Apple fastest growing premium smartphone brand in 2019; OnePlus maintained leadership: Counterpoint

Apple was the fastest growing premium smartphone brand in 2019 with 41% yearly growth even as China’s OnePlus maintained its leadership in the Rs 30,000 and above premium segment in India, Counterpoint report revealed.

India’s smartphone shipments in the premium segment grew 29% YoY to reach a record high in 2019 driven by availability of affordable premium smartphones, aggressive offers like significant price cuts, and user upgrades were the main reasons for the growth.

Apple’s growth in the fourth quarter in the segment was driven by multiple price cuts on iPhone XR throughout the year. “We expect the strongest 2020 for Apple in India as it has expanded its production capacity in India and is now manufacturing iPhones on a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) basis. These activities will help the brand to offer competitive pricing in a price-sensitive market like India,” Counterpoint said.