iPhone 17 Series Cheaper Abroad: US, UAE, Japan Offer Big Savings Compared to India
Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 series has sparked discussions among Indian buyers as the price tags in India are significantly higher than in many global markets. The lineup, which includes the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, is already available across major regions, but cost comparisons show that consumers in India are paying a premium.
In India, the iPhone 17 starts at ₹82,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro is listed at ₹1,34,900 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at ₹1,49,900. The newly introduced iPhone Air, with 256GB storage, carries a price of ₹1,19,900.
However, buyers in the United States, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, and Hong Kong are paying far less for the same devices. In the US, the iPhone 17 costs the equivalent of around ₹70,500, while the Pro and Pro Max models are priced near ₹97,000 and ₹1,05,800. Dubai’s pricing is also more competitive, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max being about ₹27,000 cheaper than its Indian counterpart. Japan and Hong Kong similarly offer noticeable savings across the series.
Industry experts attribute this gap to multiple factors, including India’s import duties, GST, currency fluctuations, and Apple’s regional pricing strategy. While the US benefits from lower local taxes, Middle Eastern countries like the UAE have minimal import levies, making them attractive markets for premium electronics.
Despite the cost advantage abroad, experts caution Indian buyers to consider potential downsides. Warranty coverage may vary depending on where the device is purchased, and models sold overseas may rely solely on eSIM technology, raising compatibility concerns. Additionally, customs duties and import taxes may apply when bringing a device into India, which could offset some of the savings.
Still, for frequent travelers or those with relatives abroad, the iPhone 17 series may prove to be a better deal outside India. With demand already surging, Apple’s pricing differences continue to highlight the challenges of owning premium devices in India compared to global markets.
In India, the iPhone 17 starts at ₹82,900, while the iPhone 17 Pro is listed at ₹1,34,900 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max at ₹1,49,900. The newly introduced iPhone Air, with 256GB storage, carries a price of ₹1,19,900.
However, buyers in the United States, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Japan, and Hong Kong are paying far less for the same devices. In the US, the iPhone 17 costs the equivalent of around ₹70,500, while the Pro and Pro Max models are priced near ₹97,000 and ₹1,05,800. Dubai’s pricing is also more competitive, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max being about ₹27,000 cheaper than its Indian counterpart. Japan and Hong Kong similarly offer noticeable savings across the series.
Industry experts attribute this gap to multiple factors, including India’s import duties, GST, currency fluctuations, and Apple’s regional pricing strategy. While the US benefits from lower local taxes, Middle Eastern countries like the UAE have minimal import levies, making them attractive markets for premium electronics.
Despite the cost advantage abroad, experts caution Indian buyers to consider potential downsides. Warranty coverage may vary depending on where the device is purchased, and models sold overseas may rely solely on eSIM technology, raising compatibility concerns. Additionally, customs duties and import taxes may apply when bringing a device into India, which could offset some of the savings.
Still, for frequent travelers or those with relatives abroad, the iPhone 17 series may prove to be a better deal outside India. With demand already surging, Apple’s pricing differences continue to highlight the challenges of owning premium devices in India compared to global markets.