iPhone 17 launch today at Apple event: Not Delhi or Bengaluru, iPhone sales are highest in…

iPhone 17 launch today: As per a study, more than a quarter of all iPhones sold in India between September 2024 and August 2025 were bought in Maharashtra.

Apple recently launched its second Apple Store in Pune, Maharashtra and it also has the largest store in India in Mumbai. Ever wondered why? Well, it’s the numbers! Maharashtra has become the biggest market for iPhones in India, overtaking cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. According to a study by Tata-owned Croma, more than a quarter of all iPhones sold in the country between September 2024 and August 2025 were bought in Maharashtra. This includes sales across Mumbai, Pune and other cities in the state. Gujarat secured the second spot with 11 percent of sales, while Delhi followed closely with 10 percent.

iPhone 17 launch today: One in five customers reportedly exchanged older iPhones for new ones. (Shaurya Sharma - HT)

By Shaurya Sharma

Shaurya Sharma is the Technology Editor at Hindustan Times Digital Streams, where he oversees technology coverage across digital and social platforms. With over eight years of experience across editorial, video production, and digital media, his work focuses on smartphones, AI, consumer gadgets, and shaping audience-first content strategies for modern tech consumers.

He began his career in 2018 as a fashion cinematographer before turning his lifelong passion for technology into a profession. From spending his childhood immersed in tech magazines, video games, and the latest gadgets to covering the global consumer tech industry today, technology has remained a constant throughout his journey.

Over the years, Shaurya has worked with some of India’s leading media organisations, including CNN-News18, Sportskeeda, and Guiding Tech, where he led video initiatives that combined strong editorial storytelling with engaging visual and social-first execution.

A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Shaurya has reviewed hundreds of products across categories including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, cameras, and wearables. Beyond work, he is passionate about animal welfare, environmental causes, and automobiles, particularly turbo-petrol cars

Read moreRead less

The data reveals strong patterns in the way Indians purchase iPhones. Around 86 percent of buyers chose the regular iPhone models instead of the Pro variants, underlining a preference for functionality and value over premium features. Standard-sized models were far more popular than the larger Plus and Pro Max versions, with nearly nine out of ten consumers opting for the smaller form factor.

Storage preferences followed the same trend. The 128GB variant emerged as the most popular, accounting for almost one-third of sales. The 256GB option was the next in demand, while the higher 512GB and 1TB models were rarely chosen. This suggests that Indian consumers are more inclined to select practical storage options rather than paying extra for capacities that may remain unused.

Classic shades dominated colour choices. Black led the pack, followed by Blue and White. Despite Apple introducing a variety of new finishes every year, most Indian customers continue to prefer understated colours that remain timeless.

The report also highlighted a growing inclination towards smarter upgrades. One in five customers exchanged older iPhones for new ones, and a significant number also signed up for AppleCare. This points to a mindset where buyers view the iPhone not only as a premium device but also as a long-term investment worth protecting.

The findings come ahead of Apple’s iPhone 17 series launch, scheduled for 9 September 2025 at the company’s annual autumn keynote. The line-up is expected to feature the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. With India becoming one of Apple’s fastest-growing markets, industry watchers believe states like Maharashtra will continue to play a central role in driving sales of the new generation.

Maharashtra may hold bragging rights this year, but the bigger picture is clear. Indian buyers are choosing sleek and reliable devices that balance Apple’s premium appeal with practical everyday value.