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Apple has launched its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, in India. Its starting price is ₹2,99,900 for the 256GB model, while the top-end model with 2TB of storage is priced at ₹4,49,900. In the US, the iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, which converts to approximately ₹1.90 lakh in Indian currency.

At first glance, it appears that the iPhone Duo is about 58% more expensive in India than in the US. However, merely comparing the list prices in both countries does not reveal the full picture. When taxes applicable in India and the costs associated with importing the phone are factored in, the price gap narrows significantly.

**US prices also attract taxes**
When comparing iPhone prices between India and the US, it is crucial to understand the tax component first. The $1,999 price quoted by Apple in the US does not include sales tax, which varies by state. According to media reports, sales tax in the US can range from 6% to 10%, meaning the actual purchase price could reach around $2,200. In contrast, the ₹2,99,900 price tag for the iPhone Duo in India already includes 18% GST.

**iPhone Duo is currently being imported into India**
Apple has been manufacturing iPhones on a large scale in India for the past few years. It is easier to keep prices lower for India-made iPhone models due to reduced import-related costs. However, the situation is different for the iPhone Duo. As Apple's first foldable iPhone, it is currently being imported into India as a fully assembled unit. The technology involved in manufacturing foldable phones is also more complex than that of standard smartphones; the production of screens, hinges, and other components requires a high degree of precision. Additionally, the iPhone Duo imported into India may be subject to import duties of around 28%. It may still take some time for Apple to begin local production of this phone in India.

What is the impact of removing taxes and duties?
If the 18% GST is removed from the iPhone Duo's price of ₹2,99,900 in India, the cost comes down to approximately ₹2,54,153. Excluding the estimated 28% import duty brings the price to around ₹1,98,557. This is roughly equivalent to $2,087. In contrast, the list price in the US is $1,999. This means that once taxes and import-related costs are excluded, the initial price difference between the two countries narrows to just about $88. However, this is an estimate, and the actual cost could vary based on Apple's supply chain and tax structure.

Could the iPhone Duo become cheaper in the future?
The biggest question now is whether the iPhone Duo might become cheaper in India in future generations. The answer largely depends on Apple's local manufacturing plans. If Apple and its manufacturing partners begin producing the iPhone Duo in India, certain import-related costs could be reduced. Launching large-scale production of a first-generation foldable phone is no easy task; however, as the company gains experience in manufacturing it, the likelihood of cost reductions increases. Currently, customers buying the iPhone Duo in India have to pay a premium. A major reason for this is that it is a first-generation product and is imported into the country. Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo in India will begin on October 16, with sales starting on October 23.

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