ঢাকাশনিবার , ৮ অগাস্ট ২০২৬
A new analysis by Deutsche Bank has revealed dramatic variations in the price of the iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) across global markets in 2025. While consumers in the United States continue to enjoy relatively stable pricing, the same device costs substantially more in countries burdened by heavy taxes, tariffs and currency fluctuations, exposing a striking digital divide.
At the top of the index, Turkiye records the highest price, with consumers paying more than twice the US rate. A combination of luxury taxes, value-added tax (VAT) and various import duties has made Apple’s flagship phone prohibitively expensive for average buyers. Brazil and Egypt follow closely behind, where complex tax regimes and import structures push the iPhone further out of reach.
In Europe, the picture is mixed. Sweden sits among the more expensive markets, while Switzerland offers the lowest prices on the continent. Analysts attribute these variations to differences in tax policy and Apple’s currency-hedging strategies, which shield the company from exchange-rate swings but pass costs onto consumers.
One rare exception stands out: South Korea, where the iPhone is priced slightly lower than in the United States. This anomaly underscores the influence of local market dynamics and demonstrates how policy frameworks can produce more accessible outcomes.
These disparities have wider implications. In countries with sky-high prices, consumers often turn to alternative brands or gray-market imports, depriving governments of legitimate tax revenue and leaving buyers vulnerable to warranty and safety risks. Conversely, in more affordable markets, Apple remains a dominant force, shaping consumer expectations and digital ecosystems.
Experts highlight that bridging this gap requires both policy and industry responses. Governments could reconsider punitive taxes that classify smartphones as luxury goods, especially given their central role in modern connectivity. Encouraging local assembly or regional production could also lower costs and boost access. On the corporate side, Apple and other manufacturers may need to pursue localized pricing strategies and partnerships with telecom providers to expand affordability.
The iPhone price index is more than a measure of consumer costs; it is a reflection of economic priorities, trade policies and digital inclusivity. The challenge for policymakers and manufacturers alike is to ensure that flagship technologies do not remain symbols of inequality but become tools of broader digital participation.
Sources: Deutsche Bank, Voronoi, Visual Capitalist
