Apple Imposes Purchase Limits on iPhone Models in India
Apple has instituted a restriction regarding the number of its iPhone models that consumers can acquire in India, permitting individuals to purchase no more than two units of each model.
This regulation comes just days ahead of the retail launch of the iPhone Duo, Apple’s inaugural foray into the foldable smartphone market, set to debut on October 23. Initial reports have indicated a burgeoning interest surrounding this innovative product.
The pre-order phase for the iPhone Duo commenced on October 16. Patrons utilizing Apple’s online storefront are now faced with a cap of two units for the foldable device. Furthermore, this limitation extends to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as well.
The purchase limitation is not confined solely to India. Consumers in various international markets, including the United States, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have reported encountering identical restrictions on Apple’s online platforms.
When shoppers attempt to exceed the permitted quantity, Apple displays a notification stating: “A maximum of 2 iPhone Duo can be purchased per customer.”
While Apple has yet to articulate the rationale behind this constraint, such limitations have been historically utilized to deter bulk acquisitions and subsequent reselling.
A similar strategy was employed during the initial release of the original iPhone in 2007, when customers were limited to two devices each.
The timing of this recent restriction has garnered significant attention due to the evident demand for the iPhone Duo.
Following the initiation of pre-orders, reports suggested that delivery times in certain instances had already extended into January, signifying that initial inventory could be under considerable strain.
Additionally, Apple has enacted more stringent launch-day protocols in select markets. In Japan and South Korea, for instance, patrons looking to procure the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro Max must secure reservations for in-store pickups in advance, with spontaneous walk-in transactions prohibited at launch.
The enthusiasm surrounding Apple’s venture into the foldable smartphone domain is echoed in industry forecasts.
Counterpoint Research has previously posited that the iPhone Duo may command approximately 25 percent of the global foldable smartphone market. Samsung is anticipated to maintain a lead with 38 percent, trailed by Huawei at 22 percent.
Projections also suggest that Apple might distribute six million units of the iPhone Duo by 2026, despite the device’s anticipated starting price of around Rs 3 lakh. It is important to note that these figures are estimates and not confirmed sales data.
As Apple enters an increasingly competitive arena of foldable devices, the implementation of a purchase cap may serve to effectively manage initial inventory levels while curbing bulk acquisitions.
The company’s entry could provide a substantial impetus to the foldable market segment as more consumers begin to contemplate this innovative form factor.
Source link: Thehansindia.com.
