Archive · 19 Nov 2025
iPhone's Affordability and Debt: A Double-Edged Sword for Indian Consumers
iPhones, once unaffordable, are now within reach of many Indians thanks to no-cost EMIs.
This has changed consumer behavior, with people buying on credit and considering iPhones a status symbol.
However, this can lead to financial strain and potential hardships.
The RBI is considering blocking phones for unpaid EMIs, highlighting the risks of this trend.
No-cost EMIs make iPhones affordable for many Indians
Consumer behavior shifts towards 'buy now, pay later'
iPhone ownership becomes a status symbol and emotional decision
Financial overextension leads to hardships for some consumers
RBI considers blocking phones for unpaid EMIs
- Who
- Indian consumers, particularly in tier-II and tier-III cities
- What
- Adopting no-cost EMIs to purchase iPhones
- When
- Over the past decade, with a significant shift in recent years
- Where
- India, with a focus on tier-II and tier-III cities
- Why
- To afford premium products, chase instant gratification, and gain social validation
Pro-iPhone Purchase
Cautious iPhone Purchase
Status Symbol and Instant Gratification
Pro-iPhone Purchase
Owning an iPhone provides social validation and instant gratification
Cautious iPhone Purchase
Purchasing iPhones on credit can lead to financial strain and hardships
Investment for Content Creators
Pro-iPhone Purchase
iPhones are a valuable investment for content creators
Cautious iPhone Purchase
Overextending finances for non-essential purchases can hinder long-term financial health
- Average monthly salary in India
- Rs. 20-25,000
- Cost of iPhone 17 base model
- Rs. 82,000
- Average monthly EMI for iPhone 17
- Rs. 4,000-5,000