Apple is set to see a 20% increase in iPhone sales in 2025 compared to 2024. Starting next month, iPhones eligible for the iOS 18.4 update will support ten Indian languages: Bangla, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. This update will enhance the iPhone’s software interface, similar to its existing support for languages like French and Mandarin.
Apple’s initiative, announced last month, aims to improve accessibility for first-time smartphone users in non-metropolitan areas of India. The integration of these languages is a result of collaboration between Apple’s Indian teams and their global counterparts, ensuring that the language support is deeply embedded in the Apple interface rather than just a simple translation. This approach guarantees consistency and the use of local colloquial terms across various applications, including the alarm clock and weather apps. Third-party developers will also be able to utilize this language support for a uniform experience across all apps.
Apple has been present in India since 1996 but began selling products through third-party retailers in 2008. Historically, the brand has been viewed as a premium option in a value-conscious market, which limited its presence in India’s tech landscape. However, since 2019, Apple has experienced consistent growth in sales, driven by increased availability, rising disposable incomes, and more accessible financing options.