TLDR
- Apple Chairman Arthur Levinson sold $20 million in AAPL stock in August, offloading 90,000 shares at $232 each
- Apple India revenue reached record $9 billion in fiscal 2025, up 13% from previous year
- iPhone demand drove India growth, with MacBook sales also contributing to revenue increase
- Apple expanded retail presence with new stores in Bangalore and Pune, more locations planned
- Company now manufactures 20% of iPhones in India as it reduces China dependence
Apple’s board chairman made headlines this week after selling over $20 million in company stock. The transaction comes as Apple reaches a major revenue milestone in India.
SEC filings reveal Arthur Levinson sold 90,000 Apple shares on August 28 at prices between $231.82 and $232.36. He originally bought these shares in February 2001 for around 29 cents each. Levinson still owns 4,069,576 Apple shares worth approximately $976 million.
The chairman has served on Apple’s board since 2000 and became chairman in 2011. He currently runs Calico, Alphabet’s biotech subsidiary focused on aging research.
India Becomes Key Growth Market
Apple hit a new milestone with India sales reaching nearly $9 billion for fiscal 2025. This marks 13% growth from the previous year’s $8 billion revenue. Strong iPhone demand drove most of the increase, while MacBook sales also contributed.
This growth stands out as Apple faces slower smartphone demand elsewhere. India’s performance highlights the market’s increasing importance for Apple’s global strategy.
Apple has been expanding its Indian retail footprint. New stores opened in Bangalore and Pune this week. The company plans additional outlets in Noida and Mumbai next year.
Since launching flagship stores in Mumbai and New Delhi in 2023, Apple has used trade-in offers, student discounts, and bank partnerships to attract customers. These strategies help offset India’s higher iPhone prices and reach middle-class buyers.
Manufacturing Hub Expansion
India serves dual roles as both market and production base for Apple. The country now manufactures about 20% of all iPhones across five facilities. Two factories opened recently as part of Apple’s expansion plan.
This shift helps Apple reduce Chinese manufacturing dependence. While China revenue grew 4.4% in the June quarter, Apple continues losing market share to local brands like Xiaomi and Huawei.
Apple’s regional breakdown shows Americas leading with $41.2 billion revenue. Europe contributed $24 billion, Greater China $15.4 billion, Rest of Asia Pacific $7.7 billion, and Japan $5.8 billion.
Despite strong growth, India remains a small portion of Apple’s global business. However, rising incomes and young demographics suggest continued expansion potential.
Apple stock has underperformed this year, down 4.3% versus the S&P 500’s 11% gain. Shares have gained 3.1% since Levinson’s stock sale.
The company’s next catalyst comes September 9 with its product showcase featuring the expected iPhone 17 lineup reveal.
