iPhone 18 Pro launches to strong demand in India, outpaces predecessor

Preliminary estimates point to a notable uptick in first-day sales for the iPhone 18 Pro series in the Indian market, with demand running 15-28% ahead of the iPhone 17 Pro's opening performance. The surge reflects sustained appetite among Indian consumers for Apple's premium handset offering, even as the technology giant faces intensifying competition in the region's smartphone segment.

The new burgundy colour variant has emerged as the preferred choice among early adopters, displacing last year's orange finish from the top position. The shift in consumer preference underscores how aesthetic updates can influence purchasing decisions alongside core hardware specifications in the high-end smartphone category.

India's smartphone market has demonstrated resilience and growth momentum, particularly at the premium end, where brand loyalty and feature differentiation drive consumer choice. Apple's performance in the opening sales window typically provides a bellwether for anticipated full-quarter trajectory and broader market sentiment toward new product cycles.

The data comes as major technology manufacturers gear up for the crucial festive season period in India, when consumer spending on electronics traditionally peaks. Market watchers will be closely monitoring whether the strong day-one momentum translates into sustained demand through the extended launch phase.