'Made in India' iPhone 16 Flies Off the Shelves in Aspirational India

Apple's 'Made in India' iPhone 16 is experiencing a remarkable surge in demand, particularly in tier 2 and 3 cities, as private consumption rises across the country. Trade analysts have reported that the latest iPhone model, which boasts an impressive array of features including Camera Control, a 48 MP fusion lens system, a new A18 chip, and improved battery life, is flying off the shelves. This surge is attributed to attractive financing schemes and trade-in offers available at both Apple retail stores and online platforms.

Neil Shah, Vice President of Counterpoint Research, emphasized the strong momentum behind the iPhone 16, highlighting Apple’s aspirational appeal in India. He noted that a significant number of consumers are opting for the new model instead of older generations, a trend that reflects an increase in purchasing power amid overall economic growth in the country.

Recent consumer research indicates that six out of ten users in the premium smartphone segment are utilizing financing schemes for their purchases, a strategy that has proven beneficial for Apple as the trend towards premium devices continues to rise. The iPhone 16’s features, including its advanced Camera Control, are resonating well with consumers looking for top-tier technology.

The Camera Control feature is a standout, incorporating a tactile switch that enhances the photo-taking experience. This high-precision force sensor enables users to launch the camera, take photos, and begin video recording quickly, ensuring that moments are captured without delay. Additionally, a new camera preview allows users to frame shots and adjust control options like zoom, exposure, or depth of field effortlessly.

Later this year, Apple plans to enhance the Camera Control feature further by introducing visual intelligence capabilities, enabling users to learn more about objects and locations faster than ever before. The iPhone 16 also allows for the capture of spatial photos and videos, enabling users to relive their memories with depth on the Apple Vision Pro. The video recording feature now includes Spatial Audio for an immersive listening experience when paired with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system.

The iPhone 16 is designed to maintain its value longer than any other smartphone in the market, thanks to its industry-leading durability. The device features a robust back glass, a water- and dust-resistant design, regular software updates, and the latest-generation Ceramic Shield, which is 50% tougher than its predecessor and twice as durable as glass found in other smartphones.

An innovative internal design allows for a larger battery while also enhancing heat dissipation and simplifying battery service. With the introduction of iOS 18 and advanced power management, the iPhone 16 offers a significant boost in battery life, catering to users who demand longevity in their devices.

Equipped with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display that utilizes OLED technology and the Dynamic Island feature, the iPhone 16 delivers an exceptional viewing experience. Another noteworthy addition is the new Action button, which allows users to access a variety of functions with a single press. This feature enables quick access to the camera, flashlight, controls, music recognition via Shazam, Voice Memos, Focus modes, translations, and accessibility features like Magnifier.

At the heart of the iPhone 16 is the new A18 chip, which represents a significant leap in performance and power efficiency. Built on second-generation 3-nanometer technology, the A18 chip enhances Apple Intelligence and is set to arrive in India early next year. Its upgraded 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for handling large generative models, delivering performance improvements that make it up to twice as fast as the A16 Bionic chip.

Prabhu Ram, Vice President of the Industry Research Group at CyberMedia Research (CMR), noted that Apple is effectively riding the wave of premiumization in the Indian smartphone market. The combination of advanced technology, aspirational branding, and strategic financing options is positioning the iPhone 16 as a sought-after device among Indian consumers, underscoring the growing trend of premium device adoption across the country.