India’s smartphone market is roaring back to life! Q2 2025 delivered impressive growth with an 8% year-over-year increase in shipments, driven by the surprising success of Apple’s iPhone 16 as the most-shipped device. This marks a significant shift in India’s smartphone landscape, traditionally dominated by budget Android devices.
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Q2 2025 Market Performance Highlights
The quarterly results showcase a robust recovery after early-year inventory challenges:
| Metric | Q2 2025 Performance | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Shipments | 39.0 million units | +8% YoY |
| Market Value Growth | Strong revenue increase | +18% YoY |
| Most-Shipped Device | iPhone 16 | Apple’s best Q2 ever |
| Ultra-Premium Segment | Fastest growing category | +37% YoY |
iPhone 16: Breaking All Records
Apple’s iPhone 16 emerged as the most-shipped device in Q2 2025, driven by ongoing promotions, extended EMI options, and improved retail execution, helping Apple register its highest-ever Q2 shipments in India. This achievement is remarkable considering India’s price-sensitive market traditionally favors budget Android devices.
The success stems from strategic initiatives including better financing options and aggressive retail expansion, making premium iPhones more accessible to Indian consumers.
Market Leadership by Volume vs Value
While Apple dominated device shipments with the iPhone 16, the market leadership tells a more complex story:
- Volume Leader: Vivo maintains its position as the top smartphone vendor by shipments
- Value Leader: Samsung claimed a 23% share of the total market value thanks to solid demand for its Galaxy A and S25 series
- Premium Success: Apple achieved record Q2 performance despite not being in the top 5 by volume
Ultra-Premium Segment Drives Growth
The ultra-premium segment grew 37% YoY, the fastest among all price bands, driven by Apple and Samsung. This indicates Indian consumers are increasingly willing to invest in high-end smartphones, shifting from purely price-focused purchasing decisions.
Brand Performance Standouts
Several brands delivered exceptional growth during the quarter:
- Nothing: Surged 146% YoY, becoming the fastest-growing brand for the 6th straight quarter
- Vivo: Achieved 23% YoY growth, led by Y and T series models (₹10,000-15,000 range)
- Lava: Showed significant growth momentum
- Apple: Record-breaking Q2 performance despite premium positioning
Market Recovery Drivers
The strong Q2 performance follows several positive market trends:
- Easing inventory challenges that plagued early 2025
- Renewed vendor activity and promotional campaigns
- Improved consumer sentiment and spending power
- Better EMI and financing options across price segments
Technology Platform Success
Qualcomm’s smartphone shipments grew 28% YoY during the quarter, indicating strong demand for Snapdragon-powered devices across price segments.
The Q2 2025 results demonstrate India’s smartphone market resilience and evolution toward premium devices. The iPhone 16’s success signals a maturing market where Indian consumers increasingly value brand prestige and advanced features alongside competitive pricing.
For more smartphone market analysis and India mobile trends, explore our comprehensive coverage.
FAQs
Why did the iPhone 16 become the most-shipped phone in India?
Success came from ongoing promotions, extended EMI options, and improved retail execution making premium iPhones more accessible.
Which segment showed the fastest growth in Q2 2025?
The ultra-premium segment grew 37% YoY, driven primarily by Apple and Samsung flagship devices.
