of the iPhone 16 Pro, driven by import duty reductions and anticipated local production, has also contributed to the excitement. Retailers are reporting strong pre-orders and expect offline sales to match online promotions during the festive season.

Despite the promising outlook, some experts caution that the impact of AI features on sales may be more significant in the long term. “Generative AI is still gimmicky,” said Singh. “Once the features roll out, we may see more interest in the new iPhones from the start of next year.”

Overall, Apple’s iPhone 16 launch presents a significant opportunity for the company to solidify its position in the Indian market, which is fast becoming one of its most lucrative regions. With the festive season and a natural upgrade cycle working in its favor, Apple is poised for a record-breaking quarter in India.

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