Electronics giant Apple increased prices of smartphones (iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus) in India by up to Rs. 2,500.
The move comes within a week after excise duty on mobile phones imported into India was increased to 12.5 per cent from 6 per cent in the Union budget.
Channel sources and retailers confirmed the move. Apple did not reply to email queries regarding the hike.
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Post the price increase, iPhone 5S 32 GB phone would cost Rs.51, 500 compared to old price of Rs.49,500. iPhone 6 64 GB would cost Rs.65,000 compared to old price of Rs.62,500. iPhone 6 plus 64 GB phone would cost Rs. 74,000 compared to Rs.71,500.
Apple had launched iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 plus smartphones in India in October last year.
“Yes they have increased the prices. This would be applicable to the new stocks, which would be coming in from next week. The existing stocks would continue to sell at old prices,” Satish Babu, founder of retail store chain UniverCell Mobiles told
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Apple iPhone shipments crossed one million units for the first time during the October 2013-September 2014 period, the company’s fiscal year, according to research firm Counterpoint Research. A recent report by IDC on Indian mobile phone market, said, Apple presented stiff competition for Samsung in the fourth quarter of 2014.