The iPhone 16 lineup was released by Apple in September 2024. Models launched were the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max. All four are powered by the A18 chip and feature a new camera system. iPhone prices in India are highly inflated due to the levy of excessive taxes and import duties, leading would-be buyers to consider buying the device from outside. This article tries to compare the iPhone prices across key countries, convert them into Indian Rupees (INR) as per the exchange rates on 21 May 2025, and delineate the import duties and warranty-related limitations so any Indian buyers can make an informed decision.
Why Compare Prices Internationally?
Price variation with respect to the iPhone 16 comes from locally applicable taxes, import duties, and currency exchange rates. Countries like Canada, China, and Japan frequently have iPhone prices that are cheaper than in India, and hence these are attractive to Indian buyers who travel abroad or have contacts abroad. These buyers also have to consider additional costs like customs duty and possible warranty issues.
Price Comparison for iPhone 16 Variants
Following is a list of prices for base models of every iPhone 16 variant, compiled from recognized publications and official Apple websites and converted into INR with respective exchange rates as of 21 May 2025.
iPhone 16 (128GB)
| Country | Local Price | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 1,129 | 69,570 |
| China | CNY 5,999 | 71,280 |
| Japan | JPY 124,800 | 74,260 |
| US | USD 799 + tax | 75,200 (with 10% tax) |
| Hong Kong | HKD 6,899 | 75,400 |
| UAE | AED 3,399 | 79,200 |
| India | INR 79,900 | 79,900 |
| Singapore | SGD 1,299 | 86,300 |
iPhone 16 Plus (128GB)
| Country | Local Price | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 1,279 | 78,800 |
| China | CNY 6,999 | 83,160 |
| Japan | JPY 139,800 | 83,160 |
| US | USD 899 + tax | 84,600 (with 10% tax) |
| Hong Kong | HKD 7,699 | 84,100 |
| UAE | AED 3,799 | 88,500 |
| India | INR 89,900 | 89,900 |
| Singapore | SGD 1,399 | 92,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro (128GB)
| Country | Local Price | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 1,449 | 89,300 |
| US | USD 999 + tax | 94,000 (with 10% tax) |
| Hong Kong | HKD 8,599 | 94,000 |
| China | CNY 7,999 | 95,040 |
| Japan | JPY 159,800 | 95,080 |
| UAE | AED 4,299 | 100,200 |
| Singapore | SGD 1,599 | 106,200 |
| India | INR 119,900 | 119,900 |
iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB)
| Country | Local Price | Price in INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | CAD 1,749 | 107,800 |
| Hong Kong | HKD 10,199 | 111,500 |
| US | USD 1,199 + tax | 112,800 (with 10% tax) |
| Japan | JPY 189,800 | 112,900 |
| China | CNY 9,999 | 118,800 |
| UAE | AED 5,099 | 118,800 |
| Singapore | SGD 1,899 | 126,200 |
| India | INR 144,900 | 144,900 |
Notes on Pricing
- US Prices: Exclude sales tax, which varies by state (7-10%). A 10% tax is assumed for consistency, increasing costs (e.g., iPhone 16 from USD 799 to ~USD 879, or ~₹75,200).
- Tax Inclusion: Prices in India, China, Japan, UAE, and Singapore include local taxes (GST, VAT, or consumption tax). Hong Kong has no sales tax.
- Exchange Rates (May 21, 2025):
- 1 USD = 85.55 INR
- 1 CNY = 11.88 INR
- 1 HKD = 10.93 INR
- 1 SGD = 66.45 INR
- 1 CAD = 61.62 INR
- 1 AED = 23.31 INR
- 1 JPY = 0.595 INR
- Sources: Prices are sourced from Apple’s official websites, Financial Express, Deccan Chronicle, and Economic Times.
Factors Affecting Prices
Several factors contribute to price differences:
- Import Duties in India: India imposes high import duties (~18-20%) and 18% GST, increasing retail prices.
- Local Taxes: Countries like the US exclude sales tax in listed prices, while others include VAT or consumption tax.
- Currency Exchange Rates: A weaker INR against currencies like USD or CAD affects converted prices.
- Market Strategy: Apple positions iPhones as premium products in India, maintaining higher prices.
- Manufacturing Shifts: Apple’s increasing production in India may influence future pricing, as noted in Financial Express.
Pros and Cons of Buying Abroad
Pros
- Significant Savings: Canada offers the lowest prices (e.g., ₹69,570 for iPhone 16 vs. ₹79,900 in India).
- Tax-Free Markets: Hong Kong’s lack of sales tax reduces costs.
- Early Access: Some countries may have earlier availability during launches.
Cons
- Import Duties: India’s customs duty (~20%) could add significant costs. For example, an iPhone 16 from Canada (₹69,570) may incur ~₹13,900 duty, totalling ~₹83,470.
- Warranty Limitations: International iPhones may have restricted warranty coverage in India, potentially increasing repair costs.
- Currency Risks: Exchange rate fluctuations can reduce savings.
- Travel Costs: Unless already traveling, trip expenses may outweigh savings.
Recommendations for Indian Buyers
- Buy in India for Convenience: The listed prices (₹79,900–₹144,900) include GST and ensure full warranty support, making it the safest option.
- Consider Canada, China, or Japan: If traveling to these countries, savings of ₹4,600–₹37,100 are possible, especially for the iPhone 16 Pro Max (Canada: ₹107,800 vs. India: ₹144,900).
- Check Customs Regulations: Verify import duties at Indian Customs Service to avoid unexpected costs.
- Confirm Warranty Terms: Check Apple’s international warranty policies at Apple Support before buying abroad.
- Monitor Exchange Rates: Use tools like XE Currency Converter to track rates, as fluctuations impact savings.
- Look for Discounts: Apple or authorized resellers in India may offer promotions, reducing the price gap.
Importing the iPhone 16 series from Canada, China, or Japan will surely result in great savings for an Indian buyer, with Canada holding the distinctions of having the lowest prices for all variants. On the flip side, import duties and warranty issues might consume those savings. So, for most buyers, it is very pragmatic to get their phones in India, as free support will be assured without any extra cost unless they are already traveling abroad.