This year’s new iPhone has been entered, and this time again Apple has taken a huge leap in terms of price. Why do iPhone prices remain so high despite being made in India? This question comes to the mind of almost every iPhone buyer and non-buyer. Apple brings new models every year and keeps the prices higher than before. The recently launched iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the company’s first foldable phone iPhone Duo have started this discussion again.
iPhone 18 Pro is starting from Rs 1,64,900 in India. iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,79,900. The most expensive is iPhone Duo, whose price starts from Rs 2,99,900. These prices are much higher than America. People think that when the phone is being assembled in India itself then why is it so expensive?
In fact, most of the iPhone work in India is limited to assembly. The entire phone is not made here. Expensive parts like processor, display, camera sensor and memory still come from outside – from Taiwan, South Korea, Japan or China. Import duty is applicable on these parts. After that 18 percent GST is also added on the entire phone. Due to these taxes and duties the final price increases significantly. According to some estimates, 30-40 percent of the price of iPhone is only tax and duty.
Apple’s own strategy also plays a big role in this. The company positions its products as a premium brand. Instead of selling cheaply in large numbers, it targets small but rich customers at a high price.
It is not possible for a status symbol phone to be cheap.
In a market like India, iPhone is considered a status symbol. That’s why Apple does not insist on reducing the price. Every year the prices are increased further by adding new features – better camera, faster processor, AI features.
The iPhone 18 series has come with upgrades like A20 Pro chip, variable aperture camera and long battery life. iPhone Duo is a completely new form factor. Due to its foldable screen, large display and special design, its price has been kept higher. The cost of research and development on new technology is also recovered from the customers.
Apple definitely benefits from local manufacturing. Tariffs are saved, supply chains are strengthened and exports are easier. But these savings do not reach the customer completely. Companies maintain their margins. The weakness of the rupee also contributes to the increase in prices as imported parts come in dollars.
The number of expensive iPhones increases every year
Apple has an old habit of bringing expensive models every year. Prices keep increasing to keep up with new technology, better performance and to maintain brand value. There may be some relief from increasing production in India, but as long as the tax system and dependence on imported components remains, it is difficult for the iPhone to be cheap.
So next time you see a new iPhone and are surprised by the price, remember – making in India is just assembly. The real cost lies in taxes, imported parts and Apple’s premium approach. iPhone 18 and Duo are also carrying forward this trend. Prices will remain high until the entire supply chain becomes local or the tax structure changes.
