Rising iPhone Prices
Apple Raises Prices on Older iPhone Models Across India and Vietnam
Anonymous
Key Points
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In Vietnam, Apple also raised prices on previous-generation models rather than clearing them at launch: the iPhone 16, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone Air reportedly became more expensive on Apple’s online store, with increases of up to 4 million Vietnamese dong.
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Cashify’s “Great Indian Upgrade 2026” report found that demand for refurbished smartphones rose 30.8% in 2025. Counterpoint Research expects the segment to grow 16% in 2026, after sales increased 13% year on year in the first half of the year.
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India’s refurbished market is becoming more premium: the share of refurbished phones priced above ₹45,000 increased from 10.9% in 2024 to 17.4% in 2025, while phones priced above ₹60,000 rose from 3.4% to 6.2%.
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Apple’s “iPhone for Life” financing plan requires customers to pay 75% of the phone’s price through 24 monthly installments and the remaining 25% after two years, with no down payment; processing fees may apply to some financing options.
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The latest iPhone Pro models are reportedly 20% to 22% more expensive than their predecessors, widening the price gap with competing premium Android smartphones and potentially making Apple’s flagship models less competitive in India.
Apple raised prices on older iPhone models across India and Vietnam following its September 2026 launch of the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and foldable iPhone Duo, breaking from its traditional strategy of discounting previous-generation devices. Economic Times reported that India's iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at ₹1,79,900 and the foldable iPhone Duo costs ₹2,99,900—with older models like the iPhone 17 seeing increases of 20% to 45%. To ease affordability ahead of India's festive shopping season, Apple is offering cashback up to ₹7,000, trade-in credits reaching ₹10,000, and an "iPhone for Life" financing plan requiring no down payment.
The price hikes are driving more consumers toward refurbished and older iPhones. Cashify found that demand for refurbished smartphones jumped 30.8% in 2025, with premium models above ₹45,000 growing from 10.9% of the market to 17.4%, signaling that buyers want high-end features but increasingly cannot afford new phones at Apple's asking prices.
Why Apple Raised Prices Instead of Discounting
Apple typically cuts prices on older iPhones when launching new flagships. This year, it reversed course in India and Vietnam, raising list prices on the iPhone 16, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air. Financial Express noted the increases were tied to chip-induced inflation and rising component costs. The iPhone 18 Pro models are 20% to 22% more expensive than their predecessors, widening the gap with premium Android rivals like Google's Pixel series.
The 'iPhone for Life' Plan Reshapes How Indians Buy
To soften the sticker shock, Apple rolled out aggressive financing options ahead of the festive shopping season. The "iPhone for Life" plan lets customers pay 75% of the phone's price across 24 interest-free monthly installments and defer the remaining 25% for two years—with zero down payment. Economic Times highlighted that this financing structure is now essential for many Indian buyers to afford new flagship devices.
Vietnam Sees Parallel Price Hikes on Legacy Models
Vietnam's market mirrors India's squeeze. TechRepublic reported that Apple raised prices on the iPhone 16, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air on its online store by up to 4 million Vietnamese dong. The hikes eliminate the usual savings buyers expect when purchasing older inventory, making premium phones less accessible to price-sensitive consumers in Southeast Asia.
Refurbished iPhones Capture Displaced Demand
As new iPhone prices climb out of reach, the refurbished market is booming. Cashify's "Great Indian Upgrade 2026" report showed refurbished smartphone demand surged 30.8% in 2025, while Counterpoint Research predicts the segment will grow 16% in 2026 after climbing 13% year-over-year in the first half. The refurbished premium segment is shifting upmarket: units priced above ₹60,000 nearly doubled from 3.4% to 6.2% of sales between 2024 and 2025.
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