Apple’s iPhone 18 Series Launch Draws Enthusiastic Crowds Across India
On Friday, the fervent devotion of Apple enthusiasts was vividly on display as the highly anticipated iPhone 18 series officially hit the shelves in major Indian cities, captivating throngs eager to be among the first to experience the latest technological marvels.
The atmosphere at Apple retail outlets was electric, with fans arriving well in advance, jubilantly commemorating the arrival of the newest iterations from the tech giant headquartered in Cupertino, California.
This sales launch in India closely follows the grand unveiling of the latest smartphone lineup, featuring significant enhancements in performance, camera capabilities, and battery longevity.
The ultra-premium iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max debuted in India on Friday, priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,79,900 respectively.
These models are offered in a palette of four colors: classic black, sleek silver, pristine glacier, and an enticing new burgundy.
A customer at the Delhi store recounted his excitement after reserving the iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside an Apple Watch, citing a desire to upgrade from his iPhone 15 Plus. “The new model boasts numerous enhanced features and superior performance.
That was the primary motivation behind my choice,” he shared. Another Delhi resident, Mannat Singh, was particularly drawn to the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s burgundy hue, advanced A20 chip, artificial intelligence capabilities, and camera enhancements, acknowledging the substantial allure of Apple’s branding.
“It has quite an impressive array of features, including three cameras, and naturally, the prestige of the Apple name is a huge draw,” he elucidated.
Honey, also from Delhi, expressed his anticipation for the iPhone 18 Pro, having pre-ordered the 512 GB burgundy variant the moment bookings became available, securing the coveted first slot at 8:15 AM.
“I booked the 512 GB iPhone 18 Pro in burgundy on September 12 at 5:30 PM, right when pre-booking opened,” he explained. “The first available slot was at 8:15, and I successfully booked that.” His long-anticipated purchase became a reality that day.
Similar scenes manifested at Apple retail locations nationwide, with sheer enthusiasm radiating from the crowds. An avid Apple admirer outside the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai exclaimed, “I’ve got the first phone! My objective was to be the first in line; I waited here for around 10 to 12 hours.
The moment is finally here and I’m absolutely exhilarated.” He journeyed from Surat, determined to secure an early spot in line, and was rewarded as the doors opened to jubilant cheers from Apple staff.
The iPhone 18 series comprises the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both powered by Apple’s cutting-edge chip technology, accompanied by revamped camera systems and enhancements in display, performance, and battery efficiency.
From Mumbai to Delhi, Bengaluru, and Noida, eager patrons arrived long before the stores threw open their doors. Prolonged lines and animated conversations characterized the initial hours of sales, as customers awaited their opportunity to walk away with the much-coveted devices.
For many, this was not merely about upgrading a smartphone; rather, it was the exhilarating experience of being among the first to possess the latest iPhone that created an air of palpable excitement.
The scenes evoked the essence of an event, complete with countdowns and exuberant cheers as store doors opened.
The fervor transcended physical boundaries, as visuals and videos of the bustling queues and victorious first buyers rapidly circulated on social media platforms.
As the excitement spread online, it also devolved into playful memes and banter about the premium pricing of the devices; nevertheless, these quips served as a testament to the enduring allure that a new iPhone holds for a dedicated segment of Indian consumers.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available in various storage capacities, including 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
The iPhone 18 Pro begins at Rs 1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900, with color options of burgundy, glacier, silver, and black.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 18 series commenced on September 12 across an extensive list of 65 countries, including India, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, and Germany.
The launch precedes India’s significant festive shopping season, a time when smartphone manufacturers generally ramp up promotional activities, financing options, and availability of new devices to capture the buoyant consumer sentiment.
Additionally, Apple is poised to enter the foldable smartphone arena with its Duo model, slated for release in India with pricing ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4.5 lakh.
The iPhone Duo, envisioned as the company’s most extravagant mobile offering, will launch in India on October 23, with prices starting at Rs 2,99,900 for the 256GB variant, escalating to Rs 4,49,900 for the 2TB model.
Apple’s growth trajectory in India has been remarkable, with revenue projections exceeding USD 10 billion for FY26, bolstered by record iPhone shipments. In rupee terms, the company’s revenue figures are nearing the remarkable milestone of Rs 1 lakh crore.
According to Counterpoint Research, Apple experienced a 24% year-on-year surge in iPhone shipments within India, totaling approximately 14 million units in FY26. The iPhone remains a critical contributor to Apple’s revenue portfolio in the Indian market.
Source link: Dailypioneer.com.
