Apple Inc., the Cupertino-based consumer electronics brand known for its high-end smartphones, faces a challenging sales outlook in India following steep price gaps for its newly introduced devices like the iPhone Duo. Industry analysts from International Data Corporation (IDC) and Counterpoint Research note that import duties, goods and services tax (GST), and currency fluctuations have pushed local retail prices far above international rates, potentially steering buyers toward grey-market alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 for the 256 GB model in India, compared to $1,999 in the United States.
- IDC forecasts a single-digit decline in Apple’s India iPhone shipments for 2026, down from 14.3 million units in 2025.
- Counterpoint expects overall revenue in India to grow by 6 to 7 percent despite lower unit volumes, driven by a higher average selling price.
- Older models have also seen price revisions, with the iPhone 17 priced at ₹99,900 and the iPhone 17e at ₹79,900.
The wide pricing gap stems primarily from import levies on the first batch of iPhone Duo units, which are imported rather than assembled locally. According to research firm Counterpoint, duties, an 18 percent GST, and currency movements can add a net cost impact of more than 40 percent. Retailers express concern that frequent international travellers will purchase the device abroad, bypassing domestic authorized stores and impacting official sales volumes.
At the same time, component cost inflation driven heavily by surging memory chip prices for artificial intelligence infrastructure has prompted price increases across older iterations as well. While unit sales face headwinds, Apple continues to lean on its premium product mix, keeping average selling prices well above the broader Indian smartphone market average. Local assembly of future foldable generations will likely be required to bridge the pricing divide and boost formal retail channel performance.
FAQs
Q1. Why is the iPhone Duo more expensive in India compared to other countries?
A1. The initial batches of the iPhone Duo are imported into India rather than built locally, making them subject to customs duties, an 18 percent GST, and currency pressures that elevate retail costs by over 40 percent.
Q2. How will Apple’s revenue grow if iPhone unit shipments decline in India?
A2. Counterpoint Research expects revenue to grow by 6 to 7 percent because of a higher average selling price and a strong preference for premium models among affluent consumers.
Q3. What are the starting prices for the new iPhone Pro models in India?
A3. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at ₹1,79,900.
Q4. How are older iPhone models priced following the recent launch?
A4. Apple has raised prices on older inventory, with the iPhone 17 priced at ₹99,900, the iPhone 17e at ₹79,900, and the iPhone Air at ₹1,49,900.
