Apple surpasses Xiaomi, bags the No 6 spot in India’s top 30 cities

The iPhone maker has edged past Xiaomi with a market share of 4.6% in India’s top 30 cities, which accounts for 51% of the smartphone market

The iPhone maker has edged past Xiaomi with a market share of 4.6% in India’s top 30 cities, which accounts for 51% of the smartphone market (Reuters)

In a bump up for Apple in the Indian market, the Cupertino giant has reportedly surpassed Xiaomi, taking spot No.6 in terms of market share.The ranking takes into account the 51% of the smartphone market in India's top 30 cities.

According to Economic Times, the iPhone maker advanced even in price sensitive tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which are breeding ground for domestic manufacturers. Citing a research publication from US market research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), the report reveals that Apple was leading the premium price segment of ₹20,000 and above.

Following price drops of its earlier models, including the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple had over 42% market share across more than two dozen cities after the launch of the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus in the first half of Q1, further added the report.

Apple's share advanced even in price sensitive tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which are a breeding ground for domestic manufacturers (IDC)

Apple's share advanced even in price sensitive tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which are a breeding ground for domestic manufacturers (IDC)

"Smartphone consumers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities are becoming more aware and demanding devices with latest features, specifications, affordable prices and convenient buying options," said Jaideep Mehta, managing director for IDC South Asia.

According to IDC, tier 1 cities include metros such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru, while the remaining 25 including state capitals are classified under tier 1 and tier 2 cities. Apple held a market share of 4.6% in these 30 cities, with Samsung and Micromax bagging No 1 and No 2 ranks with a share of 29.4% and 14.7% respectively. Xiaomi was closely tied-in with Apple with a share of 4.5%.

Lenovo-owned Motorola bagged the No. 3 spot overall, followed by domestic manufacturers Intex and Lava with a share of 8.2% and 7.1% respectively.