In spite of its history of selling older models alongside newer models within the country, Apple has ceased sales of its iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and iPhone 6s Plus in India, a new report indicating that Apple has changed its regional strategy.
The Indian marketplace, which has traditionally been dominated by low-cost smartphones, has also included older iPhones for a number of years. Some models, including the iPhone SE and iPhone 6s, are even produced in the country, but it seems a change has been made to Apple’s retail strategy.
Per unnamed executives, Apple has left only the iPhone 6s at the low end.
Supplies for the models were halted in June, while distributors and Apple’s sales team have reportedly advised to traders the new entry-level model will be the iPhone 6s once existing stock of the iPhone SE and iPhone 6 generations have been exhausted.
Where the iPhone SE was available for as little as 21,000 rupees ($306), the iPhone 6s currently costs 29,500 rupees ($430), thereby raising the price for its low end smartphone within the country.
Apple currently offers other models produced in the market, such as the iPhone 7, which is assembled by Wistron within India and starting to be exported to the European market. On Thursday, it was suggested Apple was preparing to launch Indian-made versions of the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, bringing the current-generation iPhones to the locally-produced roster.
In March, it was noted that Apple was looking to reestablish its position as a premium device producer in India. As such, it appears that this slimming of devices could be part of that plan.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and Economic Times