Apple’s iPhones are one of the most popular smartphone series across the globe. These models are known for their hefty price tags, premium design, capable cameras, and much more. But if you’re thinking of buying an iPhone in India, you might want to think twice. Here’s every reason that you might want to consider an iPhone purchase.
1. The Apple Tax in India: High Pricing
Apple is perhaps infamous for exorbitant pricing for some of its products. While the iPhone isn’t the only expensive premium phone in the market, it still carries a hefty price tag. In the US, the base iPhone 16 was announced for a starting price tag of 799 US Dollars. This is around 150 US Dollars cheaper than its Indian launch price. In India, the same configuration sells for Rs 79,900 INR.
This is largely due to import duties, taxes, and Apple’s own pricing strategy. So it already becomes less attractive to Indian buyers who traditionally look for value in expensive purchases and flagship Android devices can offer better or similar specs for a lower price tag.
2. Expensive Repairs and Lack of AppleCare+
The costly purchase is also followed by an equally expensive repair bill. Fixing your iPhone in India is notorious for being expensive. Apple’s authorized centers often charge a premium for out of warranty repairs, making it costly for even minor issues. Furthermore, AppleCare+ in the region isn’t as widespread or affordable as it is in other regions. For those unaware, it is basically a service that lets you extend a warranty and get accidental damage protection. So iPhone owners have to be extra careful to avoid these hefty charges.
3. Restricted Features and Services
One aspect which is a little more frustrating than the pricing is the lack of certain iPhone features and services in India. A great example of this is Apple Pay, which is a popular mobile payment service in the US. It is still not fully supported in India. My colleague Sudarshan (who owns an iPhone 15) put this point across well in his tweet saying “Lockdown of NFC is a crime in regions where Apple Pay doesn’t exist. What’s the point of paying for the hardware when you can’t use it?”
With contactless payments, UPI, and digital wallets like Google Pay becoming more widely adopted, it is a shame that Apple Pay integration is still sorely lacking. He also stated that the iPhone makes more sense if you’re planning on entering the Apple ecosystem. Once again, you’ll find yourself spending more to buy stuff like MacBooks or Apple Watches for this complete experience.
4. Better Alternatives from Android
The Indian smartphone market is absolutely dominated by Android devices. Unlike Apple’s iPhones, these Android smartphones are available in multiple price segments, making them more accessible. Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others are great examples of this as they provide both flagship and budget smartphones.
For a similar price point, one can easily find Android phones with a faster charging rate, higher resolution displays, more customization, and even better cameras. iPhone does offer a polished user experience and strong software support, but Android are better value for money for budget-conscious Indian consumers. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus still have a 60Hz refresh rate is inexcusable and Apple’s iPhones are generations behind in terms of charging.
