Iphone 16 Struggles with Sales in Pakistan Compared to Earlier Models

The primary reason for the disappointing sales of Apple’s newly launched iPhone 16 in Pakistan, as compared to earlier versions, is its high price point.

Apple lacks an official retail store in Pakistan and does not sell its products directly; however, some local businesses and retailers import Apple devices for distribution in both physical and online marketplaces.

This arrangement results in considerable price discrepancies each time a new iPhone is introduced; prices in Pakistan frequently surpass Apple’s international figures. A major contributing factor is the requirement for Pakistani consumers to pay fees to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for their phones to be approved for SIM card activation, with the latest models incurring approval expenses that can reach Rs190,000.

Decline in iPhone 16 Sales

A retailer focused on iPhones at Hafeez Centre in Lahore observed that the sales of the 16th generation do not rival those of its earlier models. Another shop owner remarked that the overall sales of imported devices, including iPhones, are decreasing each year as prices continue to rise.

Addressing the pricing differences, one retailer pointed out the difficulties in importing iPhones into the country. Importers face substantially higher expenses for these premium devices due to the myriad of challenges and significant taxes encountered during the process.

Even though joint venture (JV) iPhones are available at lower prices than non-PTA approved phones, customers looking for affordable flagship devices are showing diminishing interest. A mobile vendor at Singapore Plaza in Saddar, Rawalpindi, indicated that the sales of iPhone 16 JV versions are markedly lower than those of the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13 JV models.

At present, the cost for a PTA-approved iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) is approximately Rs540,500, whereas an unapproved version retails for around Rs420,000, and a JV model can be found for just Rs280,000.

Despite the vast price differences, a growing number of consumers are steering clear of JV models this year. This trend may stem from either the exorbitant costs of iPhone 16 JV variants or a general aversion to JV iPhones, which are technically considered illegal.

Mobile vendors suggest that earlier JV models, such as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, still possess a strong appeal to consumers due to their lower price points. Some vendors are selling the JV iPhone 15 Pro Max for as little as Rs215,000, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max JV is priced around Rs180,000.

Concerns Surrounding JV iPhones

Consumers appear to be increasingly reluctant to spend nearly Rs300,000 on an unauthorized device that cannot be used with a SIM card and might face blacklisting from Apple due to its high cost.

JV phones tend to be more affordable because they are “factory locked” or have been banned by their manufacturers. These devices may have been acquired through unlawful means, such as theft or unpaid installments, which is why JV or Gevey phones are classified as illegal.

Authorities reportedly aimed to crack down on JV phones over a year ago, yet no significant actions have been taken. Numerous vendors continued to offer JV iPhones through both physical outlets and social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and OLX.

Considering these risks, choosing JV iPhones may not be the wisest option. If feasible, it is recommended to invest in PTA-approved and duty-paid devices or to explore older iPhone models rather than taking the chance with a joint venture purchase.

iPhone 16 Pricing Overview for November 2024

Here is the current pricing information for iPhone 16 models that have received approval from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as of November 2024:

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