Apple’s move to India for Pro models and reduction in import duties could make iPhone 16 Pro models cheaper in India
Bloomberg reports that Apple plans to commence manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro in India shortly after its global launch.This expansion of local production beyond the base models, coupled with the recently implemented reduced import duties, is anticipated to result in cost savings.
The Indian government’s 2024 budget reduction in the basic customs duty (BCD) on imported mobile phones from 22% to 17% has already had an impact on current iPhone prices. Apple has subsequently reduced prices across its lineup by up to Rs 5,900 ($71).
The influence of local manufacturing and duty reductions is evident in the pricing of current Pro models. The iPhone 15 Pro, for instance, has experienced a price reduction of Rs 5,100 ($61), from Rs 134,900 to Rs 129,800. Similarly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has seen a price reduction of Rs 5,900, now priced at Rs 154,000.
With the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max set to be manufactured in India from launch, consumers may anticipate even more significant price reductions compared to previous generations.
iPhone 16 base models could also be priced lower than before
The base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models may be launched at reduced prices in India due to recent amendments in import duties.
For instance, following the duty reduction, the iPhone 15’s price was reduced from Rs 79,900 ($960) to Rs 79,600 ($957). While this adjustment was relatively minor for locally assembled models, it establishes a precedent for potentially lower launch prices for the iPhone 16 series.
Although the difference may not be substantial, considering that Apple has been manufacturing the base models for several years, one advantage Indian consumers previously enjoyed was that prices have not experienced a significant increase since Apple commenced manufacturing them in India, aligning with pricing in the United States.