iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus to hit India on October 16

The price for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (16 GB version of both phones) stands at Rs 42,185 and Rs 48,685, respectively

Apple has announced that its all-new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus smartphones will go on sale in India on October 16, just ahead of the Dussehra festive season in the country. The two models will be available in gold, silver, space grey and the new rose gold metallic finish.

The company said around 13 million units of the two models have been sold within three days of the launch - a new record. Apple has reduced the time taken to introduce its new iPhone models in the country from over a month in previous years to around three weeks.

While the move could be to take advantage of the upcoming Diwali holiday shopping season in the country, it is also in line with Apple's increasing focus on India. The firm made this announcement on Monday night.

Apple's overall sales in India grew by 93% during the April-June quarter in 2015 on the back of strong iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sales, beating China where sales grew by 87% during the same period.

However, it is estimated that India is still a $1 billion market for Apple, while China contributed close to 25% of Apple's record $49.6 billion revenue during the April-June quarter.

The iPhone 6s and 6s Plus will be available in 40 additional countries beginning October 9 including Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain and Taiwan. The new iPhones will be available in 130 countries by the end of the year.

“Sales for iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus have been phenomenal, blowing past any previous first weekend sales results in Apple’s history,” said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. “Customers’ feedback is incredible and they are loving the 3D Touch and Live Photos, and we can’t wait to bring the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus to customers in even more countries on October 9.”

The price for iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (16 GB version of both phones) stands at $649 (Rs 42,185) and $749 (Rs 48,685), respectively.

(Note $1=Rs65)