In India, the new iPhone can arrive faster than a pizza

In India, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models can be delivered to customers' doorsteps in just 10 minutes through quick-commerce apps, according to recent reporting. Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy's Instamart, and BigBasket began offering the new Pro models on their platforms shortly after their launch in the country on Friday. These platforms, well-known for delivering groceries and daily essentials, are now expanding into the electronics market.

While the iPhone 18 Pro models were also available through traditional sales channels like Apple stores and online marketplaces, quick-commerce deliveries offer an "instant gratification" option that allows customers to avoid long queues and waiting periods. Quick-commerce platforms have been offering Apple's latest devices on launch days in India for some time now, but the market for such deliveries is rapidly growing.

India's quick-commerce sector reached around $9 billion in the first half of 2026, with monthly users rising to over 60 million from 8 million three years ago. Market research firm IDC predicts the market could reach $50 billion by 2030, with non-food products like electronics, fashion, and beauty accounting for 45% of spending.

BigBasket reported delivering over 300 iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max units in the first hour of sales, while Instamart noted that Bengaluru led iPhone 18 Pro-series orders, followed by Delhi. The Burgundy 256 GB iPhone 18 Pro was the most popular variant, accounting for nearly a third of Instamart's sales. However, within hours of the launch, availability of the new iPhones became limited in some areas, with some quick-commerce platforms and sellers selling out of the iPhone 18 Pro models.

Despite the initial demand, research suggests that quick-commerce deliveries for premium smartphones like the iPhone 18 Pro may still be a "launch-day marketing phenomenon" rather than a significant sales channel for smartphones.