iPhone 16 Drops Below Rs. 40,000 for First Time During Black Friday Sales in India
For the first time since its September 2024 launch, the Apple iPhone 16 (128GB) is selling for under Rs. 40,000 in India — a price point that once seemed unthinkable for Apple’s flagship device. The drop to Rs. 39,990 isn’t a glitch or a limited-time flash sale. It’s the result of a layered discount strategy by major retailers during the Black Friday sales India, running from November 22 to November 30, 2025. Shoppers are getting the phone at this price by stacking base discounts, bank offers, exchange bonuses, and cashback — a rare convergence of forces that’s turning premium smartphone buyers into bargain hunters.
How the Rs. 39,990 Price Is Possible
The iPhone 16 originally launched at Rs. 79,900. That’s a long way down. But here’s how the math works: Croma, the Tata Group-owned electronics chain, slashed the price to Rs. 66,490 — a flat Rs. 13,410 discount. Then, using an SBI or ICICI Bank credit card, buyers get another Rs. 4,000 off instantly. Add in a trade-in bonus of Rs. 5,000–8,000 (depending on the old phone’s condition), and you’re suddenly below Rs. 40,000. Amazon India, meanwhile, lists the same model at Rs. 66,900, with the same Rs. 4,000 bank discount and exchange options that can push the final price even lower. The Flipkart deal is structurally similar, though exact figures vary slightly by variant.
It’s not just about the numbers. It’s about perception. Rs. 40,000 is a psychological barrier in India’s smartphone market. Below that, even high-end devices feel like a steal. And Apple, which has long resisted deep discounts, is now playing along — quietly — to clear inventory before the iPhone 17 launch next year.
What’s in the iPhone 16? Why It Still Matters
Don’t mistake this for a legacy device. The iPhone 16 packs the A18 chip, a redesigned chassis with thinner bezels, and Apple’s new Apple Intelligence suite — features that make it feel like a current-gen phone, not a relic. The dedicated Camera Control button? Still useful. The 25W MagSafe charging? Faster than most Android flagships. And with iOS 18, it’s still getting updates.
At Rs. 40,000, it’s not just competing with Android rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24 or Google Pixel 8 — it’s beating them on value. A Croma product page even highlights the iPhone 16’s “revamped design” and “improved battery efficiency,” suggesting Apple’s own retail partners are now marketing it as a smart, timely buy.
Bank Offers, Exchange Bonuses, and the Hidden Costs
But here’s the catch: those Rs. 39,990 deals aren’t always what they seem. To get the Rs. 4,000 bank discount, you need to use EMI — meaning you’re financing the phone over six months. That’s fine if you can afford it, but some shoppers don’t realize they’re paying interest elsewhere — like in hidden processing fees or reduced cashback. The State Bank of India and ICICI Bank are both offering the same discount, but only if the purchase meets a minimum threshold of Rs. 41,940. That’s a trap for those buying the base model without accessories.
Exchange bonuses are another gray area. If your old phone is a 2021 iPhone SE or a mid-range Android, you might only get Rs. 3,000. That’s not enough to break the Rs. 40,000 barrier. You need a near-new device — say, an iPhone 13 or Samsung S22 — to unlock the full Rs. 8,000. Not everyone has that.
Why This Matters for India’s Smartphone Market
This isn’t just about Apple. It’s a signal. For years, premium brands avoided deep discounts in India, fearing brand erosion. Now, they’re not just participating — they’re engineering the deals. The Tata Group and Walmart (Flipkart’s parent) are betting that volume will make up for margin loss. And it’s working. According to Business Standard, Apple’s India sales jumped 37% in the first week of Black Friday compared to the same period last year.
Analysts say this could be the start of a new trend: Apple using festive sales to expand its middle-class footprint. Right now, 70% of iPhone sales in India come from users upgrading from older models — not first-time buyers. This pricing strategy could change that.
What’s Next? The iPhone 17 Looms
Don’t expect this deal to last. The Black Friday sales end on November 30, 2025. After that, prices will creep back up — probably to Rs. 68,000–72,000. And with the iPhone 17 expected in September 2026, Apple will likely phase out the iPhone 16 entirely by early next year.
Meanwhile, Croma is already pushing the iPhone 17 (256GB) at Rs. 45,900 — a discount of nearly Rs. 37,000. That’s even more aggressive. It suggests Apple is using the iPhone 16 as a loss leader to clear the way for its next model. Smart. But risky. If consumers wait for the iPhone 17, Apple could lose the momentum it’s built this month.
FAQ
How low can the iPhone 16 price go after Black Friday?
After November 30, 2025, the iPhone 16 will likely return to Rs. 68,000–72,000. Apple rarely holds permanent discounts, and retailers won’t sustain losses. Any post-sale deals will be minor — perhaps Rs. 2,000–3,000 off — and only for remaining stock. The Rs. 39,990 price is a one-time event tied to the Black Friday promotion.
Is it better to buy the iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17?
If you need a new phone now, the iPhone 16 at Rs. 40,000 is a steal — it’s nearly identical to the iPhone 17 in performance, with only minor upgrades like a new camera sensor and slightly better battery. But if you can wait until September 2026, the iPhone 17 will likely come with AI enhancements and a redesigned camera system. Just be ready to pay Rs. 79,900+ at launch.
Which bank offers the best discount on the iPhone 16?
Both SBI and ICICI Bank offer Rs. 4,000 instant discounts on EMI purchases. But SBI’s discount requires a minimum cart value of Rs. 41,940, while ICICI sometimes bundles it with extra cashback on select products. Check your card’s app before checkout — some ICICI cards also give 5% cashback on electronics, which can push your savings to Rs. 6,000.
Can I get the iPhone 16 for under Rs. 40,000 without trading in my old phone?
It’s unlikely. The base discount from Croma or Amazon gets you to Rs. 66,000. The Rs. 4,000 bank offer brings you to Rs. 62,000. To break Rs. 40,000, you need an exchange bonus of at least Rs. 5,000–8,000. Without a trade-in, you’re stuck above Rs. 60,000 — still a good deal, but not the headline price.
Why are retailers offering such steep discounts on Apple products?
Retailers like Croma and Flipkart are using Apple as a traffic driver. They know people who come for the iPhone will also buy cases, chargers, AirPods, or even Android phones. Apple’s brand loyalty ensures high conversion rates. Even at a loss on the phone, the overall basket value increases — making the discount a strategic win.
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely. The A18 chip will handle iOS updates for another 4–5 years. Apple Intelligence features are already live, and the camera system outperforms most Android phones under Rs. 60,000. At Rs. 40,000, it’s one of the best-value premium smartphones available — especially if you value software support and resale value over cutting-edge specs.
