Apple Hikes Prices of Older Models After iPhone 18 Launch

Apple has reportedly increased the prices of several older iPhone models in India soon after launching the iPhone 18 series and its new foldable smartphone, the iPhone Duo. The iPhone 18 range starts at Rs 1,64,900, while the foldable iPhone Duo carries a starting price of Rs 2,99,900. Prices of the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 16 have also been raised, with their Indian prices reportedly around 10–15% higher than in several other markets.

The steep pricing has already triggered reactions and satire on social media, while market analysts warn that it could weigh on domestic iPhone sales. IDC India and Counterpoint reportedly expect iPhone sales volumes in India to decline slightly in calendar year 2026, potentially marking the first annual contraction. However, sales value could still rise by 6–7%. The All India Mobile Retailers Association has also raised concerns that higher prices could encourage grey-market sales and personal imports, potentially hurting authorised retailers.