Apple iPhone 16 series Updates : Apple has unveiled its latest lineup of iPhones at the “It’s Glowtime” event, introducing four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. In India, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are priced similarly to their predecessors, while the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max have seen a slight price drop. This comes as a pleasant surprise to Indian consumers, as Apple usually raises prices with each new model.
The pre-orders for all models are now open, with availability starting from September 20. This article will cover the pricing details in India, compare them to global markets, and explain what to consider if you’re planning to buy an iPhone from abroad.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: Prices and Offers in India
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are reasonably priced in India, especially when compared to the iPhone Pro models. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing for both models, including bank discounts available through Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and American Express.
iPhone 16 Price in India:
- 128GB: ₹79,900 (₹74,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 256GB: ₹89,900 (₹84,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 512GB: ₹1,09,900 (₹1,04,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
iPhone 16 Plus Price in India:
- 128GB: ₹89,900 (₹84,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 256GB: ₹99,900 (₹94,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 512GB: ₹1,19,900 (₹1,14,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
These discounts bring the effective prices down and make these models competitive, especially when compared to the more premium iPhone Pro models. However, even with these offers, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are still cheaper in other markets like the US and Canada.
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: Prices in India
This year, instead of a price hike, Apple has reduced the starting price for the iPhone 16 Pro series. The iPhone 16 Pro now starts at ₹1,19,900, which is cheaper than last year’s iPhone 15 Pro at launch. However, even with this reduction, it is still significantly more expensive in India compared to the US, where the same model starts at $99 (around ₹83,891, excluding taxes).
iPhone 16 Pro Price in India:
- 128GB: ₹1,19,900 (₹1,14,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 256GB: ₹1,29,900 (₹1,24,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 512GB: ₹1,49,900 (₹1,44,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 1TB: ₹1,69,900 (₹1,64,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
iPhone 16 Pro Max Price in India:
- 256GB: ₹1,44,900 (₹1,39,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 512GB: ₹1,64,900 (₹1,59,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
- 1TB: ₹1,84,900 (₹1,79,900 after a ₹5,000 bank discount)
Even with the discounts, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are significantly pricier in India compared to Western markets. For instance, in the US, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at around ₹1,00,000, making it ₹40,000 cheaper than the Indian price.
Apple iPhone 16 series:
Global Price Comparison: Where to Buy iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro for the Cheapest Price?
Let’s compare the prices of iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max in different countries, converted to Indian Rupees for easy understanding.
Country | iPhone 16 (₹) | iPhone 16 Plus (₹) | iPhone 16 Pro (₹) | iPhone 16 Pro Max (₹) |
---|---|---|---|---|
India | 79,900 | 89,900 | 1,19,900 | 1,44,900 |
US | 67,096 | 75,493 | 83,891 | 1,00,686 |
UK | 87,776 | 98,762 | 1,09,747 | 1,31,719 |
Dubai | 76,687 | 85,712 | 96,993 | 1,31,719 |
China | 70,760 | 82,556 | 94,351 | 1,17,942 |
Hong Kong | 74,314 | 82,931 | 92,626 | 1,09,861 |
Vietnam | 78,272 | 88,482 | 98,692 | 1,19,112 |
Singapore | 83,565 | 89,998 | 1,02,864 | 1,22,163 |
Thailand | 74,185 | 86,590 | 98,996 | 1,21,326 |
France | 89,839 | 1,03,746 | 1,13,945 | 1,37,124 |
Japan | 73,087 | 81,871 | 93,584 | 1,11,153 |
Canada | 69,897 | 79,184 | 89,709 | 1,08,282 |
Australia | 78,370 | 89,574 | 1,00,778 | 1,20,385 |
As the table shows, the iPhone 16 series is significantly cheaper in countries like the US, Canada, and Japan. For example, the iPhone 16 is around ₹12,000 cheaper in the US compared to India. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro is about ₹36,000 cheaper in the US.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro Max from Overseas
While it might seem like a smart move to buy an iPhone from the US or other countries where prices are lower, there are a few things to consider:
1. SIM Compatibility:
If you buy an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro Max from the US, it will not have a physical SIM card slot. The US variants only support eSIM, whereas the Indian variants come with both a nano-SIM card slot and eSIM support. This could be an issue if you rely on physical SIM cards or don’t have eSIM service available with your provider in India.
2. Network Locking:
Some iPhones sold in foreign markets, particularly the US, might be network-locked to specific carriers. Always make sure that you’re buying an unlocked model if you plan to use the iPhone in India. Otherwise, you could end up with a device that won’t work with Indian SIM cards.
3. Warranty Coverage:
Apple offers international warranty coverage on its devices, but there may be limitations or differences in terms of service availability when you buy from another country. It’s always a good idea to check Apple’s warranty policy for your specific region before making an international purchase.
4. Taxes and Import Duties:
Although prices might appear lower abroad, don’t forget about taxes and import duties when you bring an iPhone into India. These additional costs can negate the savings you were expecting from purchasing overseas.
5. Local Support and Services:
Buying an iPhone from another country could limit your access to certain local features, such as carrier support or region-specific services. For example, you might not be able to use dual-SIM features in the same way as you would with an Indian variant. Additionally, if your iPhone requires repairs, service options might differ based on where you purchased the phone.
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, are available for pre-order in India and will be available for purchase starting September 20. While the prices of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are competitive in India, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max remain significantly more expensive than in other global markets. If you’re considering buying an iPhone from abroad, make sure to factor in additional costs like taxes, SIM compatibility, and warranty coverage.
Ultimately, while it might be cheaper to buy an iPhone from places like the US or Canada, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of international purchases before making your