Apple hiked prices of three AirPods models
According to the newly hiked pricing, as reflected on Apple’s website, the AirPods Pro will now carry pricing of INR 26,300 (a hike of INR 1,400). The AirPods 3rd-gen is now available at INR 20,500/- after an INR 2,000/- price increase. Finally, the premium top-notch tiered AirPods Max gets a huge INR 6,200/- hike for new effective pricing of INR 66,100/- (up from the original INR 59,900/-).
Hike in customs duty is likely the reason
As said, Apple hasn’t yet publicly made any statements on why it raised the pricing of the three AirPods models. However, one of the possible reasons could be India’s increased customs duty that will be levied on products imported in India henceforth and that includes the three AirPods as well. Currently, Apple assembles iPhone 11, 12, SE, and iPhone 13 (to commence next month) in India leaving AirPods vulnerable to customs duty. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the budget in February 2022 which mentioned increased customs duty on wearables, hearables, and electronic smart meters among others. This was an attempt to prompt local manufacturing although its effect is yet to be seen.
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