Apple’s September 9, 2026 event brought the new iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the company’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo. But the biggest surprise for many Indian buyers came after the event: instead of making older iPhones cheaper, Apple increased the prices of several existing models in India.
The iPhone 17 now starts at ₹99,900, up from ₹82,900, while the iPhone 16 has moved from ₹69,900 to ₹89,900. The iPhone 17e and iPhone Air have also become more expensive, while the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have been removed from Apple’s official lineup.
What did Apple launch at the September 9 event?
Apple’s September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event focused on its premium iPhone lineup rather than launching every expected iPhone model at once.
The company introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, along with the iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The new Pro models start at ₹1,64,900 and ₹1,79,900 respectively in India.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the Duo, starts at ₹2,99,900 in India. It has a 7.6-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer display, with storage options going up to 2TB.
However, one important detail is easy to miss: the regular iPhone 18 was not launched at this September event. Apple instead concentrated on the Pro models and the foldable Duo.
Apple September 9 event coverage
What are the new iPhone prices in India after the launch?
Apple has revised prices across several models in its Indian lineup.
| iPhone model | Earlier starting price | New starting price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | ₹69,900 | ₹89,900 | ₹20,000 |
| iPhone 17 | ₹82,900 | ₹99,900 | ₹17,000 |
| iPhone 17e | ₹64,900 | ₹79,900 | ₹15,000 |
| iPhone Air | ₹1,19,900* | ₹1,49,900* | ₹30,000* |
| iPhone 18 Pro | — | ₹1,64,900 | New |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | — | ₹1,79,900 | New |
| iPhone Duo | — | ₹2,99,900 | New |
*The Air price increase varies by storage configuration. The 1TB model has seen a reported increase to ₹2,24,900. Apple’s current India store lists the Air from ₹1,49,900.
The current official Apple India lineup includes the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone 16.
Why did iPhone prices increase instead of falling?
This is the biggest surprise of Apple’s 2026 launch.
Indian buyers have traditionally expected older iPhones to become cheaper when a new generation arrives. This time, Apple has taken the opposite approach for several models.
Reuters reported that Apple’s latest price adjustments were linked to rising memory and storage component costs, with AI-related demand putting pressure on memory supplies globally. India also has additional pricing factors, including import duties and an 18% GST.
The increase is particularly noticeable in India. Reuters reported that some Indian iPhone prices have risen by as much as 41%, making India one of the markets with the steepest Apple price increases this year.
How much did the iPhone 17 price increase?
The iPhone 17 has received one of the most noticeable price increases.
Its 256GB model previously started at ₹82,900. After the September 9 event, the starting price moved to ₹99,900, representing a ₹17,000 increase.
The 512GB version is now listed at ₹1,24,900.
That makes the current iPhone 17 considerably more expensive than it was before Apple’s September event.
For buyers who were waiting for an iPhone 17 discount after the new Pro launch, this is an important change.
Did the iPhone 16 price also increase?
Yes.
The iPhone 16 has moved from ₹69,900 to ₹89,900 in India, meaning buyers now pay ₹20,000 more for the official starting price than before.
This changes the value equation for the iPhone 16.
Before the price revision, the iPhone 16 was an attractive entry point for buyers who wanted a relatively recent iPhone without paying flagship prices. At ₹89,900, it is now only ₹10,000 cheaper than the iPhone 17.
That makes the iPhone 17 a more interesting option if the buyer is comfortable spending the additional ₹10,000.
What happened to the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max?
This is where many buyers may get confused.
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max have been removed from Apple’s official lineup after the arrival of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
That does not necessarily mean you can no longer buy them anywhere.
Remaining units may continue to be sold by third-party retailers while stock lasts. But Apple is no longer presenting the 17 Pro models as its current official Pro generation.
The distinction matters because a retailer can still advertise an iPhone 17 Pro even though it has disappeared from Apple’s official store.
Is the iPhone 17 Pro still worth buying?
It can be, but only at the right price.
