The market share of Android smartphones has gained significantly with 97 percent compared to 35 percent of Apple. According to the latest report released by Strategy Analytics, Apple managed to sell only 8,00,000 iPhones in Q2 2016, when compared to 1.2 million in 2015 during the same financial period.
Touted to be the third largest smartphone market after the US and China, the overall smartphone shipments increased by 19 percent to reach 31 million units during Q2 2016. However, out of the several million units sold, nearly 97 percent are devices loaded with Android.
The Apple iOS contributed to 2.4 percent, while the others like Windows Mobile had a very negligible market share with a paltry 0.5 percent. According to industry analysts, Microsoft will never be able to overtake Android in the near future.
According to Strategy Analytics, Apple needs to focus on reduction of iPhone pricing not only to catch customers but also to attract more operator subsidies. Moreover, the Cupertino-based company should open more exclusive retail chains and online presence if Apple really wants to increase the market share.
Sluggish Apple iPhone SE
Recently, iPhone SE dubbed to be the cheapest smartphone produced by Apple doesn’t have any reasonable impact among users in India. This is because of the availability of a plethora of smartphones in the budget segment. Meanwhile, Apple attributed the sluggish sale of iPhone SE to the poor growth of 4G in India.
Tim Cook interaction with Narendra Modi
During his recent visit to India, Apple CEO Tim Cook had a detailed discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding setting up of retail stores. Within days, the government allowed 100 percent FDI in single brand retail amidst opposition.
Responding to media, Cook revealed that Apple is planning to attract the developer community in India to iOS. Apple will establish an accelerator, which will be responsible for this to happen.
Apple is working hard to establish exclusive retail stores in India. This will not only provide customers with recent products but also efficient service.
Don’t expect price cuts
Commenting on the pricing angle, Cook responded that Apple would not cut the cost of iPhones to push sales. He added that consumers in India should buy the devices at a price that looks similar to that of the US price.
Refurbished iPhones Sale Halted
The Commerce ministry, recently, has rejected Apple’s plans to sell refurbished iPhones in the country in a bid to increase market share. However, Apple is still trying hard to push the proposal forward through backdoor channels.
The Future
In addition to a software development office in Hyderabad, Apple is planning to establish a similar facility in Bangalore. Meanwhile, Foxconn is gearing up to set up a $10 billion iPhone factory in India.
