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Buying iPhone 15 around the world can be this expensive

Six months ago, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 15 series. As with every new iPhone release, the cost becomes a significant point of discussion, especially in India, where iPhones have historically been priced higher compared to other regions. 

To offer a comprehensive overview, we present a comparative analysis of the iPhone 15 pricing worldwide, according to GSM Arena’s list.

Here’s some info to consider when thinking about buying an iPhone 15 abroad:

  • Price Variations: Generally, iPhones are cheapest in countries like Japan and China, and most expensive in South American countries like Brazil. You can find price comparisons on sites like iPhone Prices Worldwide [iphone prices worldwide ON iPhone Prices Worldwide iphone-worldwide.com].
  • Factors Affecting Price: There are reasons for price differences – taxes (VAT), import duties etc.
  • Additional Costs: Consider any extra charges like shipping or import taxes when buying abroad.

iPhone 15 price in India

In the Indian market, where historically high import duties and tax rates have resulted in iPhones priced considerably higher than in other regions, consumer anticipation surrounding the iPhone 15 series was accompanied by concerns regarding affordability.

However, Apple opted to maintain the base price of the standard iPhone 15. Nonetheless, this pricing strategy did not extend to the Pro models. 

  • iPhone 15: ₹79,900 = approx. $958 (128 GB)
  • iPhone 15 Plus: ₹89,900 = approx $1,078 (128 GB)
  • iPhone 15 Pro: ₹1,34,900 = approx $1,618 (128 GB)
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: ₹1,59,900 = approx $1,918 (256 GB)

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, has witnessed a significant price increase of $100 in the United States, while the Indian market faces a considerably steeper hike of Rs 20,000,  which is approximately $240.

Buying an iPhone 15 in Spain

Contrary to expectations, the new iPhone 15 series in Spain did not see a price increase compared to previous generations. 

In fact, prices have decreased across various models, attributed to factors such as the inflation of the euro at the end of 2022 and the adoption of new manufacturing materials. 

  • iPhone 15: €959 = approx. $1,033
  • iPhone 15 Plus: €1109 = approx $1,195
  • iPhone 15 Pro: €1,219 = approx $1,313
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: €1,469 = approx $1,583 

While the iPhone 15 Pro Max maintained its price, other models experienced reductions, marking a departure from the anticipated trend of price hikes.

US – the cheapest place to buy iPhones

Notably, the United States, the birthplace of the iPhone, offers the most budget-friendly rates, with a significant price difference compared to India. 

  • iPhone 15: $799
  • iPhone 15 Plus: $899 
  • iPhone 15 Pro: $1,099
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max: $1,299

It’s important to note that iPhones purchased in the US do not include physical SIM slots, relying solely on eSIM support. 

In conclusion, this analysis underscores substantial price discrepancies for buying it across different countries.

The US emerges as the most budget-friendly option for the base model, albeit without a physical SIM slot due to eSIM reliance.

Conversely, when considering the Pro models, alternative international markets may offer more appealing prices compared to India. 

Ultimately, determining the optimal purchase location hinges on factors such as the desired iPhone model and individual considerations such as warranty and compatibility.

Price Variations:

  • Generally Cheapest: The US, Japan, and China often have the most competitive iPhone prices.
  • Generally Most Expensive: South American countries like Brazil tend to have higher iPhone prices.
  • Price Comparison Sites: Use resources like iPhone Prices Worldwide to compare prices across regions [iphone prices worldwide ON iPhone Prices Worldwide iphone-worldwide.com].

Factors Affecting Price:

  • Taxes: Value Added Tax (VAT) and other local taxes can significantly impact the final price.
  • Import Duties: When iPhones are imported, additional duties can be added.
  • Currency Fluctuations: Exchange rates can affect the final cost depending on your location.

Beyond the Base Price:

  • Carrier Deals: Some countries offer carrier contracts with subsidized phone costs.
  • Unlocked vs. Carrier Specific: Unlocked iPhones are generally more expensive upfront but offer network flexibility.
  • Storage Capacity: Higher storage capacities come with a higher price tag.

Tips for Finding the Best Deal:

  • Wait for Official Launch: Prices might fluctuate before settling.
  • Consider Unlocked vs. Carrier: Factor in long-term network needs.
  • Compare Prices Online: Look for deals and price comparisons before buying.
  • Beware of Import Fees: Factor in potential import costs when buying abroad.

What are the cheapest countries to buy an iPhone 15?

We looked up the price of it in dozens of countries to make this comparison, based on the price of buying the unlocked model from the official Apple site of each region. There will be ways to get the phone for less than the retail price via carrier plans or by trading in your old phone, but these aren’t without caveats. You may even encounter vendors trying to sell you the handset at a much better price while traveling, but we’d advise caution on such offers. If it’s not from an official Apple retailer and it’s suspiciously cheap right after the phone launched, you might be looking at a stolen or fake model.

The table below shows how much a US resident would pay for it each country in US dollar terms. We’ve spared you the calculations, but the prices you’re seeing are the cost of the phone in the relevant country, less the amount of tax you can claim back as a tourist, and then converted into USD on the date of publication. The United States is the exception here in that the sales tax has been added. This varies depending on your state, but with the iPhone 15 retailing for $799 in America, we’ve used $875 as the price plus tax as an average benchmark for how much you’d end up paying at home.

RankCountryUSDRankCountryUSD
1Japan$76019Portugal$929
2China$83520Finland$929
3Canada$83621Italy$930
4Thailand$85622France$931
5South Korea$85723Belgium$931
6United States$87524Malaysia$940
7Hong Kong$88225Netherlands$942
8UEA$88826India$965
9Australia$89027Norway$967
10Austria$90228Denmark$982
11Taiwan$90329Sweden$1,007
12Spain$91130New Zealand$1,014
13Czech Republic$91131United Kingdom$1,021
14Luxembourg$91332Philippines$1,028
15Switzerland$91833Poland$1,065
16Ireland$91934Mexico$1,298
17Germany$92235Turkey$1,559
18Singapore$92636Brazil$1,865

The cheapest place to buy an iPhone 15 is Japan, and by some distance. The phone will cost you $760 there if you claim back the 10% sales tax before you leave. The next cheapest countries are China at $835 and Canada at $836, with a handful of other countries being marginally less expensive than the USA.

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