Despite the new iPhones arriving in India later this month, experts expect the older iPhone 11 and SE (2020) to boost Apple’s sales during the holiday season. The two phones have already worked well for the company and both online and offline retailers are already heavily in stock, according to analysts. mint I talk to.
“The price is absolutely out of sync for the Indian market again,” said Navkendar Singh, director of research at International Data Corporation (IDC). Older Apple models generally perform well in India in the months after a new iPhone is launched, Singh said. It is expected to continue this year, especially as the iPhone 12 will launch later than usual. Additionally, Apple has lowered the price of the iPhone 11, SE, and XR, and with e-commerce sales starting in a few days, they are expected to push them out in large numbers.
“These models (iPhone 12) would have worked well if they had launched in September at this price,” said Singh.
There are already plenty of offers, and Apple itself has announced deals for the iPhone 11, which will also boost sales of that device, independent analyst Madhumita Chaudhary said.
Those who really want the new iPhones will likely wait until October 30, which is when they will launch in India, but most buyers will choose the older models during sales, according to analysts.
“Last year sales were also driven by XR and X. This year they have three models in the SE, XR and 11, which are ₹55,000 and less. Those will drive volumes for them (during this quarter), “Singh said.
Tarun Pathak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, agreed, but noted that the iPhone 12 Mini could also sell well. New iPhones accounted for nearly half of sales last year, growing from about 40% the previous year, Pathak said. “Overall though, given that Apple now has the broadest portfolio in India, iPhone 11 will be very good for first-time iPhone users in India,” he said.
The majority of sales are likely to be made through online channels this year, as Apple’s own e-commerce store is present in India now and as more people shop online, experts said.
“These online channels always have a stock of older generation iPhones, which they bring to the market with some discounts or offers,” said Pathak.
Flipkart plans to delist the iPhone 11 and SE during the Big Billion Days sale starting in a few days, according to an analyst who requested anonymity. Flipkart did not respond to a request for comment.
Apple’s success may not affect other players in the premium smartphone market in India, which Pathak explained is expected to expand this quarter. “We estimate that even with the overall smartphone market declining by 8% due to the pandemic, the premium market is expected to grow by approximately 16%,” he said. It represents only 4% of the overall market in India at the moment. he said.
Apple had no comment.
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