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That Burgundy iPhone giving you FOMO? Apple sales paint a different picture as prices bite

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 27 Oct 2026 2 hours ago
That Burgundy iPhone 18 Pro looks tempting, doesn’t it? Apple’s latest flagship has been attracting plenty of attention, particularly among buyers looking for a new premium smartphone. But the sales numbers tell a slightly complicated story. According to a new Counterpoint Research report released on October 27, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro series recorded just 3.1 per cent global sales growth during its first three weeks, with higher prices putting pressure on demand in several major markets.

The slowdown is particularly visible in the US and Japan, where sales have fallen compared with last year’s iPhone 17 Pro series. China and India have performed better, helping Apple maintain overall growth. Meanwhile, India’s overall smartphone industry is struggling through a difficult festive season, with expensive devices and fewer discounts making consumers think twice before upgrading. That new iPhone might look great in your hand, but your bank account could have other plans.

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Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro sales are growing, but there’s a catch

Counterpoint Research’s Smartphone Weekly Sales Tracker that global iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max sales increased 3.1 per cent compared with their predecessors during the first three weeks after launch.

China accounted for much of that growth, recording a 29 per cent year-on-year increase. Better availability and higher prices for competing Android flagships helped Apple’s performance.

In the US, buyers appear less convinced that the latest models offer enough improvements to justify an upgrade. Japan has faced a similar slowdown, with currency movements making the new iPhones more expensive.

India and Southeast Asia recorded growth, with buyers showing relatively stronger interest in the smaller Pro model.

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India’s festive smartphone market is struggling

The timing is interesting. India’s smartphone market is going through one of its weakest festive periods in recent years.

Counterpoint expects smartphone sales volumes in India to decline around 12 per cent during the 2026 festive season. Rising memory chip costs, expensive phones and limited promotions are keeping buyers cautious.

Older iPhones, which usually attract shoppers during festive discounts, have become more expensive. Apple’s iPhone 17, for example, saw its official price rise to ₹99,900 in India.

That changes the calculation for anyone hoping to grab last year’s flagship at a bargain.

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What does Counterpoint say about Apple’s sales?

Counterpoint Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “Reception to the iPhone 18 Pro series has been mixed by region.”

The research firm is monitoring whether demand can hold after the initial launch rush.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max accounted for 56 per cent of Pro-series sales globally, down slightly from 57 per cent last year.

Counterpoint has also pointed to strong initial demand for the newly launched iPhone Duo, with pre-bookings exceeding available supply.

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