Despite the buzz surrounding Apple’s latest flagship models—the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max—it seems that last year’s iPhone 16 is living its best life, continuing to dominate Apple’s sales charts in India. According to a new report, the iPhone 16 has maintained its position as Apple’s top-selling model in the country for the second consecutive quarter.
The report highlighted that the phone is flying off shelves not just in metropolitan cities, but also in emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. Its mix of performance, sleek design, and a price that doesn’t require a small loan (or several months’ salaries for some people) clearly seems to have struck the perfect chord with many Indian consumers.
While the iPhone 17 Pro series—particularly the eye-catching Cosmic Orange variant—generated considerable excitement among premium buyers this year, the iPhone 16’s accessible pricing has made it a favourite for those seeking flagship-level performance without astronomically stretching their budgets.
The success of the iPhone 16 was further amplified during India’s festive shopping season. During Flipkart’s Big Billion Days sale, it became one of the most sought-after premium deals, proving once again that good things (and good phones) can also come to those who don’t always rush for the newest release.
iPhone 16’s continued popularity underscores a shift in consumer behavior in India, where buyers are prioritising value and longevity over owning the newest release. With more people preferring it over the latest releases, the iPhone 16’s success story is a testament to how a well-made product with a reasonable pricing can extend its value beyond its launch year.