iPhone SE 3 Price Hike: New Pricing Details Revealed
Apple has announced a price increase for the iPhone SE 3 in India, with the new starting price now set at Rs 54,900 for the 128GB variant, up from its previous price of Rs 48,900. The 256GB model now costs Rs 64,900, an increase from its previous price of Rs 58,900.
The price hike is primarily due to increased import tariffs and higher production costs related to geopolitical and trade factors. India currently has a 10% baseline import tariff on goods, which could increase to as high as 26%, significantly impacting the cost of manufacturing and importing iPhones assembled there. Apple has been shifting more of its iPhone production to India to reduce reliance on China amid ongoing US-China trade tensions, but tariffs on Indian-made iPhones and components have pushed up costs. Analysts note that Apple might pass on up to 90% of these tariff-related costs to customers, resulting in higher retail prices for iPhones in India.
Along with tariffs, Apple's strategic pricing decisions to position its newer models (including the iPhone SE 3) as premium devices with upgraded features contribute to price hikes. The iPhone SE 3 includes TouchID, an older feature inherited from the iPhone 8 series, a 4.7-inch screen, and is compatible with iOS 16 updates. It also features a single 12MP rear camera and a 7MP front camera, and is powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chipset, the same chipset powering the iPhone 13 series and non-pro iPhone 14 series.
The iPhone SE 3 is available in three color variants: Midnight, Starlight, and (PRODUCT) RED. It is IP67-certified, making it resistant to dust and water. The iPhone SE 3 is the only 5G-enabled iPhone in the SE series, and is the most compact 5G-enabled iPhone available from Apple, as the company plans to discontinue its mini-series.
Interestingly, the iPhone SE 3 is the most affordable iPhone in India, with the third-generation iPhone SE, also known as iPhone SE 2022, having a starting price of Rs 49,900, up by Rs 6,000 from its previous price. It is not specified if the price increase applies to other regions besides India.
Apple has updated the new increased price tag of the iPhone SE 3 on its website. Flipkart, on the other hand, offers the iPhone SE 2022 with 64GB and 128GB variants at a lower price, but no 256GB variant is available.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/apple-raises-price-iphone-se-india-amid-higher-tariffs-2022-03-16/ [2] https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/16/22982678/apple-iphone-se-price-india-increase-tariffs-production-costs [4] https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/apple-to-pass-on-indias-iphone-tariffs-to-indian-customers-report
The increase in the price of the iPhone SE 3 in India is influenced not only by tariffs but also by Apple's strategic decision to position the device as a premium gadget with advanced features, such as TouchID, a 4.7-inch screen, and 5G capability, which are all part of the technology landscape.
Despite the price hike, the iPhone SE 3 remains the most affordable iPhone model available in India, as the iPhone SE 2022 has a starting price of Rs 49,900, a significant increase from its previous price. This price rise pertains to the Indian market, with no information provided regarding other regions.
