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As iPhone 15 looms over the horizon, decoding Apple’s India growth trajectory

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Like clockwork, the second Tuesday in September will again provide anchor for an Apple keynote to usher in the next iPhone line-up. Likely to be the iPhone 15 series if the naming sequence continues, we can certainly expect status quo to be maintained in terms of how many phones the new portfolio will have, if not a surprise addition or two. Therefore, the quartet will include successors to the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Apple is selling more iPhones in India than ever before. (Reuters File Photo)
Apple is selling more iPhones in India than ever before. (Reuters File Photo)

While new iPhones are unmistakably exciting, for the India market, there is a strong foundation still being put together. One, where numbers mark a positive trajectory for phones that till not too recently were considered too expensive for the perceived value conscious Indian smartphone buyer. Estimates are bullish about the prospects of the iPhone 15 series too in India.

You wouldn’t expect anything less, in a year which saw Apple CEO Tim Cook launch the tech giant’s first set of exclusive retail stores in India. Apple is also selling more iPhones in India than ever before, and has set about to deliver on the government’s target of 25% of all iPhones in the world to be manufactured in India.

Cyber Media Research, in numbers shared with HT, estimates a 25% year-on-year growth for iPhone 15 shipments, compared with the iPhone 14 series after it was launched in the same quarter last year.

“With the iPhone 15 series, Apple is poised to maintain market momentum. However, this growth hinges on Apple’s ability to effectively manage any potential production challenges, and consequent shipment delays associated with its iPhone 15 line-up, including its ‘Pro’ models,” Prabhu Ram, who heads the Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research, tells HT.

A lot of this momentum comes from domestic manufacturing, something Apple and its partners Foxconn, Pegatron and Wistron (to be acquired by the Tata Group) have invested in significantly. In 2020, as the push for Make in India initiative gathered pace, Apple manufactured around 1% of all iPhones globally, in India. That number is expected to stabilise at 6% by the end of 2023.

Indians are also spending more on smartphones, something that has helped Apple, alongside Android phone makers such as Samsung and OnePlus, who figure in the flagship phone space. This change in buying trend comes even as the overall market is indicative of sluggish trends.

In Q2 2023, research firm TechInsights indicates Apple saw a 50% increase in shipments year-on-year.

“India became the 5th largest market for Apple in Q2 2023. We expect iPhone average selling price to increase further in Q3 and Q4 2023 driven by iPhone 15 Pro models that are expected to be more expensive than predecessors,” points out Abhilash Kumar, Industry Analyst for Wireless Smartphone Strategies, at TechInsights.

Some of the factors that may make some of the iPhone 15 series phones comparatively more expensive at launch, may include an expected switch to the low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display technology and the use of Titanium in the frame, at least on the ‘Pro’ phones.

According to IDC, or International Data Corporation, 64 million smartphones were shipped in India in the first half of 2023, a decline of 10% compared with H1 2022. Specifically, in Q2 2023, the 34 million smartphones shipped represent a 10% increase over Q1 2023, but that is still decline of 3% compared with Q2 2022.

“Consumers are opting for premium offerings, driven by easy and affordable financing options. We expect this growth momentum to continue in the upcoming months in 2023,” says Upasana Joshi, research manager, Client Devices at IDC India. The average selling price of a smartphone in India is now $241 (around 19,930), a 13% increase year-on-year.

Apple’s market share has also increased significantly. At the end of Q2 2023, Apple registered a 61.1% growth year-on-year, which now gives it around 5.5% share of India’s smartphone market. This is also the quarter in which Vivo (16%) overtook Samsung (15.7%) to take the lead of the market share.

“iPhones will garner 7% market share in the Android-dominated India smartphone market in 2023,” predicts CMR’s Prabhu Ram. The pricing of previous generation iPhones once iPhone 15 is released will be crucial. As a trend, significant sales are generated for a generation-older iPhone series. For instance, alongside the iPhone 14 series, some models of iPhone 13, iPhone 12, as well as iPhone SE, continued to remain on sale at more affordable price points.

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Business

Biden’s Hollywood Break-Up: Celebrities Say It’s Time for a Change

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As President Joe Biden nears the halfway mark of his term, a noticeable shift is occurring within Hollywood’s elite. Once a stronghold of Democratic support, a growing number of celebrities are voicing their discontent with the current administration and calling for a change in leadership.

The Growing Discontent

Policy Disagreements:Many celebrities have expressed frustration over Biden’s handling of key issues such as climate change, healthcare, and immigration. Despite campaign promises, some feel that progress has been too slow or insufficient.

Environmental advocates, in particular, have been vocal about their disappointment with the administration’s compromises on climate policy, arguing that urgent action is needed to address the climate crisis.

Cultural and Social Issues:Hollywood’s progressive base has criticized Biden for not taking a stronger stance on social justice issues. High-profile figures in the entertainment industry have called for more aggressive reforms on policing, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Supreme Court’s recent decisions on reproductive rights have also fueled discontent, with many feeling that the administration should have taken more decisive action to protect these rights.

Economic Concerns:Celebrities have highlighted economic disparities and the administration’s handling of the post-pandemic recovery. Rising inflation and economic instability have led some to question Biden’s economic policies and their impact on everyday Americans.

The entertainment industry itself has faced challenges, including strikes and disputes over working conditions, which some feel have not been adequately addressed by the administration.

Calls for Change New Leadership:Prominent figures in Hollywood are advocating for new leadership within the Democratic Party, suggesting that fresh faces and ideas are needed to address the current political and social climate.

Some celebrities have even hinted at support for potential challengers within the party who might better align with their progressive values and vision for the future.

