Why did Apple fail in India? (9 reasons)
Many American companies have jumped into India with success, but Apple is not one of them. Are you wondering why Apple failed in India?
Well, I’ve been researching the reasons for this and found several, so read on to find out what’s wrong with Apple in India!
Why is Apple not in India?
1. The product is expensive
One of the main reasons why Apple failed in India is that buying products from Apple is very expensive.
The price of a product is an important factor in deciding whether Indians buy it, so the more expensive it is, the fewer people will buy it.
In India, for example, the cheapest device is the $550 iPhone 7, which is unaffordable for most Indian residents.
2. Apple is making older smartphones
Apple’s production of older smartphones in India is a big reason why Apple has failed in India.
This is because older smartphones like the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6 are no longer popular.
Also, Indians know the latest iPhones and want them.
As a result, Apple makes these older smartphones to the disappointment of consumers who want current devices and software.
3. Indian apps are not compatible with Apple
Another problem for Apple in India is that Apple is not compatible with the country’s apps, which is related to Apple not wanting the TRAI app on its iPhones.
TRAI is an agency that regulates all telecommunications within India, and without TRAI on the iPhone, it would be almost impossible to succeed in India.
4. Siri and other Apple apps don’t recognize Indian culture
A major problem plaguing Apple in India is the inability of various apps, such as Siri, to recognize Indian names. Difficulty understanding accents when speaking.
Additionally, Apple Maps doesn’t recognize India’s geographic location and doesn’t provide search results or driving directions to locations within the country.
Overall, it’s hard to build a following in the country without Apple getting to know India, whether it’s accents, geography, driving directions, or common Indian names.
5. Chinese smartphone rivals own the market
Price is an important factor in India, where Chinese rivals such as Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi shine.
Unfortunately, it is difficult for Apple to break through this market due to the high cost of the product.
For example, Xiaomi has about 27% of the smartphone market in India and Samsung has about 22%.
So, with Apple’s prices so high and budget smartphone companies like Oppo, Lenovo, and Motorola leading the way, it’s hard for Apple to compete.
6. No physical Apple Store
India has never had a physical Apple Store, making it nearly impossible for anyone to go in and fix their Apple devices, which has severely hindered Apple’s growth in India.
In addition, Apple has managed to open stores in almost every developed country, which helps attract customers.
However, this did not happen in India, which led to less enthusiasm for its products.
7. iPhone battery life is too short
In the US, the battery life of a device doesn’t matter, as Americans seem to be around electrical outlets all the time. However, this is not the case in India.
For example, most people in India either spend hours in traffic or work hours where there are no outlets.
Therefore, the battery life of a smartphone is very important.
Overall, many people in India feel that iPhone batteries are too short for their lifestyle and culture compared to other brands.
8. iPhone specs are on the weak side
Since Apple sells older smartphones in India, the specs of these devices are weak, especially when iPhones are priced much higher than other brands.
So if someone in India can buy a flagship device with the same specs as an iPhone from Xiaomi for less than half the price, they will.
9. Too many changes in management
Apple has more than three general managers in India.
Such a large turnover hurts Apple because the company cannot maintain strategy and follow through on its goals.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on how Apple makes money, Apple Pay, and Apple being a Chinese company.
in conclusion
Apple failed in India because it charged much higher prices for iPhones than other companies like Samsung, Xiaomi and even Oppo. Also, Apple apps are not compatible with Indian culture, and Siri cannot understand Indian accents.
Likewise, Apple Maps cannot provide driving directions or identify names. As a result, a lot of people in India are disappointed with the price (including specs) offered by Apple, and without a physical Apple Store, it’s even less appealing.
