Apple cuts iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus prices in India after iPhone 17 launch. Here’s the new price list, features, and whether you should buy now.
Apple just dropped the iPhone 17 series and slim new iPhone Air — and like clockwork, last year’s iPhones are suddenly “budget-friendly.” Yes, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus just got a ₹10,000 haircut in India. For once, Apple is giving us a discount instead of just asking us to sell a kidney for an upgrade.
Punchline? It feels less like generosity and more like Apple saying, “Here, peasants, take last year’s leftovers while the rich fight over titanium frames.”
Why the Price Cut?
Every September, Apple unveils a shiny new lineup and instantly pushes last year’s phones into the “discount bin” (a very expensive bin, but still). With the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air launched, the iPhone 16 models had to make way.
To sweeten the deal, Apple reduced prices of:
- iPhone 16 (128GB) → ₹69,900 (down from ₹79,900)
- iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) → ₹79,900 (down from ₹89,900)
- iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) → ₹89,900 (down from ₹99,900)
That’s a solid ₹10,000 slash across the board.
iPhone 16 Features (Still Pretty Solid)
Before you write them off as “old tech,” remember — the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are no slouches.
- Display: 6.1-inch (iPhone 16) and 6.7-inch (16 Plus)
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic (still blazing fast)
- Charging: USB-C (finally, no more lightning cable drama)
- Design: Dynamic Island instead of the boring notch
- OS: iOS 17 at launch, upgradeable to iOS 26 (so they’ll stay relevant)
These are essentially Pro-level phones from two years ago, now repackaged as “affordable.”
What Got Delisted
Apple also quietly pulled the plug on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max from its official store. Don’t worry, they’re still available on third-party sites and e-commerce retailers, but the message is clear: Apple wants you eyeing the iPhone 17 Pro if you crave the “Pro” label.
Enter iPhone 17 & iPhone Air (The Temptation)
Here’s the problem. Just as you’re about to settle for that “discounted” iPhone 16, Apple distracts you with shiny new toys.
- iPhone Air (5.6mm thin): Apple’s slimmest iPhone ever, with titanium frame, 6.5-inch 120Hz display, and a brand-new 18MP selfie cam.
- iPhone 17 base: Slimmer borders, A19 chip, 48MP Fusion wide camera.
- iPhone 17 Pro/Max: Aluminium body, vapor cooling, A19 Pro chip, bigger batteries, 8x zoom, pro-level video tools.
All models get Ceramic Shield 2, Apple Intelligence in iOS 26, and the N1 wireless chip.
Basically, the iPhone 17 series screams: “Look at us, we’re cooler. Why buy last year’s model?”
The Dilemma: Should You Buy the iPhone 16 in 2025?
Here’s the thing — the iPhone 16 is still a beast, and with the price cut, it’s finally within reach for many. But, Apple knows we’re weak when it comes to FOMO.
- If you’re upgrading from iPhone 13 or earlier → the iPhone 16 is a great choice.
- If you’re a Pro-model lover or a camera nerd → you’ll regret not jumping to iPhone 17 Pro.
- If you’re a status symbol buyer → the 16 won’t cut it. You’ll want that Air-thin bragging right.
A Smile-Worthy Analogy
Buying the iPhone 16 after the iPhone 17 launch is like showing up to a wedding in last season’s lehenga. Still gorgeous, still works, but someone will whisper, “Oh, that’s not the latest design, na?”
Apple’s Clever Play
This cycle isn’t new. Every year, Apple pulls the same stunt:
- Launch new models with jaw-dropping features.
- Cut old model prices to make them look like a “deal.”
- Watch as everyone, from teenagers to CEOs, scramble to upgrade.
It’s why Apple sits atop the smartphone market with legendary margins (check Apple’s global smartphone market share here). They’ve mastered the art of making us feel like we’re saving money while spending lakhs on a phone.
The Competition Angle
Here’s the kicker — even with the price cut, the iPhone 16 at ₹69,900 is still more expensive than many flagship Androids with insane specs. Brands like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi keep throwing better displays, higher megapixel cameras, and faster charging at lower prices.
But in the end, Apple isn’t selling a phone. It’s selling the ecosystem. The iMessage bubbles, the AirDrop flex, the “Shot on iPhone” ads — all part of the cult.
Quick Recap (for the lazy scrollers)
- iPhone 16 & 16 Plus prices cut by ₹10,000 in India.
- New prices: ₹69,900 (16), ₹79,900 (16 Plus 128GB), ₹89,900 (16 Plus 256GB).
- Features: A16 chip, Dynamic Island, USB-C, big displays.
- iPhone 16 Pro/Max delisted from Apple’s store.
- iPhone 17 series + iPhone Air launched with futuristic upgrades.
- Decision: Buy iPhone 16 if you want value, but expect the social FOMO.
Apple isn’t just selling phones. It’s selling dreams, dopamine, and a dash of debt. And somehow, every September, we all line up to buy.
So, what’s your move? Are you snagging the “discounted” iPhone 16, or waiting to flex the wafer-thin iPhone Air? Drop your thoughts below, share this with your fellow Apple addicts, and let’s see who’s brave enough to skip the upgrade cycle.
Suggested Related Post:
👉 “iPhone 17 Launch: Same Apple, Bigger Bite at Wallet”
