© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Apple is gearing up for the launch of its next generation of iPhones. Ahead of the highly anticipated Apple ‘Awe Dropping’ event, Tata Group-owned retail company, Croma, has released a report underscoring how Indian consumers buy iPhones.
The study analysed iPhone sales between September 2024 and August 2025, and it highlights an endearing brand loyalty, with one in every five customers exchanging an older iPhone for a newer model. One of the most interesting observations has been that Indian consumers prefer non-Pro models and often opt for smaller screens.
During the study, it was observed that 86 per cent of the total sales were non-Pro iPhones. Pro models contributed just 14 per cent. Smaller-sized phones such as the iPhone 16, 16 Pro, and 16e accounted for 87 per cent of sales, while larger models like the iPhone 16 Plus and 16 Pro Max were limited to 12.5 per cent.
“What the data shows is a very savvy, yet pragmatic, Indian iPhone buyer. They know exactly what they need, prioritising the seamless experience of the iPhone while making practical choices. This isn’t just about buying a phone; it’s about investing in a trusted ecosystem,” said a spokesperson at Croma–Infiniti Retail Ltd.
When it comes to storage, the finding shows that Indian buyers prioritise practicality. The 128GB model was the top pick, as it was nearly a third of sales. The 128GB model accounted for 75 per cent of the iPhone purchases, followed by the 256GB model at 24.4 per cent. Meanwhile, the premium storage options, such as 512GB and 1TB, contributed less than 1 per cent.
“Consumers overwhelmingly choose 128GB and non-Pro models, prioritising value while staying within Apple’s ecosystem. We are also seeing a healthy upgrade culture with growing awareness of device protection.”
When it came to colourways, the iPhone in Black was chosen by 26.2 per cent of buyers, blue by 23.8 per cent, and white by 20.2 per cent. This trend shows how consumers continue to pick classic-looking devices with versatile finishes.
Further, the data also revealed a strong upgrade culture, with 20.5 per cent of customers exchanging old iPhones for newer ones. During the period, adoption of AppleCare protection reached 17 per cent, the highest among iPhone 16 consumers at 20 per cent, iPhone 15 buyers at 14 per cent, iPhone 13 buyers at eight per cent, and iPhone 14 takers at four per cent.
When it comes to sales, Maharashtra accounted for 25 per cent of iPhone sales through Croma, followed by Gujarat with 11 per cent and Delhi with 10 per cent.
