New Delhi, October 25 : Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce its first foldable iPhone by the end of 2026, marking a major shift in its product lineup and redefining user expectations in the premium smartphone market. The upcoming model is expected to usher foldable phones into a new phase of mainstream adoption.

As per agency report, a recent study by Counterpoint Research suggests that Apple’s entry into the foldable smartphone segment could bring one of the most significant structural changes in the industry. The report indicates that the launch of the foldable iPhone will enhance consumer awareness, particularly among high-income users, and is likely to boost replacement demand in the premium segment. The move is also expected to alter brand dynamics and increase Apple’s overall market volume.

The report further highlights that the US foldable smartphone market is projected to grow by 68 percent year-on-year in 2025, entering a phase of strong and sustained expansion after several years of experimentation. This growth is being driven by improved durability of foldable designs and the diversification of brand portfolios. With the expanding range of devices and evolving ecosystem, the foldable smartphone market is being redefined.

Meanwhile, Samsung continues to dominate the market with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series. The company has introduced a new Fan Edition variant to attract customers and is preparing to launch its much-anticipated tri-fold device by the end of this year.

Motorola is also rapidly expanding its Razr series, which has strengthened its competitive edge against Samsung and helped reduce the market share gap between the two brands. Counterpoint Research Associate Director Liz Lee noted that Samsung is expected to maintain its leadership this year with its ecosystem maturity and product strength. However, Motorola’s growing presence in the clamshell segment and Google’s AI-driven approach are reshaping the competitive landscape.

Lee added that Apple’s anticipated entry in 2026 will not only expand the market but also establish foldable phones as a mainstream format within the premium smartphone category.

New Delhi, September 10 – Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 series, with prices ranging from Rs 82,900 to Rs 2,29,900. The new devices will be available in India starting September 19.

Alongside the flagship models, the company also introduced the iPhone Air series, which it described as the thinnest iPhone ever built. Measuring just 5.6 millimeters in thickness, the iPhone Air supports only eSIM technology, marking a shift away from physical SIM card slots.

As per agency report, Apple has discontinued the 128 GB storage option in its latest lineup, raising the base price compared to the iPhone 16 series. The iPhone 17 Pro will now be available in 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB variants. The iPhone 17 Pro Max will offer the same three storage options and, for the first time, a 2 TB model.

Apple CEO Tim Cook described the iPhone 17 Pro as the most advanced iPhone ever created, highlighting its new design and powerful capabilities. The launch marks another step in Apple’s strategy to push high-capacity storage models while introducing thinner and more streamlined devices to its global consumer base.

New Delhi, May 5 – Apple recorded a 25 percent year-on-year growth in iPhone shipments in India during the January–March 2025 quarter, as per agency report. The company's market share in the country also increased to eight percent during the same period, according to a report released on Monday by CyberMedia Research (CMR).

Despite Apple’s gains, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo retained its dominant position in the Indian market with the highest market share of 20 percent during the quarter. South Korean company Samsung followed with an 18 percent share, while Xiaomi secured the third position with 13 percent.

The report highlighted that Xiaomi experienced the steepest year-on-year decline among the top five smartphone brands, with its market share dropping by 37 percent. This indicates ongoing challenges in both the affordable and value-for-money smartphone segments for the company.

Meanwhile, Oppo reported an eight percent increase in sales, raising its market share to 12 percent. Motorola witnessed a significant year-on-year growth of 53 percent during the same quarter.

The report further revealed that 5G smartphones accounted for 86 percent of the total market during the January–March period, representing a 14 percent increase compared to the previous year.

In the feature phone segment, Chinese brand Itel led the market with a 41 percent share, followed by Indian manufacturer Lava, which saw a 14 percent year-on-year decline. HMD, the owner of the Nokia brand, experienced a six percent drop in sales, but still maintained a 19 percent market share.

In terms of smartphone chipsets, MediaTek continued its dominance with a 46 percent share of the Indian market. Qualcomm led the premium smartphone segment, defined by devices priced above ₹25,000, with a 35 percent share.

New Delhi – Sales of the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series officially kicked off in India today, with Apple's flagship stores in New Delhi and Mumbai opening their doors early at 8 a.m. In Delhi's Select City Walk, Saket, eager customers were seen lining up well ahead of the usual opening time of 11 a.m. to get their hands on the latest iPhones.

Apple had unveiled the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, during its major event on September 9 titled *'It's Glotime'*. The series features advanced AI capabilities and cutting-edge technology. Pre-orders began on September 13, with customers able to book their phones through Apple's official website as well as major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon.

