How Many Days It Take to Buy an iPhone 16 in India?

The much-anticipated release of the iPhone 16 has created a buzz across the globe, and India is no exception. Apple’s flagship smartphones have always been a symbol of luxury and status, but with their hefty price tags, they remain out of reach for many. With the iPhone 16 now available, the question on many minds is: how many days of work does it take to buy one in India?

In this blog, we will break down the cost of the iPhone 16, compare it with incomes across India and the world, and explore why India ranks high on the list of countries where it takes the most days of work to afford this iconic gadget.

The Price of an iPhone 16 in India

The iPhone 16, depending on the model, is priced around ₹1,60,000 in India. This price includes several factors that drive up the cost beyond its base price in other countries like the U.S. The Indian version is significantly more expensive due to taxes, import duties, and other fees. For comparison, the same model costs around $1,200 (approximately ₹1,00,000) in the U.S.

In India, where the average salary is much lower than in many developed countries, affording such a high-end device can be a significant financial burden for the average citizen. But how long does the average Indian need to work to afford the iPhone 16?

Average Salary in India

According to recent data, the average salary in India varies significantly depending on the industry, education, location, and experience. However, for the purpose of this comparison, let’s assume a monthly average salary of ₹35,000.

This figure, while not representative of every Indian’s earnings, provides a general benchmark for our calculation. If an individual earning ₹35,000 per month were to buy the iPhone 16, they would need to save their entire monthly salary for approximately 4.5 months to afford it.

But of course, in reality, most individuals can’t set aside their entire income for an iPhone. With essential expenses like rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation, a more realistic scenario would involve saving a portion of the monthly salary over a longer period.

The Financial Challenge of Buying an iPhone in India

For most Indians, buying an iPhone is a major financial decision, often requiring months of savings or taking advantage of installment plans such as EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments). With high prices and comparatively lower wages, it’s worth considering how this compares globally.

Let’s break it down:

• Income Distribution: The average Indian income falls between ₹25,000 and ₹40,000 per month, though millions of people earn much less, especially in rural areas. The median wage in India is much lower, making the purchase of an iPhone an even bigger challenge for a large portion of the population.
• Living Expenses: The cost of living in India is considerably lower than in developed countries, but this also means wages are lower. Monthly expenses such as housing, food, healthcare, and education consume a significant portion of disposable income, leaving little room for luxury purchases like an iPhone.
• Cultural Significance of Luxury Goods: Despite the high cost, many Indians aspire to own Apple products due to their perceived social status and brand value. This desire fuels a demand for iPhones, even though they are far more expensive in India compared to other countries.

Comparing India with Other Countries

To understand where India stands in the global context, let’s compare how many days of work it takes to buy an iPhone 16 in different countries. For simplicity, we’ll use the iPhone’s price and average wages in each country:

• United States: In the U.S., the average monthly salary is around $4,000. With the iPhone 16 priced at $1,200, an American would need to work for around 9-10 days to afford the phone.
• Germany: In Germany, the average monthly salary is around €3,500. The iPhone 16 costs approximately €1,200 there, so it would take around 15 days of work to afford the phone.
• China: In China, the average monthly income is ¥8,000, and the iPhone 16 is priced around ¥7,500. This means it would take around 30 days of work to buy one.
• India: In India, with an average monthly income of ₹35,000 and the iPhone 16 priced at ₹1,60,000, it would take 130 to 150 days of work for an average Indian to afford the device.

As you can see, India ranks high on the list when it comes to the number of workdays required to buy an iPhone, largely due to the disparity between the iPhone’s price and the average income.

Why Does India Rank High?

There are several reasons why India ranks high on the list of countries where it takes the most days of work to afford an iPhone:

1. Import Taxes and Duties: India imposes high import taxes on electronic goods, including smartphones. These duties significantly raise the price of products like iPhones, which are imported. On top of that, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) further inflates the cost.
2. Currency Exchange Rates: The value of the Indian Rupee (INR) compared to the U.S. Dollar (USD) means Indians end up paying more when products are priced in dollars and then converted into INR.
3. Lower Average Income: The average income in India is significantly lower than in developed countries, meaning that high-end products like the iPhone are less affordable for the average Indian worker.
4. Perceived Luxury: In India, an iPhone is often seen as a status symbol. Owning an iPhone is a way of signaling financial success or upward mobility, which is why some people are willing to stretch their finances to make the purchase.

The EMI Solution: A Common Choice in India

Given the high price tag, most Indians do not buy iPhones outright. Instead, they rely on EMI schemes offered by banks, credit cards, and retailers. These schemes allow buyers to pay for the iPhone in monthly installments over a period of 12 to 24 months, making the purchase more manageable.

For example, an iPhone 16 priced at ₹1,60,000 could be bought with a monthly installment of around ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 depending on the EMI plan. While this reduces the immediate financial burden, it does mean paying interest over time, which ultimately makes the phone even more expensive.

Can Indians Afford the iPhone 16?

The question of whether an iPhone 16 is affordable for the average Indian depends largely on their financial situation. For many Indians, especially those in urban areas with higher salaries, buying an iPhone is a realistic goal, albeit with some financial planning.

For others, especially those earning closer to the minimum wage, the iPhone 16 represents a luxury that may require years of saving or opting for older iPhone models or alternative smartphones that offer similar features at a lower price point.

Is It Worth It?

Given the high cost and the number of days of work required to afford an iPhone 16 in India, the big question is: is it worth it?

For some, the answer is yes. Apple products are renowned for their build quality, performance, and ecosystem. The brand loyalty Apple commands in India and around the world ensures that iPhones continue to be a top choice for many.

However, for others, there are plenty of alternatives available at much lower price points. Brands like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi offer high-quality smartphones with features comparable to the iPhone at a fraction of the cost.

Conclusion

Buying an iPhone 16 in India is no small feat. With the price exceeding ₹1,60,000 and the average Indian needing to work 130 to 150 days to afford one, it’s a significant financial commitment. While EMIs and installment plans make the purchase more accessible, it remains a luxury item for most Indians.

Ultimately, whether or not buying an iPhone 16 is worth it depends on individual priorities and financial situations. For some, owning the latest iPhone is a must, while for others, more affordable smartphones offer a better value. Regardless, the iPhone’s allure as a status symbol and technological marvel is undeniable, making it one of the most coveted gadgets in India and beyond.

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