iPhone 17 Series Costs Much More in India Than US Despite Being Made Locally

Apple has always had a quirky sense of humour, especially when it comes to pricing its iPhones in India. Despite all the celebratory fanfare around its Make in India push, the running joke that users can get one for much cheaper from other countries while enjoying a holiday is still prevalent. And that doesn't change with the iPhone 17 series.

But let's be clear, this isn't just a joke anymore. For many tech-savvy users, it's a legitimate financial plan. With the math being more compelling than ever this year, Apple has done it again! A pre-planned holiday with a phone? What other brand is thoughtful enough to include an international trip?

The price difference between the iPhone 17 Pro Max price in the US and India is a whopping Rs 44,000, despite being made in India. That's a staggering 29% difference. And for the critics mentioning sales tax, let us remind you that it's zero in some states like Delaware.

The irony is richer than ever. A phone made in our backyard in Tamil Nadu carries a price tag that seems to have taken a first-class flight to Cupertino and back. You'd hope Apple would cover the bill, but the same is passed on to you.

So, in hindsight, you're paying for a holiday trip for your shiny new iPhone to visit Cupertino when you could treat yourself to the same. Well, they do say iPhones are expensive to maintain, and it seems that starts before you even open the box.

So while the iPhone's box may proudly say "Assembled in India," the bill presented to an Indian customer suggests it's a well-travelled import. The holiday joke, it seems, is on us.

What about the new iPhone Air, you ask? Surely that'd be cheaper alongside its already affordable Rs 11,900 MagSafe battery that only fits the Air? Well, on to drafting the next news piece we go.