The starting price for the iPhone 16 in India is ₹79,900, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at ₹1,44,900. In comparison, the same iPhone 16 model is available in the U.S. for $799 (approximately ₹67,100), and the Pro Max for $1,199 (around ₹1,00,692). Despite the iPhone 16 models being assembled in India, the Pro Max is about ₹44,000 more expensive and the base iPhone 16 model is ₹13,000 pricier than their U.S. counterparts. 

The high demand and long queues highlight the enthusiasm of Indian customers for Apple's latest flagship devices, even with the pricing differences between India and the U.S.

New Delhi, Jan 29 (IANS) Riding on the premiumisation trend in India, iPhones grew 28 per cent from 4 per cent market share in 2022 to more than 6 per cent in 2023, according to latest industry data.

In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, iPhone shipments saw seven per cent growth in India, according to CMR data accessed by IANS.

Apple's Q4 2023 performance in India paints a picture of strong measured progress in a crucial growth market.

"The 28 per cent YoY growth in iPhone shipments in 2023 underlines Apple’s long-term growth potential in India. I believe India will power Apple’s growth over the next decade, just like China did in the previous one," said Prabhu Ram, Head, Industry Intelligence Group at CMR.

The iPhone 15 grew on the back of the rising premiumization trend in India.

"The continued significance of older generation iPhones, including the iPhone 14 and 13 series underscores the effectiveness of Apple's affordability initiatives and targeted retail strategies in appealing to a broader spectrum of Indian consumers, contributing to the overall growth," Ram told IANS.

As India doubles down on local manufacturing, Apple assembled iPhones worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore in India in 2023, according to industry data.

However, according to industry sources, the actual market value of the iPhones manufactured/assembled in India could be much higher, depending on taxes in other countries.

Apple’s manufacturing in India is part of the goals set under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

Led by Apple, India is set to cross $15 billion (over Rs 1,24,000 crore) in mobile phone exports in the current fiscal year (FY24), posting a growth of 35 per cent over the last fiscal year.

Apple's revenue in India hit nearly Rs 50,000 crore in FY23, with sales increasing 48 per cent to Rs 49,321 crore and net profit rising 76 per cent to Rs 2,229 crore -- fastest growth of net profit for Apple in India in the last five years.

New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) Apple has rolled out iOS 17.2, and with that, it introduced a new option to record 'spatial video' on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices.

The company said spatial video is a groundbreaking new capability that helps users capture life’s precious moments and relive those memories on Apple Vision Pro. The new capability will be available early next year.

"We’re setting a new bar for what’s possible, enabling users to record special moments just as they happened. Spatial videos are magical, and we can’t wait for users to experience them on Apple Vision Pro early next year," Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, said in a statement.

With spatial video recording, users can leverage the advanced camera systems on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max to capture their favourite moments in three dimensions.

Spatial videos are captured in 1080p at 30 frames per second in the standard dynamic range. Capturing spatial videos on an iPhone is as easy as capturing regular videos on an iPhone.

"With the Camera app open in Video mode, rotate the iPhone to landscape orientation, tap the spatial video icon, and then tap record. iPhone starts recording video from both the advanced Main and Ultra Wide cameras, and scales the field of view from the Ultra Wide camera to match that of the Main camera, which is then saved into a single video file," the company explained.

Moreover, users can find all of the spatial videos they capture within a new Spatial album in the Photos app, and all of their spatial videos will sync across their devices with iCloud.

On Apple Vision Pro, spatial videos can be played back in a window or expanded into an immersive view that transports users back to each moment in time, like a celebration with friends or a special family gathering.

New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS) The India-made iPhone shipments will grow to 20 to 25 per cent globally by 2024, depending on market conditions, a leading analyst has said.

According to Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, the made-in-India iPhones are projected to account for 12 to 14 per cent of Apple’s global iPhone shipments this year.

In a Medium blogpost, he further predicted that the importance of the South Asian market to Apple will notably rise in the coming year.

Taiwanese giant Foxconn currently owns between 75 per cent and 80 per cent of India's iPhone production capacity, said Kuo.

This dynamic is expected to shift as Tata Group begins manufacturing iPhones at the Wistron production line it acquired in India.

"By making India’s Tata an iPhone assembler (already acquired Wistron’s iPhone production lines in India), Apple can strengthen its relationship with the Indian government. This move will benefit future sales of iPhones and other products in India and is critical to Apple’s growth over the next decade," he said.