The iPhone 17 Pro previously started at ₹1,34,900, while the new iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India. That creates a ₹30,000 difference between the previous-generation Pro starting price and the new Pro model.
If a genuine retailer offers the 17 Pro for substantially less than the 18 Pro, it could become an interesting value option.
However, buyers should not purchase it simply because the model is older and discounted.
Before buying, check:
- Whether the phone is brand new or refurbished.
- Whether the seller is authorised or trustworthy.
- Apple warranty and activation status.
- Exact storage configuration.
- Return and replacement policy.
- Whether the discount is actually better than the current-generation model.
[INTERNAL LINK: iPhone 18 Pro India price article — add the relevant article link here]
What happened to the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max?
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are no longer part of Apple’s current official lineup.
They were already replaced in Apple’s premium lineup by the iPhone 17 Pro generation, so the September 2026 launch does not represent a fresh discontinuation of these models.
However, searches for “iPhone 16 Pro price”, “iPhone 16 Pro Max price” and “iPhone 16 Pro price after iPhone 18 launch” may still show retailer inventory.
That means buyers should be careful when comparing prices online.
An official Apple price, a retailer's leftover-stock price and a refurbished price are three different things.
What is the iPhone 18 Pro price in India?
The iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900 in India, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900. Both models offer 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options.
Apple has scheduled pre-orders for September 12, with availability beginning September 18 in India.
The new Pro models feature the A20 Pro chip, upgraded camera hardware and improved battery performance. Apple also highlights a 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture on the new Pro generation.
[INTERNAL LINK: iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max launch article — add the relevant article link here]
What is the iPhone Duo price in India?
The iPhone Duo starts at ₹2,99,900 for 256GB in India.
Apple says the foldable iPhone will also be available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB configurations. Pre-orders begin October 16, while availability starts October 23.
The Duo opens into a 7.6-inch display and has a 5.4-inch outer display when folded. Apple describes it as the thinnest iPhone when opened.
At ₹2,99,900, however, this is clearly a premium product rather than an affordable alternative to the standard iPhone lineup.
[INTERNAL LINK: iPhone Duo launch article — add the relevant article link here]
Should you buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 now?
This is probably the most important buying decision for people looking at Apple's lower-priced current models.
At Apple's official prices, the difference is now just ₹10,000.
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Current starting price | ₹89,900 | ₹99,900 |
| Generation | Older | Newer |
| Price gap | — | ₹10,000 |
| Better for | Lower upfront cost | Longer-term purchase |
At ₹69,900, the iPhone 16 was much easier to recommend.
At ₹89,900, the iPhone 17 deserves a closer look. If you plan to keep the phone for several years, paying ₹10,000 more for the newer generation may make more sense.
The iPhone 16 becomes more attractive if a trusted retailer offers it substantially below Apple's official price.
Should you buy the iPhone 17 or iPhone 18 Pro?
For most buyers, this comes down to budget rather than simply specifications.
The iPhone 17 starts at ₹99,900, while the iPhone 18 Pro starts at ₹1,64,900. That is a ₹65,000 difference.
If you mainly use your phone for social media, photography, streaming, messaging, everyday apps and gaming, the standard iPhone 17 is likely to make more financial sense.
The iPhone 18 Pro is aimed at buyers who specifically want Apple's latest Pro hardware, cameras and performance and are comfortable paying the premium.
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone 17 Pro: Which should you buy?
| Feature | iPhone 18 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | Current | Previous |
| Apple official lineup | Yes | No |
| India starting price | ₹1,64,900 | Retailer-dependent |
| Availability | New stock | Remaining stock |
| Best for | Latest hardware | Deep-discount buyers |
If the iPhone 17 Pro is only slightly cheaper than the iPhone 18 Pro, the newer model is the safer purchase.
If a reliable retailer offers the 17 Pro at a substantial discount, the previous-generation Pro can become more attractive.
The decision should therefore be based on the actual selling price, not simply the model number.
