Talk of a big drop in iPhone 15 prices has stirred excitement among buyers across Pakistan, but market insiders say expectations should stay grounded.
Reports circulating on social media and tech forums claim that prices of the iPhone 15 series could drop significantly after a cut in PTA approval charges, often referred to as PTA taxes.
According to these claims, the iPhone 15 base model could be available for around Rs130,000, the iPhone 15 Plus near Rs145,000, the iPhone 15 Pro at about Rs155,000, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max for as low as Rs175,000, including PTA approval.
If true, such prices would be a surprise for many buyers. At these levels, it is hard to find even a well kept iPhone 13 in the local market. This has led some people to believe that the iPhone 15 Pro Max may soon fall below Rs200,000 in Pakistan.
However, current market prices tell a very different story. A PTA approved iPhone 13 Pro Max still sells for more than Rs210,000 in used condition. The iPhone 14 Pro Max usually starts at around Rs260,000, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max currently sells between Rs320,000 and Rs370,000, depending on storage and condition.
Several traders say a drop to Rs175,000 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is not realistic, at least for now. Rana Mobeen, who has been in the mobile phone business for over 15 years, said such a steep cut does not make sense.
He explained that phones bought for more than Rs300,000 cannot suddenly be sold for nearly half the price. He added that even the base iPhone 15 model is selling above the prices being claimed online. While a price drop across the iPhone 15 lineup is possible, he said a cut of Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 sounds more believable. A reduction of over Rs100,000, he noted, is highly unlikely.
Mobeen also said any price drop is expected to be gradual, not overnight. For now, he believes a reduction of more than Rs45,000 on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is not on the cards.
In simple terms, market players expect the PTA approved iPhone 15 Pro Max price to fall closer to Rs260,000 in the coming months, not below Rs200,000.
The buzz around a major price cut began after the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi set new customs values for the import of several smartphone brands. It is important to note that these new values apply only to older and used phones brought in from abroad.
Meanwhile, PTA taxes on the iPhone 15 Pro series have been reduced to about Rs55,000 on a passport and Rs70,000 on a CNIC. At launch, the PTA tax on the iPhone 15 Pro Max was close to Rs190,000, making the current charges much lower than before.
While prices may ease further, buyers may need patience before expecting any dramatic drop.
Read next: Samsung Galaxy A57 may cost more than Rs150,000 in Pakistan
