Apple has officially launched the iPhone 17 series in India, but the excitement is accompanied by a noticeable jump in prices. Despite local assembly, the falling Indian Rupee against the U.S. Dollar has pushed starting prices higher. The base model of the iPhone 17 (256 GB) now costs ₹82,900, compared to last year’s iPhone 16 launch when the currency was stronger at ₹84 per Dollar. As of now, the Rupee stands at around ₹88 per Dollar.
📌 iPhone 17 Models and Pricing in India
Apple announced four models on September 9:
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iPhone 17 – ₹82,900 (256 GB, powered by A19 chip)
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iPhone 17 Air – ₹1,19,900 (256 GB, ultra-thin design, A19 Pro chip)
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iPhone 17 Pro – ₹1,34,900 (256 GB, A19 Pro chip)
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iPhone 17 Pro Max – ₹1,49,900 (256 GB, A19 Pro chip)
The iPhone 17 Air replaces the “Plus” model, debuting as Apple’s slimmest iPhone at 5.6mm thickness and 165 grams weight. It features a 48MP rear camera, supports eSIM only, and aims to attract users seeking a lightweight and sleek device.
📈 Why Are iPhone 17 Prices Higher?
Industry experts attribute the price surge to multiple factors:
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Currency depreciation: The Rupee fell by 5% in 2024, raising import costs.
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Component costs: Around 85–90% of a smartphone’s cost comes from components, which have become more expensive.
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Global economic uncertainty: Apple adjusted prices modestly (+3%) compared to last year’s iPhone 16 series.
“Rising component and supply chain costs are partly responsible for the higher prices. However, since nearly 65% of iPhones in India are bought on EMI, the impact may not be drastic for consumers,” said Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research.
“Apple has kept global pricing stable, showing awareness of international economic challenges. Given the Rupee’s fall, a 3% hike is fairly reasonable,” added Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst at Techarc.
📊 Apple’s Growing Market in India
Apple continues to gain traction in the Indian market. In 2024, it held a 7% market share by volume and a 23% share by value. Analysts expect Apple to grow at double-digit rates over the next few years, driven by premium smartphone demand and financing options.
With the iPhone 17 Air’s slim profile and advanced features in Pro models, Apple is betting on both novelty and performance to maintain momentum in India.
