Apple's India pricing for iPhone Duo sparks sales decline forecast

Apple's steep pricing of its new iPhone Duo foldable in India, up to ₹1.4 lakh more than in the US and Dubai, has triggered retailer concerns and prompted market researchers to cut their iPhone sales outlook for the country. IDC India and Counterpoint Research now expect Apple's iPhone unit sales in India to decline by low single digits in calendar 2026, the first annual drop ever, though sales by value are projected to rise 6-7% due to price increases. Retailer bodies fear the price gap will encourage grey-market sales and personal imports, hurting authorized retailers and government revenue. Analysts attribute the higher Indian pricing to the absence of local manufacturing for the Duo, which attracts full import duty, along with 18% GST and rupee depreciation, creating a 40%-plus net impact. Apple also raised prices on other models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max about 45% more expensive in India than in the US.