Apple Prioritizes Indian Market Share with Aggressive iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo Pricing
New Delhi: Apple is strategically adjusting its pricing in India to bolster market share, even if it means accepting a lower average selling price. This move comes as competitors face increasing component costs and are forced to raise prices. The tech giant recently launched the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo with competitive pricing aimed at attracting new users, particularly in the price-sensitive Indian market.
Downward Pricing Trend
The trend of adjusted pricing began in 2025, with the average selling price (ASP) of iPhones decreasing by approximately 2% compared to the previous year, according to research firm Omdia. This decline was driven by the introduction of the budget-friendly iPhone 16e and strong sales of discounted older iPhone models.
MacBook Neo Disrupts the Laptop Market
Historically, Apple’s average laptop price in India has been double that of the market, typically ranging from Rs 55,000 to Rs 60,000, anchored by the MacBook Air and Pro models, as reported by IDC. The MacBook Neo, priced at ₹69,900, significantly lowers the entry point for a modern MacBook, targeting students and first-time buyers, previously starting at Rs 85,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
Leveraging Supply Chain Strength
Apple’s substantial scale and robust supply chain provide a buffer against rising component costs, allowing it to maintain aggressive pricing and gain market share while competitors struggle. An industry executive noted that Apple’s supply chain leverage allows it to maintain aggressive pricing, enabling it to capture market share while competitors increase prices or limit production.
Ecosystem Lock-In Strategy
Unlike competitors focused on immediate hardware profits, Apple’s strategy centers on attracting customers into its ecosystem and monetizing them through ongoing sales of hardware like Apple Watch and AirPods, as well as services such as the App Store, Apple Music and Apple TV. This long-term approach prioritizes customer loyalty and recurring revenue.
Impact on the Premium Segment
Counterpoint Research data indicates that Apple is putting pressure on the premium smartphone segment (above Rs 30,000) by narrowing the price gap with Android products. This is particularly evident as Chinese competitors increase prices due to cost pressures. In 2025, the iOS installed base grew by 28% year-over-year, compared to just 2% growth for Android in the premium segment, according to Prachir Singh, senior research analyst at Counterpoint Research.
iPhone 17e Specifications
The iPhone 17e features the A19 chip, a 48MP Fusion camera, and 256GB of storage. It also includes a Ceramic Shield 2 display for enhanced durability and supports MagSafe wireless charging. The iPhone 17e is available in three colors: black, white, and a new soft pink. It runs on iOS 26 and is built for Apple Intelligence. Apple states the iPhone 17e has long battery life and fast charging with USB-C.
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone 17e is priced starting at ₹64,900 in India. Gadgets360 reports the phone launched in India and other markets on Monday. India.com also confirms the starting price.
Businessworld.in notes the iPhone 17e offers 30-hour battery life and MagSafe support.