iPhones to become costlier after raise in import duty

Post the raise on import duty on smartphones, the price of almost every iPhone model that Apple sells in India has gone up by Rs.3,720. The move to increase customs duty was announced to promote domestic manufacturers and give an impetus to Modi government's ambitious “Make-in-India” initiative.

From the earlier 10 per cent, the government had increased import taxes on smartphones to 15 per cent. Other electronic items to get a tax hike included television sets, projectors, and water heaters which saw 5-10 per cent increase in basic customs duty.

Apple was expected to increase the prices of iPhones in India soon after the customs duty hike, as it imports them for sale in India. According to updated prices on Apple India's website, the 256GB version of iPhone X has been raised by Rs.3,720 to Rs.1,05,720. Similarly, consumers will have to shell out Rs.88,750 for the 256GB variant of iPhone 8 Plus after an increase of Rs.2,750.

Meanwhile, the price of iPhone 6 32GB version has been increased by Rs.1,280 to Rs.30,780 after the duty hike.

The increase in prices is applicable on all iPhone models except the iPhone SE as the Apple assembles the device in a Bengaluru-based facility with its Taiwanese manufacturing Wistron Corporation.

However, it is possible that the increase in the iPhone prices are not effectively seen on ground, considering the various offers available on the devices.

Tags: iPhones,  iphones costlier, import duty, apple sells in india, iphone model, smartphones, make in india, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone SE, Taiwanese manufacturing Wistron Corporation, varindia