iPhone Duo Price in India : Apple’s latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone Duo, has grabbed attention not only for being the company’s first foldable iPhone but also for its significantly higher price in India compared with the US.
Written by Kajal Panchal • Published on : 12 September 2026
IBN24 NEWS NETWORK : The iPhone Duo is priced at ₹2,99,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at ₹1,79,900. In the US, the three models are priced at $1,999, $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. The huge price difference has left many Indian consumers wondering: why does the same Apple iPhone cost so much more in India?
Why is the iPhone Duo more expensive in India ?
The biggest factors behind the price difference are taxes, import duties, currency exchange rates and manufacturing costs. In India, premium smartphones such as iPhones attract 18% GST. Since the iPhone Duo is not currently manufactured in India, it is also subject to import duties of around 17% to 18%.
When these taxes and duties are added to the product cost, the final retail price in India rises considerably. The difference between the Indian rupee and the US dollar also plays a role in determining the price of imported Apple products in India.
iPhone Duo is not currently made in India
Another important factor is where the device is manufactured. Apple has expanded iPhone production in India over the years, but the iPhone Duo is currently not being manufactured domestically. As a result, the device faces import-related costs that can push up its retail price.
If Apple eventually begins manufacturing the foldable iPhone in India, some import-related costs could potentially come down. However, that would not necessarily mean an equivalent reduction in the retail price.
Older iPhone models are also getting more expensive
The price increase isn’t limited to Apple’s newest models. Consumers in India often wait for a new iPhone launch before purchasing an older-generation model at a discounted price. However, Apple’s decision to increase the prices of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 has come as a surprise for buyers expecting older models to become cheaper.
This means consumers looking for a relatively affordable previous-generation iPhone may also have to spend more than expected.
Global memory chip shortage adds to cost pressure
Another factor affecting smartphone prices is the global shortage of memory chips. Memory components are an important part of modern smartphones, and supply constraints can increase manufacturing costs. Higher component prices can eventually put additional pressure on the prices paid by consumers.
For Apple, this adds another layer of cost on top of taxes, import duties and currency fluctuations.
Will Indians buy the iPhone Duo from overseas ?
The large price difference between India and the US could encourage some consumers to consider purchasing the iPhone Duo overseas. According to Currentpoint Research, overseas purchases of iPhones could increase as consumers look for better prices.
However, buyers should also consider factors such as warranty coverage, customs regulations, taxes and after-sales service before purchasing an iPhone from another country. A lower overseas sticker price does not necessarily mean the final cost will always be lower after bringing the device into India.
Will the high price affect iPhone sales in India ?
The biggest question now is whether Indian consumers will be willing to spend nearly ₹3 lakh on Apple’s first foldable iPhone. Apple has a strong premium customer base in India, and many buyers may be willing to pay a premium for a new form factor. At the same time, such a high price could encourage price-conscious consumers to postpone their purchase or opt for an older iPhone model.
The response to the iPhone Duo could therefore provide an important indication of how much Indian consumers are willing to pay for premium foldable smartphones.
India vs US iPhone prices
| Model | India Starting Price | US Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Duo | ₹2,99,900 | $1,999 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | ₹1,64,900 | $1,199 |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | ₹1,79,900 | $1,299 |
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