Apple to have 1cr active iPhone users in India: Report
What's the story
According to a report by market research firm CyberMedia Research (CMR), India will have over one crore active iPhone users in 2018. This reflects the changing mindset of Indians since iPhone has always been considered as an aspirational smartphone. The report is based on data provided by CMR's data analytics software Mobilytiks. The prescriptive analytics-based tool provides micro-level, detailed analysis of telecom devices.
Details
Apple had 89 lakh iPhone users in India last year
By the end of 2017, Apple was reported to have 89 lakh iPhone users in India. Further, an additional 30 lakh iPhone units are estimated to have been sold in 2018 so far. This indicates that the company should reach the one-crore mark within the year. However, Apple can achieve the goal even sooner if it acts on its 'Make in India' strategy.
Make in India
Apple should start assembling iPhones in India
By going aggressive with its assembly plans in the country, Apple can tap into the mid-premium smartphone market through devices like the iPhone SE and other earlier iPhone models, the report said. Since May 2017, the iPhone SE is being assembled in India and earlier it was speculated that the company might start the production of iPhone 6S in the country as well.
Context
56% of smartphones sold in India are under Rs. 10,000
Apple will be the 11th smartphone brand in India to have over one crore users. The brands to have already surpassed the milestone include Samsung, which stands at 12 crore users, and Xiaomi, which has over 2.8 crore smartphone users. Interestingly, the report added that India is a price-sensitive market where 56% of all smartphones sold are still below the Rs. 10,000 range.