Apple’s iPhone 17 series will soon hit Indian shelves, but with the price tags higher than in many global markets, buyers are bracing themselves for serious premium spending.
Alongside the phones, Apple has also rolled out its latest AirPods and Apple Watch Series 10, giving Indian consumers a complete ecosystem upgrade, but at a cost.
iPhone 17 lineup in India
The standard iPhone 17 (256GB) starts at ₹82,900, which already puts it in premium smartphone territory. For those eyeing the slimmer iPhone 17 Air (256GB), the price climbs to ₹119,900.
Apple loyalists who want the best displays and cameras face a steeper leap: the iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) is priced at ₹134,900, while the top-end iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) commands a hefty ₹149,900.
Compared with prices in markets like Japan or the US, these rates are significantly higher.
The Pro Max in India, for instance, costs nearly ₹40,000 more than in Japan. Taxes, import duties, and Apple’s premium brand positioning all contribute to these inflated tags.
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AirPods get an upgrade
Apple has also refreshed its audio lineup in India with the latest AirPods 4, coming in two models: a standard edition priced at ₹12,900 and a noise-cancelling version tagged at ₹17,900.
The AirPods Pro 3 with USB-C, meanwhile, continue to anchor the premium wireless earbud market in India at around ₹25,900.
For users already in the Apple ecosystem, the improved microphones, Adaptive Audio, and spatial sound support keep AirPods as the default go-to accessory, though Android competitors are offering cheaper alternatives at half the cost.
Apple Watch series 11 pricing
On the wearable side, Apple’s Watch Series 11 comes to India starting at ₹46,900 for the GPS model.
Those wanting cellular connectivity can pick up versions starting at ₹55,900. The Apple Watch Ultra 3, geared toward outdoor enthusiasts and professionals, carries a premium price of ₹89,900.
While these models bring thinner casings, larger screens, and Apple’s upgraded S10 chip, the cost in India again overshoots prices in global markets due to high tariffs.
Why India pays more
Apple’s India pricing reflects multiple markups. Devices are imported rather than locally manufactured at full scale, attracting basic customs duty, a GST of 18%, and surcharges on top.
While Apple has started expanding assembly through suppliers like Foxconn in Tamil Nadu, the benefits on end-user prices are yet to materialize.
If you’re an Indian buyer, purchasing the new iPhone 17 series, AirPods, or Apple Watch means paying some of the highest global prices.
For Apple enthusiasts, the choice comes down to whether the ecosystem lock-in and premium features justify the tag.
For others, the gap compared to neighbors like Hong Kong or Japan only fuels the case for grey-market imports or shopping abroad.
In India, every Apple launch still carries that premium-flavored label: exclusive, aspirational, and undeniably expensive.
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