Apple Introduces iPhone 16 Pro at Lower Prices in India
It’s cheaper due to reduced import duties on electronics.
Not so long ago, sources confirmed that Apple would begin the production of its iPhone 16 Pro model phones in India in a bid to reduce dependency on China for production.
While the company hasn't publicly disclosed its specific reasons, it's widely believed that economic and political factors played a significant role in this strategic shift.
Louis Eriakha
As things stand, Apple still manufactures the majority of its iPhones in China, however, the smartphone giant has a portion of its production operation set up in India.
Now, recent news indicates that the iPhone 16 Pro is being sold at a significantly lower price in India compared to last year's iPhone 15 Pro launch price. This marks a departure from Apple's traditional pricing strategy, where new models are typically launched at similar prices to their predecessors.
The iPhone 16 Pro is now available in India for 119,900 rupees ($1,428), which is approximately 15,000 rupees ($178) less than last year's Pro launch price of 134,900 rupees ($1,606). A similar trend can be observed with the Pro Max models with this year's iPhone 16 Pro Max priced at 144,900 rupees ($1,725) and last year's iPhone 15 Pro Max priced at 159,900 rupees ($1,904) at launch.
This price reduction is primarily attributed to reduced import duties on electronics in India. However, it's also likely a strategic move by Apple to bolster its market presence in the country. According to TechCrunch, India became Apple's fifth-largest market for its iPhone in 2023, with sales increasing by around 39%.
This growth, coupled with Apple's previous plans to expand production in India, suggests that the company may have intentionally lowered the price of the iPhone 16 Pro to stimulate demand and further solidify its position in the Indian market.
While the long-term impact of Apple's strategic shift remains to be seen, it's clear that the company is taking significant steps to expand its market reach. As India's economy continues to grow, Apple's presence in the country is likely to play a crucial role in its global success.
Louis Eriakha