Which iPhone should you buy after the September 9 launch?
iPhone 17: Best balanced choice
The iPhone 17 is the model to consider if you want a relatively current iPhone without spending ₹1.6 lakh or more.
Its ₹99,900 price is high compared with its previous price, but it still sits well below the new Pro models.
iPhone 18 Pro: Best for the latest Pro experience
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro if you want the newest premium iPhone and are specifically interested in Pro-level cameras, performance and other flagship features.
The starting price is ₹1,64,900.
iPhone 18 Pro Max: Best for maximum screen and battery
The Pro Max starts at ₹1,79,900 and is designed for buyers who want the largest Pro experience.
iPhone 17 Pro: Best only with a major discount
The 17 Pro could be an excellent deal if remaining stock is available at a significant discount from a reliable seller.
Do not buy it at a price that is too close to the new 18 Pro.
iPhone 16: Best only if discounted
At Apple's new ₹89,900 price, the iPhone 16 is harder to recommend over the iPhone 17.
A significant retailer discount could change that calculation.
iPhone Duo: For buyers who specifically want a foldable iPhone
At ₹2,99,900, the Duo is not a value purchase.
It makes sense primarily for people who specifically want Apple's first foldable design and are willing to pay a substantial premium.
Why are old iPhones getting more expensive after a new launch?
The current price revision shows that Apple is not necessarily following the traditional “new phone launches, old phone gets cheaper” formula.
Component costs, particularly memory and storage, are putting pressure on smartphone manufacturers globally. AI data-centre demand has also increased competition for memory components.
For Apple, India-specific taxes and import-related costs can further affect final retail pricing.
The result is unusual: consumers looking for an older iPhone may now need to compare retailer discounts more carefully instead of automatically expecting an Apple price cut.
Will iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 prices fall again?
They could become cheaper at retailers, but that is different from an official Apple price cut.
Amazon, Flipkart, authorised retailers and offline stores can use bank offers, exchange bonuses and promotional discounts independently of Apple's official pricing.
The upcoming festive shopping period could therefore create opportunities for buyers.
But there is no guarantee that every model will receive a large discount.
For discontinued Pro models, waiting too long can also create a different problem: stock may disappear before prices fall significantly.
What should you check before buying an older iPhone?
If you are specifically looking at an iPhone 16 Pro, 17 Pro or another model that Apple no longer sells officially, check the following:
- Exact model and storage: Do not compare a 256GB price with a 1TB price.
- Seller: Check who is actually selling the device.
- Warranty: Verify Apple's warranty information.
- Condition: Confirm whether it is new, open-box, refurbished or renewed.
- Activation: Check that the device has not already been activated.
- Return policy: Read the replacement and return conditions.
- Final price: Include bank offers, exchange value and other conditions before comparing deals.
What is the biggest change for iPhone buyers in India?
The biggest change is simple: the arrival of a new iPhone has not automatically made every older iPhone cheaper.
The iPhone 17 is now ₹99,900, the iPhone 16 is ₹89,900 and the iPhone 17e is ₹79,900 on Apple's current India store. At the same time, the iPhone 18 Pro begins at ₹1,64,900 and the iPhone Duo at ₹2,99,900.
That creates a much wider range of choices, but also makes price comparison more important.
For buyers, the best strategy is to compare the official Apple price, current retailer price and the exact specifications before deciding.
FAQs
Did iPhone prices increase after the iPhone 18 launch?
Yes. Apple increased the official prices of several iPhones in India after the September 9 event, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e and iPhone Air.
What is the new iPhone 17 price in India?
The iPhone 17 now starts at ₹99,900 in India, compared with its earlier starting price of ₹82,900.
Did the iPhone 16 price increase?
Yes. The iPhone 16 has moved from ₹69,900 to ₹89,900 on Apple's current India store.
Is the iPhone 17 Pro discontinued?
Apple has removed the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max from its official current lineup following the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro series. Remaining stock may still be available through retailers.