Apple records over $10 billion in sales in India for first time

The Story in Brief

Apple’s annual sales in India topped $10 billion for the 12‑month period ending in March, the company’s first time crossing that mark. That figure is up from $9 billion in the previous fiscal year and represents 67% growth compared with three years earlier. Most sales came from iPhones, while demand for iPads and MacBooks also rose, an insider told Bloomberg. Unfavourable exchange rates – the Indian rupee fell about 10% against the US dollar since the start of 2025 – and local taxes have pushed Indian prices higher; the base iPhone 17 sells in India for ₹82,900 (about $870), compared with $799 in the US. Apple has used bank rebate schemes, student discounts and trade‑in offers to support sales.

Apple has shifted some manufacturing to India: reports in March said about a quarter of new iPhones were made in India, an estimated 55 million units in a year, up from 36 million the year before. India is considering extending tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment and component imports to 2041 (previously due to expire in 2031); the component exemption applies to parts used for devices manufactured for export, which could help Apple’s efforts to expand manufacturing in the country.

The Indian Opinion

Reporting that highlights the $10 billion milestone is factual, but some comparisons can be misleading without context. Noting China’s $18.8 billion quarterly sales alongside India’s annual figure may create an exaggerated sense of parity; the two numbers cover different time periods. Claims about rapid growth and rising local production are supported by estimates, yet depend on insider comments and company moves that are still evolving. Equally, references to policy changes and tax extensions are important but prospective; whether longer exemptions will be approved and how they will affect investment and prices remains uncertain. Ordinary readers should note where figures are estimates and where future policy is only under consideration.

Original article: Apple reports over $10 billion in sales in India for the first time (GSMArena.com)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.