The much-awaited iPhone 17 series officially went on sale in India today, but the excitement quickly turned chaotic. At the Mumbai Apple Store in BKC Jio Centre, massive crowds gathered hours before the 8 a.m. opening. Videos captured by PTI showed buyers jostling and even fighting to move up the queue, forcing security officials to intervene and escort aggressors out. Shoppers complained that poor crowd management allowed line-cutting, sparking scuffles.
Overnight Queues Across India
The frenzy was not limited to Mumbai. Apple’s New Delhi store at Saket’s Select Citywalk Mall witnessed long overnight queues stretching across two floors. Some customers revealed they had been waiting since 1 a.m., while others traveled from distant states like Punjab to buy the iPhone 17 on launch day. Many even took the day off from work, underscoring the extraordinary hype.
All Four Apple Stores Witness Heavy Rush
Apple currently operates four flagship stores in India—New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. All reported massive crowds, with buyers eager to get their hands on not just the iPhone 17, but also the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, new Apple Watches, and AirPods Pro 3. The excitement reflects India’s growing importance as a key market for Apple.
iPhone 17 Pricing in India
Despite premium pricing, demand appears unaffected. The iPhone 17 starts at ₹82,900, while the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air is priced at ₹1,19,900. The higher-end models, iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, retail at ₹1,34,900 and ₹1,49,900, respectively. Early sales trends suggest that Apple is poised for yet another blockbuster launch in India.
A Market-Defining Moment
The chaos, queues, and sheer enthusiasm underline how Apple has transformed its brand appeal in India. With more buyers prioritizing first-day purchases despite steep costs, the iPhone 17 launch signals not just strong demand, but also Apple’s strengthening foothold in the Indian smartphone market.
