The introduction of the iPhone 18 Pro series and the iPhone Duo has elicited strong responses from Apple enthusiasts in India. In the past 24 hours, social media has been flooded with discussions from technology aficionados regarding the new products and their corresponding prices in Indian Rupees. However, a less vocal group of consumers—those intending to purchase previous-generation iPhones—may be significantly affected by this latest pricing strategy.

Historically, Apple has adopted a pattern in which the launch of new models is accompanied by a price reduction on older base iPhones, making them more accessible and often setting them up for steeper discounts. In a departure from this trend, Apple has increased the prices of its earlier models, such as the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16, likely due to rising component and RAM costs.

Significant Price Hikes for Older Models

Upon releasing its newest models, Apple has raised the prices of its previous generation phones in India. This year, there is no standard iPhone 18, which leaves the iPhone 17 as the most advanced standard model available. Initially priced at Rs 82,900, the iPhone 17 now retails for Rs 99,900, representing an increase of Rs 17,000, or approximately 20 per cent. The cost of its 512GB variant has also escalated from Rs 1,02,900 to Rs 1,24,900, putting it closer to the Rs 1 lakh threshold traditionally reserved for Pro models.

Independent analyst Yogesh Barar remarked that this price adjustment poses challenges for price-sensitive Indian consumers. The significant increase of Rs 17,000 in one step could deter potential buyers, especially since a comparable model in the United States only experienced a $100 rise in price.

In its first month following the September 2025 release, the iPhone 17 was heralded as one of the most comprehensive standard options in Apple’s line-up. Its base model included 256GB of storage and advanced features such as a 120Hz screen refresh rate. These enhancements helped the iPhone 17 achieve remarkable success, becoming the best-selling smartphone globally in Q2 2026, according to Counterpoint.

Impact on Consumer Behaviour

The price increases pose a heightened concern for consumers seeking a more affordable entry into the Apple ecosystem via older models. Previously, during promotional sales, the effective price of the iPhone 17 could dip below Rs 70,000, thus attracting budget-conscious customers. However, the recent price adjustments remove this incentive, especially as festive seasons approach.

Research analyst Shubham Singh noted that the price hikes could lead to consumers delaying device upgrades, potentially extending the lifecycle of existing devices. As refurbished units become more appealing, buyers may shift their purchasing habits in response to the escalating costs of the newest models.

Although Apple faces increasing pressure from rising production costs, analysts assert that the brand’s strong reputation in India remains intact. Despite the new prices, it is anticipated that the desire for Apple products will persist. Some experts argue that initiatives such as trade-ins, cashback offers, and no-cost EMI instalments may broaden Apple’s premium market reach without diluting its brand value.

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