Apple iPhone 16 Craze Reaches New Heights as Fans Queue for 21 Hours
The launch of the Apple iPhone 16 in India has sparked immense excitement, with fans queuing for up to 21 hours to buy the latest model. Apple’s strong presence in the Indian market has only grown, with quick-commerce platforms promising rapid deliveries and the iPhone 16 Pro model gaining popularity due to its lower price compared to last year. Experts predict a record-breaking sales quarter for the tech giant, driven by a loyal customer base that continues to embrace Apple’s products.
iPhone 16 Frenzy Sweeps India, Fans Wait 21 Hours in Line
The excitement surrounding the launch of the Apple iPhone 16 in India has reached a fever pitch, with fans going to extraordinary lengths to get their hands on the latest model. The dedication of one fan, who stood in line for 21 hours, exemplifies the obsession with Apple’s newest release. Across the country, people traveled from state to state in hopes of purchasing their favorite iPhone 16 model. While some were lucky enough to secure the device, others faced disappointment and now eagerly await the next opportunity for both online and offline availability.
Apple’s Record-Breaking Achievement
The sheer enthusiasm for the iPhone 16 and other Apple products has contributed significantly to the company’s growing success. Apple’s regular updates and product innovations have resonated strongly with its audience, even at premium price points. In fact, the high prices of these products seem to have little effect on their desirability. Apple’s presence in India has only strengthened, and industry experts predict that the company will set a new record for sales in this quarter.
Huge Crowds and 10-Minute Deliveries
On September 20th, when the iPhone 16 became available for offline purchase, massive crowds gathered outside Apple stores. The two main stores where the phone was available—Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex and a mall in Saket, Delhi—were flooded with eager customers.
One dedicated fan, Ujjwal Shah, traveled from Gujarat to Mumbai and stood in line for 21 hours just to be among the first to own the iPhone 16. As soon as the store opened, he managed to purchase his desired model.
In addition to the offline rush, quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and BigBasket made headlines by promising 10-minute deliveries of the iPhone 16. However, the stock on these apps ran out within minutes, mirroring the trends seen during the pre-order phase on e-commerce sites.
A Successful Launch for iPhone 16
According to Prabhu Ram, Vice President of Industry Intelligence at CyberMedia Research (CMR), both the base and Pro models of the iPhone 16 series received a positive reception in the market. Early assessments indicate strong demand, showing that Apple continues to have a loyal and enthusiastic customer base in India.
Beyond the iPhone 16, many customers opted for other Apple products like the new AirPods 4. In fact, a growing number of buyers upgraded their entire Apple ecosystem with products such as the Apple Watch and AirPods 4, further cementing Apple’s foothold in India’s tech landscape.
Lower Prices Drive Pro Model Popularity
One of the key factors contributing to the popularity of the iPhone 16 Pro model is the lower starting price compared to last year’s iPhone 15 Pro. This year, the iPhone 16 Pro is priced at ₹1,19,900, compared to ₹1,39,900 for the iPhone 15 Pro. As a result, more buyers are opting for the Pro model than in previous years.
Prabhu Ram highlighted that while the regular iPhone 16 remains the most popular choice, the reduction in price has drawn more consumers towards the Pro model, making it a bestseller alongside its more affordable counterpart.
Also Read: Apple’s iPhone 16 Faces Lukewarm Reception Amid AI Delays and Weak Sales