Apple's latest iPhone 15 series has landed in India with a starting price of Rs 79,900, causing a stir among tech enthusiasts. This eagerly anticipated lineup, which encompasses the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Plus, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, presents Indian consumers with a pricing puzzle. Surprisingly, the iPhone 15 series commands a heftier price tag in India compared to other international markets like the US, Japan, Dubai, Canada, and more.

Dubai's iPhone 15 Pro Max Bargain

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a price tag of Rs 99,411 in the US, its Dubai debut offers a tempting alternative, beginning at just Rs 1,15,133. Contrast this with the staggering Rs 1,59,900 price tag in India. This jaw-dropping price differential has ignited a wave of memes, suggesting that an overseas flight to Dubai could potentially yield substantial savings on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Intrigued by this tantalizing prospect, we've crunched the numbers to determine if it's feasible. To embark on this journey, you'll need to secure a round-trip flight to Dubai, an expense estimated at around Rs 20,000. Indian nationals enjoy visa-on-arrival privileges in Dubai. Upon arrival, you can stroll into any reputable store and acquire the iPhone 15 Pro Max (256 GB) for a mere 5,099 AED, approximately equivalent to Rs 1,15,133. Any additional discounts or promotions may further sweeten the deal. The net result? You'll find yourself paying a remarkable Rs 24,000 less for the coveted iPhone model than you would in India.

For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, an overnight stay in Dubai is a possibility, though the cost would fluctuate based on your preferences. And don't fret about the warranty; Apple generously extends global coverage to devices sold in most countries, ensuring your peace of mind.

Unlocking the Price Mystery: Why Are iPhone 15 Series Pricier in India?

The intriguing disparity in iPhone 15 series pricing within India can be perplexing. Apple has held the line on pricing for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, maintaining consistency with previous models. However, there has been a notable uptick of Rs 20,000 and Rs 5,000 in the prices of the Pro and Pro Max variants, respectively. This price hike persists even though the iPhone 15 models are locally assembled in India.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint, sheds light on this phenomenon, attributing the price hike to the continued importation of high-value components, subject to duties, despite local assembly. The Pro models, conspicuously, are not assembled in India, attracting a 22% customs duty. The depreciation of the Indian rupee has further compounded the challenge, contributing to the overall increase in iPhone pricing. Pathak remains optimistic that as Apple ramps up its manufacturing operations in India, this pricing gap will gradually narrow.

Pathak also underscores the aspirational allure of the Apple brand in India, noting that while the base pricing remains steady, the frequency and magnitude of promotions and discounts have steadily risen for locally assembled models. Apple's strategy appears to prioritize transferring manufacturing cost savings to consumers through regular price reductions across various sales channels, rather than a fundamental shift in pricing strategy.

Apple's Latest iPhone 15 Series Unveils Battery Upgrades, with Pro Max Model Leading the Way

Apple's iPhone 15 series is now available for pre-order.