In a bid to bolster its presence in the lucrative Indian smartphone market, Apple is set to launch its iPhone 15 models in the country. While these units are locally assembled, a move in line with the industry trend of using India as a global manufacturing hub, Apple appears to be skipping a crucial perk for consumers – passing on the benefits of local production.
Pricing Disparities: US vs. India
Here’s a stark comparison of the iPhone 15 series prices between the United States and India:
| iPhone Model | Price in US | Price in India (INR) | Price in India (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | $799 | 79,900 | $965 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | $999 | 1,34,900 | $1,628 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $1,199 | 1,59,900 | $1,930 |
It’s worth noting that the $799 iPhone 14 launched in India at a price of 79,900 rupees, which is significantly higher than its US price of $799.
Challenges for Indian Consumers
While Apple’s manufacturing operations in India have grown, the company has limited collaborations with local banks for convenient financing options. Additionally, trading in an older iPhone at an Apple store in India typically yields only about one-third of its original value, providing consumers with less incentive for upgrades.
Furthermore, despite the premium price tags, Apple customers in India do not have access to a wide range of services, including News+, Fitness+, and Apple Pay. The Apple Card and its accompanying savings account feature, available in the US, are notably absent from the Indian market. Even Apple Maps and Siri offer fewer features to Indian customers compared to their counterparts in other regions.
As Apple continues its international expansion, it faces challenges in markets like India, where local players have the potential to leverage their position and pricing strategies to make the market more competitive. JPMorgan analysts recently highlighted the need for Apple to address these disparities to thrive in countries like India.
