Apple's Indian Pricing Strategy Sparks Concern Amid Foldable Phone Boom
Apple's latest iPhone lineup has been met with excitement, but it may have come at a cost. The company has raised prices significantly in India due to higher input costs and duties.
The Indian market is crucial for Apple, with revenue exceeding $10 billion in the previous fiscal year that ended in March 2026. However, the price hikes could impact sales as the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones in India increased by 14.4% year over year to $315 in the first half of the year.
The iPhone 18 Pro is now priced at 164,900 Indian rupees (INR), which is equal to $1,725 at the current exchange rate and 44% higher than its price in the US. The older iPhone 17 has been hiked by 21%, making it more expensive for potential customers.
Despite this setback, Apple's entry into the foldables market opens a new opportunity, with Counterpoint Research estimating that the foldables market could grow by 37% next year and Apple cornering a quarter of this niche.