iPhone 16 prices in Pakistan remain high despite iPhone 17 launch nearing

ISLAMABAD: With just under two months left before the expected launch of the iPhone 17 series, prices of PTA-approved and tax-paid iPhone 16 models in Pakistan have not come down as much as many anticipated.

While current rates are lower than what they were back in September and October, the decline is not as significant as expected, especially given the usual trend where distributors reduce prices closer to the launch of a new model.

Official Apple distributors in Pakistan, such as Mercantile, have yet to offer major price cuts. The prices remain relatively high compared to what some local retailers are offering. For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB is listed at Rs473,500 on Mercantile’s website, while some local sellers are offering the same model for as low as Rs443,000, a difference of over Rs30,000.

Buyers can find Desert Titanium, White, and Black colours at this lower price. Shopkeepers claim these are the same genuine models sold by distributors, often with local warranty included.

iPhone 16 struggles to impress Pakistani buyers

According to local mobile phone retailers, the iPhone 16 series has not seen impressive sales in Pakistan. The main reasons are high prices and the perception that little has changed over the past few years.

One shopkeeper remarked that most people cannot tell the difference between an iPhone 13 Pro Max and an iPhone 16 Pro Max unless they are familiar with the devices, despite the newer model being slightly larger and offering performance upgrades.

Interestingly, the iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to sell well in the local market. Many customers are opting for both PTA-approved and non-PTA versions, primarily to save money. The differences between the two models are considered minor, mostly related to screen size, slight camera improvements, and performance tweaks.

iPhone 16 prices may drop next month

Despite the fact that iPhone 16 prices have not seen a significant drop, many retailers in Pakistan expect prices to ease by next month or in the first week of September 2025.

It’s worth mentioning that Apple has no official retail presence in Pakistan. All iPhones are brought into the country through local distributors and mobile shop owners who deal in Apple products.

As for the upcoming iPhone 17, initial prices in Pakistan are expected to start from around Rs400,000 for the base model and could go up to Rs700,000 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max during the launch phase.

iPhone 17 JV models expected to hit markets again

Meanwhile, two retailers, who requested anonymity, revealed that JV (SIM locked) and carrier-locked iPhones will likely still be available in Pakistani markets despite ongoing crackdowns. This suggests that, once again, JV versions of the iPhone 17 will be seen in shops, even though PTA and FBR have announced measures to block and penalise such imports.