In a dazzling display of technological prowess, Apple unveiled its latest iPhone 15 series at the highly anticipated Apple Event 2023. The Cupertino-based tech giant introduced a range of cutting-edge features and pricing options that have garnered significant attention from consumers and industry experts alike. The event also marked a significant milestone for India, as it will be the first country to manufacture and release the latest iPhone models globally on the same day.
The iPhone 15 series, comprising four variants – iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max – is set to revolutionize the smartphone landscape. Indian customers will have the opportunity to pre-order the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max starting at 5:30 PM on September 15, in tandem with other major markets.
Apple enthusiasts in more than 40 countries, including India, will be able to place their pre-orders for these highly anticipated models starting September 15, with official availability beginning on September 22.
The pricing for the iPhone 15 series in India starts at INR 79,900 for the base model with 128 GB of memory. The 256 GB and 512 GB models will retail for INR 89,900 and INR 1,09,900, respectively. At the upper echelon of the lineup, the 1 TB variant of the iPhone 15 Pro Max will be available in India for a staggering INR 1,99,900, marking it as the most expensive iPhone ever sold in the country.
Apple has also offered a variety of sleek finishes for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, including black titanium, white titanium, blue titanium, and natural titanium. The iPhone 15 Pro starts at INR 1,34,900 and offers storage capacities of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at INR 1,59,900 and offers 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB storage options.
In addition to the new iPhone models, Apple introduced its Apple Watch Series 9 smartwatches, available for pre-order beginning September 13. The starting price for the Apple Watch Series 9 is INR 41,900, while the Apple Watch SE is priced at INR 29,900.
Under the hood, the iPhone 15 features an A16 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max boast the industry’s first 3-nanometer chip, the A17 Pro. Both models are equipped with advanced features and impressive specifications, promising a seamless and immersive user experience.
The iPhone 15 comes in two sizes – 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch (Plus) – and includes a robust ceramic glass shield for added durability. The phones feature a 48-megapixel main camera, delivering exceptional photography capabilities. Meanwhile, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer an enhanced 48MP main camera with macro photography capabilities and an impressive 1-120 Hz refresh rate.
One notable change is the replacement of the mute switch in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max with a customizable multifunction button, providing users with greater flexibility and convenience.
Additionally, Apple announced the adoption of USB-C charging ports for both the iPhone 15 and the charging cases of its AirPods Pro devices, further enhancing connectivity and convenience for users.
However, the most significant development for India is the production of the latest iPhone models within the country. Leveraging the Indian government’s production-linked incentives (PLIs) and capitalizing on the country’s robust growth rate, Apple has ramped up its investments and production operations in India.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, Apple emerged as the largest smartphone exporter in India, with nearly $5 billion worth of iPhones being exported out of the $6.5 billion produced locally. This achievement solidifies Apple’s position as India’s leading mobile phone exporter.
Apple’s efforts to capture a larger share of the Indian smartphone market have also borne fruit. From a mere 2% market share in 2019, the company has steadily increased its presence, reaching 4% in 2022. Recent record sales in the April-June quarter of 2023 propelled Apple’s market share to 5% in India, according to Counterpoint Research.
India now stands as one of Apple’s top five markets, exhibiting a remarkable 56% year-on-year growth between April and June 2023. With an aggressive marketing strategy and the establishment of two full-fledged Apple outlets in Mumbai and Delhi, Apple is well-positioned to achieve a 7% market share in the Indian smartphone market by the end of the current year, according to industry reports.
As Apple’s latest innovations make their way into the hands of Indian consumers, the company’s commitment to local manufacturing and marketing efforts is set to further solidify its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive smartphone markets. The introduction of the iPhone 15 series in India and its simultaneous global release marks a historic moment in Apple’s journey within the Indian subcontinent.
