India’s digital economy continues to witness a seismic shift, and Apple is increasingly at the heart of it. While iPhones have traditionally driven Apple’s footprint in the country, the tech behemoth is now gaining significant traction in non-smartphone categories, particularly with its MacBooks and iPads. According to exclusive IDC data accessed by Moneycontrol, Apple is projected to generate nearly $1.78 billion in combined Mac and iPad revenue in India during 2025, a massive 38% year-on-year growth. The MacBook segment alone is expected to surpass the $1.36 billion mark, up from $932 million in 2024, while iPad sales are predicted to grow from $359 million to $414 million. This surge comes amid a wider strategy involving aggressive discounting, enterprise-focused marketing, and increased accessibility through EMI-based financing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Contents

Discounts on Older MacBook Models Fuel Volume Growth Rising Enterprise Adoption and Developer Interest in M-Series Macs iPads Emerge as Hybrid Work and Education Essentials Apple’s Omni-Channel Expansion Strategy Enhances Reach Future of Local Manufacturing Remains Under Review

Highlights

Apple’s India MacBook and iPad revenue projected to hit $1.78 billion in 2025.
MacBook sales alone expected to grow by 45% year-on-year to $1.36 billion.
iPad revenue likely to rise from $359 million to $414 million.
Strategic discounting and expanded financing fuelling market penetration.

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Discounts on Older MacBook Models Fuel Volume Growth

One of the central factors driving Apple’s laptop sales boom in India is the brand’s unconventional yet successful pricing approach—especially the targeted discounting of older-generation models. IDC Principal Analyst Bharath Shenoy notes that Apple heavily promoted its M1-powered MacBooks, offering significant markdowns that appealed to budget-conscious students and freelance professionals. These promotional strategies have helped Apple capture market share in a traditionally Windows-dominated ecosystem. Apple shipped approximately 663,000 Mac units in 2024, marking a 23.3% increase over the previous year. Competing data from Canalys places this number even higher at 776,000 units, representing a 28% year-on-year growth. Despite premium positioning, the Cupertino giant is leveraging localised marketing tactics and operational flexibility to match Indian consumer behaviour, particularly in educational and SMB sectors.

Highlights

Apple offered deep discounts on M1 MacBooks to boost student uptake.
Unit shipments rose by 23–28% in 2024 across IDC and Canalys estimates.
MacBooks gained traction among freelancers and SMBs.
Older-generation MacBooks drove substantial sales volume in India.

Rising Enterprise Adoption and Developer Interest in M-Series Macs

Apple’s popularity in enterprise computing is no longer limited to Silicon Valley. In India, startups, tech firms, and digital service providers are increasingly turning to MacBooks and Macs, particularly those powered by Apple’s AI-ready M-series chips. These chips, known for their high processing efficiency and thermal performance, are becoming the gold standard for development environments, design workflows, and AI-centric computing tasks. According to Canalys analyst Ashweej Aithal, the introduction of interest-free EMI schemes and financing platforms for MacBooks has significantly expanded their reach to Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities. Additionally, Apple’s growing integration within enterprise software ecosystems—ranging from design tools to cloud services—is encouraging larger IT firms and new-age businesses to standardise their employee devices around macOS. The performance edge, combined with the aspirational value of the brand, is rapidly rewriting how Indian enterprises perceive premium computing.

Highlights

M-series chips driving Mac adoption among developers and tech firms.
Financing schemes have opened up premium Apple devices to rural markets.
Enterprises preferring Apple for reliability, speed, and integration.
AI and productivity-centric workflows benefiting from macOS infrastructure.

iPads Emerge as Hybrid Work and Education Essentials

While MacBooks dominate enterprise momentum, iPads are fast becoming central to India’s hybrid work and digital education landscape. Powered by next-generation processors like the M2 (iPad Air) and M4 (iPad Pro), Apple’s tablets are attracting professionals, content creators, and students looking for multi-use devices. As per IDC, Apple shipped 628,000 iPads in 2024, with Canalys estimating this figure at 705,000. The hybrid work model, particularly in Tier 1 cities, and increased adoption of edtech platforms in Tier 2 towns, have made iPads an essential tool. Campaigns like “Back to School 2025,” which offer bundled freebies like AirPods and Apple Pencils alongside 24-month no-cost EMIs, are targeting India’s vast student population. According to Shenoy, students form a sizeable and growing segment of Apple’s consumer base, drawn by the iPad’s flexibility for tasks ranging from video conferencing and online classes to digital note-taking with stylus support.

Highlights

iPad shipments in 2024 ranged from 628,000 to 705,000 units.
M2 and M4 iPad models targeting hybrid professionals and educators.
Student-centric offers like free AirPods driving strong demand.
iPads positioned as affordable productivity tools for learning and work.

Apple’s Omni-Channel Expansion Strategy Enhances Reach

Apple’s distribution and retail strategy in India is shifting from premium niche to broader accessibility through omni-channel infrastructure. The brand’s ecosystem approach—wherein users owning iPhones are increasingly drawn to iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches—has been bolstered by physical store expansion and stronger e-commerce partnerships. With plans for four additional Apple Stores across major metros and retail expansion into high-footfall malls and high streets, the company is visibly scaling its India presence. Tarun Pathak of Counterpoint Research notes that Apple’s seamless product ecosystem, combined with rising aspirational value and lifestyle branding, continues to attract upwardly mobile consumers. Furthermore, the anticipated surge in demand during upcoming festive and online mega-sale events is likely to see Apple doubling down on promotional pricing for older models. Offline retail partners are also playing a key role by offering regional language support, in-store demonstrations, and localized financing.

Highlights

Apple expanding retail footprint with four new stores in pipeline.
Ecosystem advantage driving multi-product adoption among iPhone users.
Regional e-commerce and offline partnerships key to expansion.
Festival sales expected to fuel major non-iPhone device uptake.

Future of Local Manufacturing Remains Under Review

While Apple has made significant inroads in iPhone manufacturing in India, it continues to source its MacBooks and iPads primarily from Vietnam. However, recent policy incentives and government pressure to localize electronics supply chains have pushed Apple to reconsider its production strategy. On July 8, 2024, Moneycontrol reported that the company is exploring local manufacturing of iPads in India through its key partners such as Foxconn. This shift could potentially reduce costs, improve supply timelines, and support India’s broader vision of becoming an electronics manufacturing hub. Analysts believe that if Apple succeeds in assembling tablets and PCs locally, it could better serve the fast-growing demand while aligning with the government’s Make in India initiative. Though no official timelines have been confirmed, internal discussions and feasibility assessments are underway, making this a space to watch in 2025.

Highlights