Kuo also anticipated that Apple would begin introductory manufacturing for the regular iPhone 17, which is scheduled to appear in the second half of 2025, in India in the second half of next year.

According to him, this will be Apple's first foray into developing a new iPhone model outside of China.

The standard iPhone is chosen for its lower-difficulty design development to reduce design risk, the analyst said.

Moreover, Kuo estimated that Foxconn's production capacity in Zhengzhou and Taiyuan, China, will fall by 35 per cent to 45 per cent and 75 per cent to 85 per cent, respectively, by 2024.

“In addition to expanding production in India, Luxshare’s rapid increase in iPhone order allocation and improvements in production line automation are also the main reasons for the production scale reduction,” he wrote.

New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) The $125 million Tata-Wistron deal, announced soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the ‘India Mobile Congress 2023’ in New Delhi on October 27, will make Tatas the first Indian company to make iconic Apple iPhones in India.

According to industry experts, the announcement marks a pivotal milestone in manufacturing within India as it is seen as enhancing India’s pre-eminent position as the world's second-largest smartphone maker.

A slew of initiatives by the government will fuel the growth of manufacturing facilities with its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for smartphone production allowing Indian companies to compete with global electronics makers based in China. 

Industry analysts have welcomed the move. 

“In the long term, this could mean India finally having a fundamentally strong player in electronics value chain which can fast forward the journey of ‘Making in India’ to next levels by significantly increasing the domestic value addition,” said Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst, Techarc, a research firm tracking technology ecosystem.

 At present, the domestic value addition for smartphones is hovering in the range of 18-24 per cent.

“Tata is now strongly positioned to take a solutions approach for designing, developing and manufacturing electronics products in India” Kawoosa added. 

The Tata announcement underlines its strategic approach in opting to acquire an operational facility from Wistron.

 “As it moves forward, expansion of its Narasapura manufacturing facility near Bengaluru can move at a fast clip as several Indian manufacturers that helped supply machinery can be brought on board, with little dependence on global supply chains,” said another industry analyst.

Currently, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (second generation) are being manufactured/ assembled at Wistron's factory in Karnataka, which Tatas will take over.

The much-awaited deal has been finalised after strategic considerations in response to the reshaping of the group's product strategy and global manufacturing layout.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, told IANS that Tatas' semiconductor ambitions are serious and came at a very important juncture amid India's digital goals.

"First, they can leverage the semiconductor strength in their EV business and second, their chips can be aligned with Apple in the future and the learning curve will be great for them," Pathak said.

The ‘Make in India’ initiative in technology space shot into global prominence with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stressing that it got the bulk of its components for its successful Chandrayaan-3 mission from firms like L&T, Godrej as well as much smaller tech manufacturers and research laboratories from academic institutions. 

Indian academic institutions like South India-based Periyar University and Sona College of Technology have played a vital role in designing critical components for India’s space mission.

Technology firm Vee Technologies, that created critical magnetic stepper motors for Chandrayaan-3 lift off, supplied critical modular anti-static mobile charging assembly units to Wistron for testing mobiles.

Vee Technologies provides precision engineering services for the defence, space, and automotive industries in India. 

Recently technology firm VVDN landed a high-end server contract, Dixon expanded Xiaomi smartphone production, and Corning began display glass finishing in India -- all examples of success of the Make in India initiative. 

A groundbreaking deal between GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) struck during Modi’s US visit in June 2023, featuring extensive technology transfer and jet engine manufacturing in India, strengthens India's 'Make in India' narrative.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, emphasized the pivotal role of contract manufacturers in creating value, generating employment, and contributing to the economy. As these manufacturers scale up, they will attract component suppliers, potentially establishing ancillary factories in India.

According to experts, India stands out as a potential hub for production amidst escalating US-China tensions, owing to its substantial internal market and skilled labour force.

New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) With Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Wistron selling its India operations to Tata Group for $125 million, Tata Electronics is going to become the first Indian company to manufacture new Apple iPhones in the country, which is a major fillip to the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Currently, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (second generation) are being manufactured/ assembled at Wistron's factory in Karnataka, which Tatas will take over.

The company said in its regulatory filing that it will sell a 100 per cent stake in the unit Wistron InfoComm Manufacturing (India) Pvt. to Tata Electronics Pvt., following the board approval.

