India’s smartphone usage is buzzing like never before. With exciting new launches, festive season offers, and rising demand across the country, including small towns, the market is in full swing. As brands fight for attention and users demand more for less, smartphones are no longer just communication tools; they have become essential for how India works, learns, shops, and entertains.
This boom is being driven by India’s rise as a retail powerhouse. Now the world’s third-largest retail market and home to the second-largest base of online shoppers, India is reshaping how smartphones are bought and sold. The e-retail sector has reached $60 billion in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), with 15% to 20% of quick commerce driven by mobiles, electronics, and apparel.
Let’s unpack the smartphone revolution in this week’s infographic and explore how India is powering the global shift.
What’s Next?
India is not only leading in smartphone manufacturing and exports but also setting global benchmarks in mobile data usage. Per capita 5G data usage has reached 32 GB/month, the highest in the world. India’s 5G user base is expected to grow from 290 million (by end-2024) to 980 million by 2030, covering 75% of all mobile users.
Further solidifying this leadership, Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that most iPhones sold in the US last quarter were made in India, marking a major milestone in India’s global manufacturing role.
Meanwhile, Vietnam currently leads production of Apple Watches, iPads, and MacBooks. For India to maintain and expand its edge, it must now invest in advanced facilities not only to diversify production beyond iPhones, but also to enable domestic brands to scale up smartphone manufacturing.
*The companies mentioned in the article are for information purposes only. This is not an investment advice.
*Disclaimer: Teji Mandi Disclaimer
