Record-Breaking Pre-Orders for 'Made in India' iPhone 16 Set to Exceed Export Milestones

Apple has experienced a significant increase in pre-orders for its 'Make in India' iPhone 16, with the latest line-up set to launch on September 20. Trade analysts noted on Thursday that this surge is expected to set new records in iPhone exports. This heightened interest in the iPhone 16 comes as the company prepares to make these new devices available both online and in Apple retail stores across India.

Strong Demand for iPhone 16 Pro Models

Ongoing channel checks indicate that the iPhone 16 Pro models are also seeing considerable demand. The Pro versions are particularly appealing due to their more strategic and accessible pricing compared to the previous iPhone 15 series. This pricing adjustment has attracted a substantial number of buyers, contributing to the overall strong performance of the iPhone 16 line-up.

Availability and Retail Locations

The iPhone 16 series will officially be available at Apple’s retail locations in India, including Apple BKC in Mumbai and Apple Saket in New Delhi. Additionally, the new models will be accessible through Apple's authorized sellers starting from September 20. This broad availability is expected to further fuel the surge in pre-orders.

Analysts’ Insights on Pre-Order Trends

According to Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak, the pre-order demand for the base iPhone 16 model is significantly higher compared to last year. Pathak highlighted that with appealing financing options, the iPhone 16 series is poised to surpass previous records. This demand reflects a strong consumer interest in the latest iPhone models, driven by their innovative features and competitive pricing.

Impact of Local Manufacturing and Government Initiatives

The strong momentum for Apple's new iPhone 16 models is partly due to the Indian government's push for local manufacturing. The iPhone 16 is being assembled and produced in India, which aligns with the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. This local production not only supports Apple's expansion in the Indian market but also contributes to a significant increase in iPhone exports from India.

Growth in iPhone Exports and Market Share

Driven by the PLI scheme, Apple reached approximately $5 billion in iPhone exports from India during the April-August period of the fiscal year (FY25). This figure marks a more than 50 percent increase compared to the same period in FY24. The growth in exports is a testament to the success of Apple's manufacturing strategy in India.

Pricing Strategy and Market Appeal

The iPhone 16 Pro series benefits from a pricing strategy that makes it more accessible compared to its predecessors. This strategic pricing is expected to drive a substantial number of upgrades among existing iPhone users, making the Pro models more attractive to a broader consumer base in India. This approach is anticipated to strengthen Apple's market position and appeal in the region.

Global Pre-Order Sales and Revenue Projections

Globally, pre-order sales for the iPhone 16 series are estimated to reach around 37 million units in the first weekend, according to industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This impressive figure underscores the strong global interest in the new iPhone models. In India, Apple is projected to see an 18 percent year-on-year growth in revenue for 2024, further bolstering the company's presence in the market.

Future Growth and Production Expansion

Apple's market share in India stands at 6 percent by volume and 16 percent by value. The company is set to continue its double-digit growth trajectory, with revenues expected to exceed $10 billion by 2025. The production of iPhones in India has grown significantly from less than 1 percent in 2017 to 10 percent in 2023. Apple's plans to expand this production to 25 percent of global shipments by 2025 highlight its commitment to increasing its manufacturing footprint in India.