PTA-approved or not, iPhone 16 Pro Max price set to surprise Pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: The highly anticipated Apple iPhone 16 was launched last night at 10 PM (Pakistan time), confirming several rumours that had circulated in recent weeks.

Among the most talked-about features was the new Desert Titanium colour for Pro models, which had been predicted ahead of time.

Other significant upgrades include a larger display and the addition of a new capture button, both of which were introduced across the iPhone 16 series, from the base model to the premium iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Pricing rumours also turned out to be accurate, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max priced similarly to its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, at $1,199.

However, in Pakistan, the price is expected to be significantly higher due to local taxes and the additional cost for PTA approval to use a SIM card. According to mobile shop owners, the PTA approval fee for the iPhone 15 series is still up to Rs180,000, and the iPhone 16 is likely to face a similar or even higher fee.

Unofficial prices for the iPhone 16 base model in Pakistan could exceed Rs450,000 for PTA-approved units, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max may reach up to Rs900,000. Last year, the iPhone 15 Pro Max sold for as high as Rs900,000, including PTA charges and tax, in the first two months after its launch.

Despite the hefty price tags, Apple enthusiasts and those who frequently upgrade their devices are expected to embrace the new series.

Apple distributor in Pakistan, Mercantile, recently removed the iPhone 15 series pricing from its website, signalling that the iPhone 16 series might soon be available, possibly by the end of September or early October.

One issue that continues to confuse buyers is the parallel market, where early importers sell iPhones at inflated prices before official availability. This results in even higher costs for those eager to be among the first to own the new iPhones.

According to local mobile shopkeepers, the iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, may be available by the end of September, as they plan to import the devices soon.

However, the initial stock may be limited due to import restrictions and high taxes, with more units expected to arrive gradually in the coming months. In the absence of an official Apple store, importers are likely to take advantage of eager customers, similar to last year.

Additionally, some shopkeepers confirmed that they plan to import JV models once again, leading to an influx of cheaper JV iPhone 16 models in the local market.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has yet to take action against Gevey (JV) iPhones, which are popular among buyers looking for more affordable alternatives to non-PTA and PTA-approved models.

As in previous years, it is anticipated that the JV iPhone 16 Pro Max will be significantly cheaper than the non-PTA version, and much more affordable than the PTA-approved iPhone 16 Pro Max.

New products and features confirmed

The launch also revealed several new features and confirmed leaks surrounding Apple’s latest releases.

iPhone 16: As predicted, the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 introduces a new Camera Control button and adopts the Action Button from the Pro models. It is powered by the new Apple A18 chip, and also features a tougher glass front along with new colours.

iPhone 16 Plus: Similar to the iPhone 16, but with a larger 6.7-inch display.

Apple Watch 10: The standard Apple Watch now comes with a bigger, brighter screen, a thinner body, and new finishes, including titanium. Additionally, its speakers can now play music and podcasts, and it can detect sleep apnea.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: While no major upgrades were introduced, there’s a new finish and a stylish Hermes band, but no sign of the rumoured Apple Watch Ultra 3.

AirPods 4: Featuring a slight redesign for comfort, improved audio, and the highly anticipated spatial audio feature previously only available on the AirPods Pro.

AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): These new earbuds will sit between the standard AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2, bringing ANC to the more affordable lineup.

AirPods Pro 2: No new model this year, but the existing version will get new health features, including a hearing test, with a hearing aid mode expected to launch later this year

AirPods Max: No new Max 2 model, but the current version is being refreshed with new colours, including Midnight, Purple, Orange, Starlight, and Blue, along with additional health capabilities.

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: Both Pro models now feature a 5x telephoto zoom camera and new camera modules. The Camera Control button makes its debut, with Apple promising more advanced two-stage photo features in future updates.

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