The much-awaited deal has been finalised after strategic considerations in response to the reshaping of the group's product strategy and global manufacturing layout.

Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that within just two and a half years, Tata Group will start making iPhones from India for domestic and global markets.

"PM Narendra Modi’s visionary PLI scheme has already propelled India into becoming a trusted and major hub for smartphone manufacturing and exports. Congratulations to the Tata team for taking over Wistron operations," the minister posted on X.

He said that this is a "great going for Apple in building a global supply chain from India with Indian companies at its helm".

"MeitY stands fully in support in growth of global Indian electronics companies that will, in turn, support global electronic brands that want to make India their trusted manufacturing and talent partner," Chandrasekhar added.

Industry experts said that with their ambition on semiconductors and EVs, it only makes sense for the Tata Group to gain expertise in manufacturing high-end iPhones in the country.

"With the Wistron acquisition, Tata Group will get a leg-up on its electronics manufacturing ambitions with the iPhones, and the possibility of manufacturing top-end iPhone models as well in the near future. We anticipate ‘Make in India’ to gain further momentum, and India to emerge as a major fulcrum in the global electronics value chain," Prabhu Ram, Head–Industry Intelligence Group, CMR, told IANS.

In the years ahead, the Tata Group has the potential to solidify their position as a pivotal player in the iPhone manufacturing ecosystem.

Wistron's factory in Karnataka, that employs about 12,000 people, constitutes a major chunk of its business in the country.

As the iPhone consumption increases in the country, Apple needs more suppliers to ramp up production here, as it reportedly aims to take away a significant chunk of manufacturing from China to countries like India and Vietnam.

Driven by domestic manufacturing, Apple iPhones are set to garner 7 per cent market share in the Android-dominated smartphone market in India this year, according to latest data.

Apple iPhone shipments grew 68 per cent (year-on-year) in the first half of this year in the country.

CMR estimates the iPhone 15 shipments in the launch quarter (October-December period) to hover around 65 per cent, driven by an increased ‘Make in India’ initiative.

For the first time, ‘Make in India’ iPhone 15 units were exported to other countries within a short span of time from its global launch last month.

Apple received tremendous response to the iPhone 15 series in the country -- nearly 50 per cent more from last year.

Apple had set a June quarter record in India, driven by the robust sales of iPhones, according to CEO Tim Cook.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, told IANS that Tatas' semiconductor ambitions are serious and came at a very important juncture amid India's digital goals.

"First, they can leverage the semiconductor strength in their EV business and second, their chips can be aligned with Apple in the future and the learning curve will be great for them," Pathak told IANS.

India is now the second-biggest manufacturing hub for mobile phones due to heavy investment from original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers and companies dealing in components and parts, according to Counterpoint.

The country saw mobile phone exports worth $5.5 billion (over Rs 45,000 crore) in the April-August period in the current fiscal year (FY24), government and industry data showed.

As per the estimates by the Department of Commerce and the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), the April-August period saw mobile phone exports worth $5.5 billion, against $3 billion (about Rs 25,000 crore) in the same period in FY22-23.

India is set to cross Rs 1,20,000 crore in mobile phone exports in the current fiscal year, with Apple leading the market with more than 50 per cent in FY24.

New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) As people the world over continue to raise awareness about mental health issues with mental health being a "universal right”, here are some new features to maintain your mental wellbeing in Apple devices that are supporting millions of iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch users around the world.

Research shows that reflecting on one’s own mental state can help build emotional awareness and resistance. 

The new ‘State of Mind’ feature on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch allows you to log your momentary emotions and daily moods, seeing valuable insights on what might be contributing to your state of mine — whether it’s associations or lifestyle factors, such as sleep or exercise.

On iPhone and iPad, you can access the same depression and anxiety assessments often used in clinics to understand your risk level. 

You can share these results with your care team for more informed conversations, according to Apple.

The Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch encourages you to set aside a few minutes a day to focus, centre and connect as you breathe. You can even create a Breathe watch face that encourages you to relax and breathe mindfully through the day. 

Fitness+ offers meditations to help users develop a regular meditation routine and improve their overall sense of well-being. Users can choose from 10 themes including Kindness, Gratitude, Awareness, Calm and Sleep. 

Sleep plays an important role in both physical and mental health. Tracking is a good start, but the Sleep experience on Apple Watch and iPhone goes further. 

It helps you create a schedule and a bedtime routine so you can meet your sleep goals, even during the busiest of times.

Research shows the connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing, along with spending time outdoors. 

