In the first quarter of 2025, India’s tablet market experienced a significant 15% year-on-year growth, driven by leading manufacturers Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. This surge reflects a growing consumer preference for high-performance devices equipped with advanced features such as 5G connectivity.
Market Leaders and Their Contributions
Samsung maintained its position as the market leader, capturing a 34% share. This success was largely attributed to the Galaxy Tab A9 Plus 5G, which accounted for 98% of Samsung’s tablet shipments during this period. Apple followed with a 21% market share, bolstered by strong sales of the iPad 11. Xiaomi emerged as a significant player, recording a 59% annual growth rate. The Xiaomi Pad 7 was particularly influential, contributing to 36% of premium tablet sales. Lenovo held the third position with a 19% market share, sustained by demand for its Tab M11 and M9 models, although its overall growth remained flat.
Rise of 5G-Enabled Tablets
A notable trend in Q1 2025 was the increasing adoption of 5G-enabled tablets, which constituted 43% of total shipments. This shift underscores India’s rapid embrace of next-generation connectivity, enhancing user experiences in terms of speed and reliability.
Growth in the Premium Segment
The premium tablet segment, defined by devices priced above ₹20,000, saw a 41% year-on-year increase. Consumers are increasingly seeking feature-rich devices that cater to diverse needs, including work, education, and entertainment. Apple’s ecosystem continues to attract aspirational buyers looking for reliable performance and seamless integration across devices. Prabhu Ram, Vice President of the Industry Research Group at CyberMedia Research (CMR), noted, The iPad continues to thrive on the strength of Apple’s ecosystem and brand equity. This remains a core differentiator in the premium space.
Outlook for 2025
CMR projects that India’s tablet market will continue to grow by 10–15% throughout the remainder of 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by factors such as academic admissions, festive sales, and the expanding 5G ecosystem. Apple is well-positioned to benefit from these trends, especially as it introduces AI-driven features across its product line. Menka Kumari, Senior Analyst at CMR, stated, Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and Xiaomi are all addressing different layers of consumer demand. But Apple’s focus on long-term value and ecosystem strength continues to give it an edge in the premium category.
As reported by CMR, Apple’s share of the Indian tablet market remains solid, and its recent product launches suggest continued growth through 2025. With its combination of performance, integration, and brand loyalty, Apple is well-placed to maintain and expand its influence in one of the world’s fastest-growing tablet markets.
