Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo costs ₹2,99,900 in India—here’s why
Apple launched its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, in India on September 9, 2026, starting at ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB model, significantly higher than its U.S. price of $1,999. The price gap exceeds ₹1,00,000, or nearly 50% above a direct currency conversion of roughly ₹1,90,000 at the current exchange rate of about ₹95 per dollar. This discrepancy stems from India's customs duties on imported components like OLED panels and chips, plus an 18% GST on smartphones. Local assembly in India has not reduced prices for buyers, as savings are absorbed by Apple's margins and the import-duty structure. India has historically received the highest iPhone prices globally, and the Duo's pricing reflects a strategy focused on margins rather than volume sales.