You can use your Apple Watch to take walks or hikes, and see your data in the Health app, along with how much time you’re spending in daylight with our new feature. 

With Fitness+, you can tune into Time to Walk, an inspiring audio experience on iPhone and Apple Watch, designed to help people walk more often.

New Delhi/Mumbai, Sep 22 (IANS) Apple registered more than two times sales of its new iPhone 15 series in India on Day 1 from last year across its online and offline channels, industry and retail sources said on Friday.

People bought India-made iPhone 15 along with high-end Pro models at Apple Saket in New Delhi and Apple BKC in Mumbai -- along with at other Apple Authorised resellers stores amid long queues since early morning.

At Apple Delhi and Mumbai retail stores, those who had pre-ordered their iPhones queued up early to get their devices.

"It’s amazing to be back in India celebrating the launch of our incredible new products with our teams and customers at Apple BKC," said Wendy Beckman, Senior Market Director, EMEIA.

"Our teams are so excited to be sharing the all new iPhone 15 lineup, and our new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 featuring our first-ever carbon neutral models," Beckman said in a statement.

Several buyers were also seen with the high-end iPhone 15 Pro Max models in their hands, confirming the premiumisation trend that is now maturing in the country.

"It was great to get hold of a ‘Make in India’ iPhone 15. Such a proud feeling. I anxiously waited for this day after pre-booking my iPhone on Apple Online," said Divyam, 21, who came from Faridabad to the Apple Saket store.

Long queues were also seen at Apple BKC, with retail staff cheering the first buyers of the new iPhones and Watch Series 9.

Apple had received nearly 50 per cent surge in pre-orders this time for the iPhone 15 series. Apple doubling the pre-orders from last year’s iPhone 14 series indicates the company has made deeper inroads in the Indian smartphone market, also driven by an uptick in first-time users who are shifting from Android to the Apple ecosystem and a young, aspirational population.

According to insights from CyberMedia Research, over 85 per cent of shipments in the iPhone 14 series were non-Pro models.

"This year, the iPhone 15 stands out with substantial enhancements, such as the dynamic island and a 48MP camera, making it an attractive choice for upgraders and even potential switchers," Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group, CMR, told IANS.

Easier access to financing and greater resale value is making premium iPhones more and more accessible to the mainstream users in the country. "With iPhone 15 base version now being made in India from the onset, if Apple decides to make the pricing of the new iPhones more attractive in coming months, it could have a blockbuster Diwali season," said Neil Shah, research vice president at Counterpoint Research.

iPhone being one of the most aspirational smartphones, coupled with big features upgrade for the iPhone 15 series, is attracting those increasingly ‘smartphone dependent’ users to upgrade to the best, Shah added.

There are estimates that the iPhone 15 shipments in the launch quarter, which heralds the massive festive season in India, will hover around 65 per cent, driven by an increased ‘Make in India’ initiative.

San Francisco, Aug 23 (IANS) Apple has issued a warning for people who charge their iPhones while sleeping, advising them not to sleep next to their devices while it is charging.

According to the tech giant, this habit could cause discomfort and injury.

The company also asked customers to "use common sense" to avoid situations where their skin is in direct contact with the device or a charger.

"Don't sleep on a device, power adapter, or wireless charger, or place them under a blanket, pillow, or your body, when it’s connected to a power source. Keep your iPhone, the power adapter, and any wireless charger in a well-ventilated area when in use or charging," the advisory reads.

The advisory also asked users to take special care if they have a physical condition that affects their ability to detect heat against the body.

Moreover, the company asked its users to avoid using third-party chargers that may not provide the right amount of voltage safely to charge the iPhones. It also advised them to avoid using damaged cables that could be dangerous to use for charging.

In addition, Apple told users not to use the power adapter in wet locations, such as near a sink, bathtub, or shower stall, and don’t connect or disconnect the power adapter with wet hands. 

Meanwhile, Apple has introduced subscription analytics, more Delegated Delivery partners and Linkfire for the audio streaming service and media player application 'Apple Podcasts'.

"With subscription analytics in Apple Podcasts Connect, creators can see how listeners engage with their premium subscriptions on Apple Podcasts," the tech giant said in a blogpost.

Once a subscription is selected from the updated Analytics tab, creators can use the Overview tab to see how many listeners started a free trial, the number of paid subscriptions, the percentage of listeners who convert from a free trial to a paid subscription, and the estimated proceeds generated from their subscriptions.