Apple is challenging Samsung’s dominance in the premium segment (mainly device priced over $300 or Rs. 20,000) in India, with its market share growing to 29 per cent in the first quarter of 2016, against 11 per cent in the same period last year, according to Singapore-based research firm Canalys.
Samsung’s market share in the same category fell to 41 per cent in the January-March quarter of 2016, when compared to 66 per cent in the same period last year, it said.
The data comes at a time when Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has said India is one of the key markets for the firm, amid a global slump in iPhone sales.
Apple has increased shipments by 56 per cent to make it the second fastest-growing vendor in the top 10, Canalys said.
“Apple is outperforming the overall market in India, and still has great growth potential. Successive price cuts to the iPhone 5s made it the most popular Apple device on the market, despite its smaller screen and outdated hardware,” said Canalys Mobility Analyst, Wilmer Ang.
However, he said the growth run could be short-lived.
“The 5s’ success in India has more to do with affordability of a premium brand than a preference for smaller phones, and the move to the more expensive SE will discourage budget buyers. Also, the recent government regulation curbing discounts on smartphones sold by online platforms will affect demand,” Ang said.
