As reports of massive sales in the United States and China create a picture of Apple's domination in the smartphone market, one piece of the puzzle might just spoil the image.
India's smartphone industry was touted as the world's most explosive. Unfortunately for Apple, not many Indians hopped in the iPhone bandwagon. According to recently released data for the first quarter, iPhone sales have declined to almost 50% of its last quarter trades.
The global phone making industry knows that India is a major market. With only a minority (6%) of its 867 million cellphone users owing smartphones, companies anticipate that point when the customers shift from simple phone to smartphone. Analysts predict that it is happening soon, increasing the Indian smartphone market by a tremendous 80% to 90%.
Companies have been waiting for this special time. Nokia, Samsung, and Apple have been at war in India ever since the market showed signs of growing. Their weapons? Countless equated money installment plans. Cash discounts. Promotions and bonuses.
But there must be something Apple is doing wrong in India. Most likely, analysts said, Apple's relatively higher priced gadgets aren't a good fit to the Indian consumer which industry experts describe as 'price-sensitive.' Samsung knew this well. The Korean smartphone maker even launched a smartphone for less than US$100. Samsung is number one currently in India.
Unless Apple remodels its sales strategy in India, there is little chance that a global iPhone sweep will occur.
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