Entry-level iPhones in India become costlier: Here's why
What's the story
According to a report by The Economic Times, Apple has stopped selling four of its lower cost iPhones in India with an aim to focus more on pushing the latest and higher-priced models. As part of the new strategy, the tech giant has discontinued the sale of iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus. Here's more on this matter.
Line-up shuffle
iPhone 6s is now the entry-level iPhone in India
According to the report, "the new entry model will be iPhone 6s, as and when the existing stock of the earlier models gets sold." In other words, this move translates to the fact that buying an entry-level iPhone will become even more expensive. Currently, iPhone 6s is priced around Rs. 29,500 which is Rs. 8,000 more expensive than the previous entry-level model, iPhone SE.
Quote
Apple is pushing itself as a premium brand in India
"Cupertino does not want Apple India to chase volumes by discounting at the cost of profit. These models which are being phased out will increase the average selling price of iPhones in India and boost both profit and revenue," said Apple's trade partner.
Strategy
Apple will now focus on higher-priced iPhone models
Following a period of poor sales, Apple is once again looking to re-establish itself as a premium company in India by focusing more on the latest and higher-priced models. Separately, a report claimed that Apple's assembly partner Foxconn will manufacture the iPhone Xs, Xs Max, and Xr models in India and that these top-tier handsets will go on sale in the country next month.
Information
Apple will also localize its upcoming software for Indian users
Further, according to the report, Apple "will localize its upcoming iPhone operating system iOS 13 for the first time for Indian consumers, with support for 22 Indian languages, maps for navigation and virtual assistant Siri, which can now talk and understand Indian English."