Apple Iphone Shipments In India May Jump 40 Pc In Launch Quarter Foldable Could Take 24 Pc Share

(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, Sep 8 (IANS) Apple is expected to see a strong increase in iPhone shipments in India during the 2026 launch quarter, with CyberMedia Research (CMR) estimating shipments to be around 40 per cent higher than the average quarterly level. The anticipated launch of Apple's first foldable iPhone is also expected to give a fresh boost to the company's presence in the fast-growing foldable smartphone category.

According to preliminary CMR estimates, Apple's average quarterly shipments in India during 2026 are expected to be around 20 per cent, while shipments in the launch quarter of September, October and November could reach around 40 per cent. CMR has estimated year-on-year growth of around 4 per cent for Apple in the launch quarter.

The research firm expects the iPhone 18 Pro to account for around 8 per cent of Apple's share during the launch quarter, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max could account for around 5 per cent. The anticipated iPhone Fold could capture around 24 per cent of India's foldable smartphone market during its launch quarter.

The expected foldable launch comes at a time when Apple is navigating an ongoing AI talent brain drain and a generational leadership transition. At the same time, the company's entry into the foldable segment could create significant consumer interest, particularly among Apple loyalists who have been waiting for the company to introduce a foldable device.

Apple's longstanding privacy positioning is expected to remain an important part of its brand differentiation. Its Siri relaunch and broader artificial intelligence push, although arriving a year late, are being integrated into core consumer use cases such as productivity and camera functionality.

The company's rumoured product release strategy also indicates a deliberate shift in the timing of its iPhone launches. The Pro, Pro Max and long-anticipated foldable models are expected to anchor the festive-season Q4 lineup, while the base iPhone 18 is expected to be positioned for the traditionally lean Q1 launch.

This staggered approach could help Apple spread iPhone revenue more evenly across the fiscal year instead of concentrating sales within a single quarter.

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