Apple’s latest iPhone launch has brought an unexpected surprise for Indian customers. Instead of reducing the prices of older iPhone models, Apple has increased the prices of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 in India following the launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro lineup.
The price revision is unusual because Apple has traditionally reduced the prices of older iPhones after launching a new generation.
iPhone 17 Price Increased by ₹17,000
The iPhone 17 was originally launched in India in September 2025 with a starting price of ₹82,900 for the 256GB model.
Following Apple’s latest pricing revision, the same 256GB iPhone 17 now starts at ₹99,900.
That represents a ₹17,000 increase, or roughly 20.5%, compared with its original launch price.
The 512GB version has also increased to ₹1,24,900. Apple’s current India store lists both storage options at these revised prices.
iPhone 17 Price in India
| Model | Original Launch Price | New Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 256GB | ₹82,900 | ₹99,900 | ₹17,000 |
| iPhone 17 512GB | ₹1,02,900 | ₹1,24,900 | ₹22,000 |
iPhone 16 Also Gets a Major Price Increase
The iPhone 16 has seen an even more interesting change.
Apple originally launched the iPhone 16 in India starting at ₹79,900 for the 128GB model.
Apple’s current pricing shows the iPhone 16 128GB at ₹79,900 in some current listings, while the 256GB model is listed at ₹89,900.
However, pricing can vary across Apple’s current configurations and the broader market, so buyers should check the live Apple Store price before purchasing.
Why Are Older iPhones Becoming More Expensive?
The price increases are particularly surprising because customers normally expect older iPhones to become cheaper when a new generation arrives.
One major factor being reported is the increasing cost of memory and storage components, driven partly by strong AI-related demand for data-centre hardware. Reuters reported that Apple’s 2026 price adjustments have been significantly larger in India than in many other markets.
India also has additional cost factors, including import duties on components and an 18% GST, which contribute to higher iPhone prices compared with the US.
iPhone 18 Pro Starts at ₹1,64,900 in India
Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900. The new Pro models introduce upgrades including a new 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, improved battery life and Apple’s A20 Pro chip.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for pre-order in India from September 12, with availability beginning September 18.
Should You Buy the iPhone 17 or iPhone 16 Now?
The price increases make the buying decision more complicated.
At ₹99,900, the iPhone 17 is getting close to the ₹1 lakh price range. Customers considering an older model should compare its price against newer iPhone models and available discounts from retailers.
For the iPhone 16, retailer offers and bank discounts could make a significant difference. The official Apple Store price is not always the lowest market price, particularly during major online sales.
Final Verdict
Apple’s latest pricing strategy has turned the traditional iPhone price cycle upside down in India. Instead of becoming cheaper after the arrival of newer models, the iPhone 17 has increased to ₹99,900, while several other existing iPhone models have also received price increases.
For Indian buyers, this means that waiting for a new iPhone launch does not necessarily guarantee lower prices on older models.
With the iPhone 18 Pro now entering the market, consumers should carefully compare Apple’s official prices, retailer discounts, exchange offers and bank promotions before making a purchase.
The biggest question now is whether the regular iPhone 18, when it eventually arrives, will push Apple’s iPhone pricing even higher.