The iPhone’s entry in India has been spoken about since long. And here is yet another – a speculation, a reality or just yet another run-on-the-mill story, you can make your choice!
When the Apple iPhone initially rolled out in June last year, many countries, including India, were said to be next in line to receive the official launch of the highly-anticipated next generation phone.
News about the iPhone’s launch in India is now doing the rounds of the internet. The news states that the iPhone will be out by the first week of September exclusively through Vodafone. The 8GB version of the much-awaited and hyped touch-screen phone might roll out in the country for a price ranging between Rs 27,200 and Rs 28,000.
Depending on the response of the 8GB iPhone, 16GB version of the handset would be made available in mid-2009. This news gained momentum due to Apple retail sources, which apparently stated that the iPhone is expected to launch in India through carrier Vodafone sometime in the first week of September 2008, according to a leading business daily.
When we got in touch with Apple Asia, the reply that we got was “Apple does not comment on rumors or speculation.”
Well if the iPhone officially launches in India, the illegal purchasing of the grey market unlocked version will reduce. However, the case might even get opposite as the locked version is expected to sell for 27,000, whereas the unlocked iPhone comes under Rs. 20,000.
I am not sure of the reasons behind Vodafone’s decision to get into a deal with Apple, but readers will do well to ponder over a few points that I am listing below. 1) Apple is rumoured to launch the next generation iPhone in June with 3G and iPhone software version 2.0 2) Carriers in Europe are facing huge losses over their stocks of iPhone and are resorting to drastic price cuts to clear their inventories. 3) Apparently, the iPhone to be sold in India will be the existing version and not the 3G version and that too at a price of $700 (Rs 27000). Above points lead to the conclusion that Apple is trying to dump unsold inventory in India at double the price (the retail price of the 8GB version in the US is $399) so that other markets can brace themselves for the 3G version. Moreover, Indian consumers will think twice about paying Rs 27,000 for the older version of iPhone which has several deficiencies which are all too well-known and have been discussed in several forums and blogs on the Internet.
I totally agree with Naveen. When the unlocked 8gb version of iphone is easily available in the market for Rs.15000-16000, how many people will buy this locked iphone for Rs. 27000. i think totally waste of money!!!!!!!
I agree with Naveen & C.R Bose what they say because its waste of money going for locked iphone by spendinig 27000.
need your help
out of my fancy i have purchased an Iphone from hongkong, can I use it now in India and through which operator. the phone is unlocked.
Hi strongly agree with Naveen and I think apple wants to dump all the old stock to india that to with New version price.We all we go for Unlock phone only insted of going for locked phone.
Vodafone plan to sell iphone will not be a success story. Instead buying a locked iphone for 27000, 2 unlocked phones can be procured.
if i buy an apple iphone in india can i use it in all other countries?
I am planning to buy a ipod classic 80/160 ; whether will be prudent to wait for i phone to launch in indian market market ?
Can i use apple iphone in India which i purchased from Singapore? n from where i can get it unlocked?
Well there are certain speculations about the set regarding the cost of the set & the features it carries. Can u tell me the official launch schedule of the phone in India & the price tag on it?
well what about i read in mumbai mirror newspaper that iphone will cost around 11k?
how much of the cost this can tell me please…….in hybrabad
ok thank u
Do you think that unlocking an iphone imported from other countries will cost much higher?
Hi i am rajat this side, my friend will be going to canada and from there only he bring 3GB i fone cost Rs 12,000. Is the same phone can be use in india.
Kindly give your suggestion and also guide me the same.
Firstly Unlocking an Iphone imported from US won,t cost higher , I think it will cost not more than RS. 14,000/- as i am using it from last one year. and SEcondly in India It will Cost More than 25K according to Sources.
Isn’t it foolishness to buy iphone of Rs. 12k,14k or 28k than buying chinese phone with best quality of sound and music and very much similar to iphone with more than iphone features worth Rs.6k.
from where i can get i -phone 8gb in 16000. in india ,which is unlocked and i can use whatever network i want.
from wer i can get i phone in kerala, i hope i can use dual sim
I think its totelly waste of money to buy an unlocked phone,On same price consumer can buy am another phone which will be more benificial to him.
Vodafone plan to sell iphone will not be a success story. Instead buying a locked iphone for 27000, 2 unlocked phones can be procured.Do you think that unlocking an iphone imported from other countries will cost much higher?
I agree with Rishis statement ,it is worth to buy Chinese phone for 5 or 6K with compramising in quality
I want to kbow the range of the apple iphones launches in india
where can i get a iphone in mumbai between the range of 20000 and below.
is the iphone by vodafone activated.if no what is the charge
where the grey market in mumbai
a APPLE IPHONE imported from USA ….will it work in INDIA??
how to get iphone software. and what r the procedure to download.
Hello everyone
Thanks for sharing valuable information on Iphones and best buys… Well my concern is I want to purchase an Iphone in Bangalore. Which one and where could I get it in Bangalore. Obviously the unlocked version. Pointers required.
Thanks