But this launch is more than just another release in Apple’s timeline—it represents a significant shift in the tech giant’s strategy for India. With Apple increasingly looking to diversify its manufacturing base and tap into India’s growing consumer market, the iPhone 16 release comes at a critical moment in the company’s global trajectory.
Also Read: Make-in-India Pro Max: iPhone 16 is a milestone for Indian manufacturing
iPhone 16: Frenzy of sales and queues
As sales kicked off at 8 AM, die-hard Apple fans were already camped out in front of the stores, some having lined up since the previous night. Ujjwal Shah, a dedicated Apple enthusiast, was among the first in the queue in Mumbai, standing for over 21 hours just to be the first to enter the store. “The atmosphere in Mumbai for this phone is absolutely electric,” Shah told ANI, expressing his excitement to finally own the iPhone 16 Pro Max.Also Read: Huge crowds as iPhone 16 goes on sale
Across the country in New Delhi, a similar scene unfolded. Akshay, a customer from Surat, was among the early buyers and said he was most excited about the improved zoom camera and the new iOS 18. “I came at 6 AM and couldn’t wait to get the new phone in my hands,” he told ANI.The iPhone 16 starts at ₹79,900 for the base variant with 128 GB memory, drawing crowds eager to upgrade to the latest hardware despite the steep price tag. Yet, what’s truly changing the game in India is how people are buying the phone.
No more waiting: Get iPhone 16 in minutes
In an unprecedented move, quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and BB Now have teamed up with Apple retailers like Unicorn to deliver the iPhone 16 directly to customers’ doors within minutes of placing an order. This collaboration represents a major shift in how high-end tech products are being delivered, combining the speed and convenience of quick-commerce with the prestige of an Apple launch.
Also Read: Don’t wait in line, get your iPhone 16 delivered in minutes
“Get the all-new iPhone 16 delivered in 10 minutes! We’ve partnered with Unicorn for the third year in a row, bringing the latest iPhone to Blinkit customers in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru—on launch day,” Albinder Dhindsa, co-founder and CEO of Blinkit, wrote on X.
For customers, this means they no longer have to brave long queues or even step outside their homes to get the iPhone 16. Dhindsa also hinted at discounts available through select credit cards and EMI options, making the premium product slightly more accessible to India’s growing middle class.
To ensure fast deliveries, Blinkit and BB Now have optimised their networks by positioning stock in micro-fulfilment centers across major cities. While the service is initially available in select areas, the companies plan to expand coverage in the coming months.
Apple’s manufacturing push: The rise of ‘Made in India’ iPhones
The iPhone 16 launch is also historic for another reason—it’s the first time that India-made iPhones will be available globally within days of the official release. Foxconn, one of Apple’s key contract manufacturers, has already started producing the iPhone 16 series in India. This marks a significant milestone in Apple’s ongoing efforts to shift a portion of its production away from China, a strategy accelerated by geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Reportedly, Apple plans to move 25% of its iPhone production to India by 2025. This is part of the broader “China Plus One” strategy that Western companies are adopting to reduce their reliance on Chinese manufacturing. While Apple continues to produce iPhones primarily in China and India, the narrowing lag between global launches and India-made iPhones shows how crucial India has become in the company’s supply chain.
For Indian consumers, this shift means they are getting the latest models much sooner than in previous years, when delays were more common. As per Bloomberg Intelligence, Apple’s India sales soared by 33% to nearly $8 billion in the past year, driven by rising demand for iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and accessories like the Apple Watch and AirPods. The report predicts that Apple’s India sales could reach $33 billion by 2030, fueled by a growing middle class and increasing usage of payment plans like EMIs.
Also Read: Apple India business value exceeds ₹2 lakh Cr. How did it reach there?
Challenges ahead for iPhone 16: Selling without AI features
Despite the hype, Apple faces a unique challenge with the iPhone 16 launch: the phone won’t come pre-installed with the much-anticipated Apple Intelligence, its AI software. While Apple has been heavily marketing these AI features since June, users will need to wait for software updates to access them fully. This puts Apple in a tricky spot—while the iPhone 16’s hardware has seen only modest upgrades, such as a touch-sensitive Camera Control button, some consumers might hold off on purchasing the phone until they can enjoy the full suite of AI capabilities.
This uncertainty hasn’t dampened enthusiasm in India, where Apple’s loyal customer base remains eager to upgrade. However, it could become a hurdle in other markets like the US and Europe, where consumers expect cutting-edge features to be available immediately.
Also Read: Apple iPhone 16 reaches stores without highly awaited AI features
India’s growth potential for Apple
Apple’s growing focus on India isn’t just about manufacturing—it’s also about tapping into the country’s massive consumer base. With a population of 1.4 billion and a rapidly expanding middle class, India presents a key growth opportunity for the tech giant. Although Apple’s market share in India is still relatively small compared to competitors like Samsung and Xiaomi, the company’s strategy of offering financing options and building a local manufacturing base is starting to pay off.
As Apple’s India operations hit ₹2 lakh crore ($23.5 billion) in FY24, the country has become one of its fastest-growing markets. The festive season is expected to further boost sales, especially for the pricier Pro and Pro Max models, which are still seen as luxury items in India. Most of the India-made Pro and Pro Max devices will be exported to Europe, the Middle East, and the US, but domestic demand is also expected to rise during Diwali and other festivals.
