The new Apple iPhone6 and iPhone6 Plus received a grand opening in India as more than 35,000 units were sold within the first 12 hours of the launch on October 17th.
iPhone6 and 6 Plus which were launched on September 17 in the USA has generated immense excitement and buzz, considering that it showcases several new features such as: streamlined design, models with larger 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays, a faster processor, upgraded cameras, improved LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, and support for a near-field communications-based mobile payments offering.
The 16GB iPhone 6 model is priced at Rs. 53,500, while the 64GB and 128GB variants are priced at Rs. 62,500 and Rs. 71,500, respectively.
The iPhone 6 Plus 16GB model is Rs. 62,500, while the 64GB is Rs. 71,500, and the 128GB model is Rs. 80,500.
On a global level, iPhone 6 has broken all Apple’s previous records as more than 4 million units were pre-booked within the first 24 hours. More than 10 million new units of both iPhone 6 and 6 plus were ordered in the next three days of the launch, which is again an Apple record.
In India, pre-booking for the new iPhone series started on October 7th, and as per official records, 25,000 units were pre-booked by Indians, which include online as well as offline platform. Hence, on the day of launch, the actual sales actually surpassed the pre-booking numbers, which technologists are saying is a very good sign.
Indians Turned Into Midnight Children For The New iPhone6
In USA and other developed countries, it is a common sight: People queued up infront of the Apple stores since midnight (or even from earlier day) so that they become the first to lay their hands on the new gadget. But something like this happening in India is unheard of.
People in Delhi, Mumbai , Ahmedabad and Bangalore were seen queued up infront of Apple stores since midnight to become the first to purchase the new series of iPhones. In fact several of the stores had announced that the sale will begin from 12 AM midnight, which prompted these tech enthusiasts to wait in the queue whole night.
Several Apple stores in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi were open till 4 AM so that Apple fans are not disappointed. Store owners said that majority of the people who lined up since midnight had pre-booked their units, but still were anxious to own the gadget before anyone else.
Let’s talk about power of branding here!
But Hoarders Were Disappointed
As it happens with every major release of a product, some smart businessmen purchased extra units of iPhones so that they can sell them at a premium price later. But these hoarders were disappointed as Apple had stocked their stores with enough units for everyone. No one left the stores without having their unit, and this left several hoarders disappointed as they could sell their units for premium price now.
However, some of these smart businessmen were finally able to get few clients as there are reports of iPhone 6 selling for Rs 80,000 on sites such as OLX.
Meanwhile in China: Bigger Size? No Problem!
iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus also made its entry in China, where it has received overwhelming response.
Considering that the size of iPhone 6, especially iPhone 6 Plus is a bit more than expected, a store in China is offering to alter the pocket of those who have bought iPhone but find it too big for their pockets.
And they are offering it for free.
Do you think that iPhone 6 will strike a chord with Indian consumers who are not pampered with options considering brands like Xiaomi and Gionee are making in-roads into the Indian market with lot less price and higher configuration? Do share your views by commenting right here!
[…] When it was launched in India on October 17th, it received a grand opening as more than 35,000 units were off the shelf within 24 hours. […]