Apple Price Hike May Drive Indian Consumers to Refurbished iPhones

Retailers in India are anticipating a shift in consumer behaviour as Apple has recently raised prices across its iPhone lineup. The price hikes, which range from 20 to 45 per cent depending on the model, might prompt buyers to look for older models before pre-hike inventory is exhausted, while simultaneously boosting demand for refurbished smartphones.

As noted by Moneycontrol, many consumers may gravitate towards older iPhones available at previous prices, as the revised price tags could deter budget-conscious shoppers. Retail analysts suggest that those unwilling to pay the new prices might opt for refurbished or pre-owned devices, which could further solidify Apple's dominance in India's resale market.

According to data from Cashify, a platform focused on second-hand smartphone sales, Apple accounted for 65.3 per cent of all refurbished smartphone sales in 2025 and 32.6 per cent of total buybacks. The iPhone 13 has emerged as the platform's most popular refurbished model, representing 15.5 per cent of demand for refurbished devices and featuring prominently in trade-ins.

The widespread price increases affect the entire range of Apple devices, from the iPhone 17e to the Pro Max models, noted Upasna Joshi, a senior analyst from International Data Corporation (IDC). She indicated that the scale of these increases was broader than anticipated, creating a significant price disparity just as the festive shopping season approaches.

Retailers are reporting expectations that refurbished iPhones will serve as a valuable alternative for consumers wishing to join Apple's ecosystem without incurring the new premium costs. However, the analysis suggests that buyers seeking high-end models could find their choices restricted as the latest Pro and Pro Max models are not yet available.

Counterpoint Research director Tarun Pathak predicts a surge in refurbished iPhone sales as current owners trade in their devices to finance upgrades. Cashify expects that buybacks will increase notably in the first month following the launch of new devices and accelerate further during the subsequent 60 to 90 days as festive purchasing picks up. While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are likely to provide the largest influx of used devices, previous models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 will remain significant due to their established user bases.

Despite a potential rise in supply, Cashify suggests that this will not automatically lead to a drop in refurbished prices. Price adjustments for outgoing models are expected to occur gradually, influenced by factors such as model, storage capacity, device condition, and the pricing of new equivalents.

The pricing segment for refurbished iPhones in the range of Rs 20,000 to Rs 45,000 is expected to dominate the market, with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 forecasted as key players in the next two to three quarters.

The recent price adjustments may alter consumers' entry into and navigation through Apple's ecosystem rather than simply driving them away. IDC estimates that overall shipments of Apple devices in India will see a minor decline this year, falling from 14.3 million units in 2025. Joshi remarked that increased prices do not necessarily deter existing loyal customers from the brand. Existing iPhone users can trade in their phones to mitigate the cost when upgrading, while new or budget-oriented buyers can consider refurbished devices as a viable entry point into Apple's ecosystem.

As the festive season approaches, retailers expect to see a pronounced increase in foot traffic, with physical stores and online platforms experiencing five to seven times more activity as shoppers seek to purchase older inventory at former prices. Once these stocks are depleted, attention may shift more towards refurbished devices and the servicing of existing phones, enabling consumers to prolong the lifespan of their current devices.

Kailash Lakhyani, founder and chairman of the All India Mobile Retailers Association, highlighted another potential consequence of the widening price gap. The significant disparity between the prices of premium products like the iPhone Duo in India and overseas markets may give rise to grey-market activities and smuggling.

Thus, for Apple, the forthcoming festive season may not solely revolve around launching the newest iPhones. It could also significantly depend on how well the brand's older models, trade-ins, and refurbished offerings can adapt to meet the needs of consumers faced with higher price points.