While official statements had said that India might see the new iPhones in December 2013, most tech journalists and bloggers got it right with their personal predictions. The new iPhones will see a Diwali launch and will be available in the country on November 1.
The
Apple iPhone 5s will be the first (mass production) phone in the country to cross the Rs 50,000 mark. The 16 GB version will be available for Rs 53,500, 32 GB will cost Rs 62,500 and the 64 GB model will be priced at a whooping Rs 71,500. On the other hand, the cheap (yet-not-so-cheap) version of the phone,
iPhone 5C, will be available for Rs 41,900 for the 16 GB version and Rs 53,500 for the 32 GB one. Now that is a hefty amount to pay for these phones.
This just shows Apple wants to keep its premium image intact and by going over half-a-lakh
rupee price point, it is not very far from the ultra-pr
emium Vertu series of mobiles. The same EMI module should come into play with the new phones as well, which have done wonders for
iPhone 5 and 4S sales in India. But with the price rocketing to a new high, it will be interesting to see how many people will shell out the exuberant amount to buy the new iPhones.
Both
Airtel and Rcom have been roped in to sell the devices and Airtel has already started pre-registrations for the phones from their outlets in major cities and towns.
Now all eyes are on the October 22 event, when the new iPads will be shown to the world.