Increased Activism:The dissatisfaction has led to increased political activism among celebrities, with many using their platforms to mobilize fans and encourage voter participation. Grassroots campaigns and advocacy efforts are gaining momentum as celebrities push for change.

Social media has become a powerful tool for these efforts, allowing celebrities to reach wide audiences and galvanize support for various causes and candidates.

Impact on Upcoming Elections

Influence on Voters:Hollywood celebrities have long held sway over public opinion, and their shift in support could influence voters, especially younger demographics who look up to these figures.The growing call for change may lead to a more dynamic and competitive Democratic primary, potentially reshaping the party’s platform and priorities.

Republican Opportunities:The discontent within Hollywood could also present opportunities for Republican candidates to appeal to disillusioned voters. By addressing key issues and presenting viable alternatives, Republicans may seek to capitalize on the divide within the Democratic base.

Conclusion

The evolving relationship between Hollywood and the Biden administration highlights the complexities of political alliances and the changing landscape of American politics. As celebrities increasingly voice their desire for change, their influence could play a significant role in shaping the future of the Democratic Party and the broader political discourse in the United States.

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Business

The Shift from Celebrity Endorsements to Influencer Marketing

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In recent years, the marketing landscape has witnessed a significant shift from traditional celebrity endorsements to influencer marketing. This evolution is driven by changes in consumer behavior, the rise of social media, and the need for more authentic and relatable brand connections.

Why the Shift is Happening

Authenticity and Relatability:Consumers increasingly seek genuine and relatable recommendations. Influencers, who often share personal stories and experiences, provide a sense of authenticity that traditional celebrity endorsements sometimes lack.

Influencers typically have a niche audience that trusts their opinions, making their endorsements feel more like personal recommendations than paid promotions.

Engagement and Interaction:Influencers engage directly with their followers through comments, likes, and direct messages, creating a two-way interaction. This engagement fosters a sense of community and trust.

Celebrities, while having large followings, often maintain a more distant relationship with their audience, which can reduce the perceived authenticity of their endorsements.

Targeted Reach:Brands can leverage influencers to reach specific demographics and niches. Influencers often cater to particular interests, allowing brands to target their marketing efforts more precisely.

Celebrity endorsements, on the other hand, tend to have a broader reach but may not effectively target specific audience segments.

Cost-Effectiveness:Working with influencers, especially micro-influencers (those with smaller, highly engaged followings), can be more cost-effective than high-profile celebrity endorsements.

Brands can collaborate with multiple influencers to achieve a wide reach at a lower cost compared to a single celebrity endorsement deal.

Content Diversity:Influencers create a variety of content formats, including videos, stories, and blog posts, offering brands multiple ways to connect with their audience. This diverse content can be more engaging and shareable.

Celebrity endorsements are often limited to traditional advertising formats, which may not resonate as effectively with modern, digital-savvy consumers.

Examples of Influencer Marketing Success

Fashion and Beauty:Brands like Glossier and Fashion Nova have leveraged influencers to build their brands. Influencers’ reviews, tutorials, and unboxing videos have driven significant brand awareness and sales.

Travel and Lifestyle:Companies like Airbnb and GoPro collaborate with travel influencers to showcase their products in real-life scenarios. Influencer-generated content highlights authentic travel experiences and inspires followers.

Fitness and Wellness:Fitness brands such as Gymshark have grown exponentially by partnering with fitness influencers who demonstrate the use of their products, share workout routines, and motivate their followers.

Conclusion

The shift from celebrity endorsements to influencer marketing reflects a broader trend towards authenticity, engagement, and targeted reach in the digital age. While celebrities still hold significant influence, the rise of social media has democratized marketing, allowing influencers to build strong, loyal communities. Brands that adapt to this shift and leverage the power of influencer marketing can create more meaningful connections with their audience, ultimately driving greater brand loyalty and success.

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Business

Virat Kohli Surpasses Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh to Become King of Celebrity Brand Value

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In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity endorsements and brand associations, Virat Kohli has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh to become the king of celebrity brand value in India. This accomplishment underscores Kohli’s unparalleled popularity and influence, extending beyond the cricket field to a dominant presence in the advertising and branding world.

How Celebrity Brand Value is CalculatedCelebrity brand value is a metric that evaluates the monetary worth a celebrity brings to a brand through their endorsements. The calculation of this value involves several factors:

Marketability and Endorsement Deals: The number and nature of endorsement deals a celebrity secures play a crucial role. Higher and more lucrative deals increase the brand value.

Public Perception and Popularity: Surveys and market research assess the celebrity’s popularity, likability, and public perception. Positive sentiment and a strong fan base contribute significantly to brand value.

Media Presence and Visibility: The frequency and nature of a celebrity’s appearances in media, including social media, television, and print, impact their brand value. Greater visibility often translates to higher brand value.

Social Media Influence: In today’s digital age, a celebrity’s social media presence and engagement are vital. High follower counts and interaction rates boost brand value.

Impact on Sales and Brand Image: The effectiveness of a celebrity in driving sales and enhancing a brand’s image is a direct indicator of their brand value. Brands track the performance of campaigns featuring the celebrity to gauge this impact.

Longevity and Consistency: The duration of a celebrity’s relevance and their ability to maintain consistent performance over time contribute to their overall brand value.

Virat Kohli’s ascent to the top is a testament to his exceptional marketability, vast popularity, and strategic brand associations. His strong social media presence, consistent performance as a cricketer, and charismatic personality have all played pivotal roles in elevating his brand value. By surpassing established Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh, Kohli has solidified his position as a leading figure in both sports and brand endorsements, showcasing the growing influence of athletes in the world of celebrity branding.

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