Iphone 16 Sales Decline in Pakistan Compared to Previous Versions

The main factor for the underwhelming sales of Apple’s recently released iPhone 16 in Pakistan, in contrast to previous iterations, is its steep pricing.

Apple lacks an official retail outlet in Pakistan and doesn’t directly market its products; nevertheless, several local businesses and vendors import Apple devices for sale in both brick-and-mortar and online venues.

This setup leads to significant price variances each time a new iPhone is launched; costs in Pakistan often exceed Apple’s global rates. A key factor is the necessity for Pakistani buyers to pay levies to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in order to have their phones authorized for SIM card usage, with the latest models facing approval charges that may reach Rs190,000.

Drop in iPhone 16 Sales

A retailer specializing in iPhones at Hafeez Centre in Lahore noted that sales of the 16th generation do not match up to those of earlier models. Another shopkeeper mentioned that the overall sale of imported gadgets, including iPhones, is declining every year as costs keep increasing.

Regarding the pricing gaps, one seller highlighted the challenges faced when importing iPhones into the nation. Importers encounter considerably higher costs for these premium gadgets owing to various obstacles and heavy taxes faced throughout the process.

Although joint venture (JV) iPhones are available at more affordable prices than non-PTA sanctioned devices, customers seeking economical flagship smartphones are exhibiting dwindling interest. A mobile vendor at Singapore Plaza in Saddar, Rawalpindi, noted that the sales of iPhone 16 JV versions are significantly lower compared to those of the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13 JV variants.

Currently, the price for a PTA-approved iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) is roughly Rs540,500, whereas an unapproved model is priced about Rs420,000, and a JV version can be purchased for merely Rs280,000.

In spite of the considerable price differences, an increasing number of consumers are avoiding JV models this season. This shift might be due to either the steep costs of iPhone 16 JV editions or a widespread dislike for JV iPhones, which are regarded as technically illicit.

Mobile sellers contend that prior JV models, like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, continue to hold strong allure for buyers due to their lower pricing. Some vendors are offering the JV iPhone 15 Pro Max for as little as Rs215,000, while the JV iPhone 14 Pro Max is tagged at around Rs180,000.

Worries Regarding JV iPhones

Consumers appear to be becoming increasingly hesitant to invest nearly Rs300,000 on an unauthorized device that cannot operate with a SIM card and may risk blacklisting from Apple due to its hefty price.

JV phones are generally more economical because they are “factory locked” or have been prohibited by their manufacturers. Such devices might have been acquired through illegal means, such as theft or lack of payment on installments, which is the reason why JV or Gevey phones are deemed unlawful.

Authorities are said to have aimed to clamp down on JV phones over a year ago, yet no significant measures have been enacted. Numerous vendors still market JV iPhones through both physical stores and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and OLX.

Considering these hazards, opting for JV iPhones may not be the most prudent choice. If possible, it is advisable to procure PTA-approved and duty-paid devices or to investigate older iPhone models rather than risking a joint venture purchase.

iPhone 16 Pricing Summary for November 2024

Here is the present pricing data for iPhone 16 models that have been approved by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as of November 2024:

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