For the first time ever, a brand-new iPhone is selling in India for less than Rs 40,000 — and it’s not a refurbished model. As of November 27, 2025, Croma, the electronics retail chain owned by the Tata Group, is offering the iPhone 16 (128GB) for just Rs 39,990 after stacking discounts, trade-ins, and bank offers. That’s nearly half its original launch price of Rs 79,900. The deal, part of the 2025 Black Friday sales, is live until November 30, and it’s sending shockwaves through India’s premium smartphone market.
How the Rs 39,990 Price Is Possible
The magic number isn’t a flat discount. It’s a puzzle. Start with Croma’s base price cut: Rs 66,490, down Rs 13,410 from the original. Then add a Rs 1,500 coupon. Bank offers from SBI, ICICI Bank, and HDFC Bank chip in another Rs 3,000 in cashback on EMI. But the real game-changer? Trade-in. Croma’s app lets you swap your old phone — even a 3-year-old iPhone — for up to Rs 16,000. Cashify, a resale platform, claims some users are getting as much as Rs 29,000 for premium older models, plus a Rs 7,000 loyalty bonus. That’s not a sale. It’s a redistribution of value.
Amazon India, headquartered in Gurugram, lists the iPhone 16 at Rs 66,900 — still a steep 16% off — but doesn’t match Croma’s trade-in depth. Flipkart’s pricing is similar, but without the same clarity on exchange bonuses. The key? You need the Croma app. Walk into a store, and you might miss the full stack. Online carts often drop the final price only after you enter your old device’s IMEI and select the right credit card. One user on Reddit said they abandoned their cart twice — and lost Rs 8,000 in savings each time.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17: The Real Choice
Here’s the twist: while you’re debating whether to grab the iPhone 16 at Rs 39,990, Croma is also selling the new iPhone 17 for Rs 45,990. That’s just Rs 6,000 more — less than the trade-in bonus on many older phones. The iPhone 17 adds a slightly improved camera system, faster AI processing, and longer software support. But the iPhone 16? It still has the A18 chip, a 48MP main camera, and iOS 18 — all of which will feel current for at least three years. For most users, the iPhone 16 isn’t outdated. It’s a bargain.
“This isn’t about selling old stock,” said an anonymous Apple supply chain analyst who spoke to India Today. “It’s about shifting perception. If Indians start believing iPhones can be affordable, the entire premium segment changes.” The last time Apple offered a discount like this was on the iPhone 12 during pandemic lockdowns — and even then, it was Rs 55,000 after discounts. This is different. It’s intentional.
Why Now? The Bigger Game
India’s smartphone market is overheating. Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus are dominating under Rs 40,000 with powerful Android devices. Apple’s share in this segment has slipped to under 7% — down from 12% just two years ago. Retailers like Croma and Amazon are desperate to move inventory before the next iPhone launch, expected in September 2026. But there’s another layer: banks are eager to push EMI transactions. SBI and ICICI are offering extra cashback only if you buy through their cards — a win for them, even if they lose margin on the phone.
“This is a three-way trade,” said tech economist Dr. Neha Mehta of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. “Retailers clear stock. Banks increase card usage. Apple gains market penetration. The consumer wins — but only if they play the game right.”
What’s Next?
Don’t expect this discount to last. After November 30, the iPhone 16 will likely revert to Rs 65,000 or higher. And if Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 launches early next year, even the iPhone 17 might drop. But for now, the market is sending a signal: premium phones are no longer just for the top 10% of earners. The iPhone 16 at Rs 39,990 isn’t a glitch. It’s a new normal.
Who Benefits Most?
Students. First-time smartphone buyers. Parents upgrading kids’ phones. Freelancers who need a reliable device but can’t justify Rs 80,000. Even people holding onto iPhone 11s or 12s — their trade-in value might cover most of the new phone. The real losers? Those who wait for “the next big deal.” There won’t be one. Not like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying in 2025?
Absolutely. The iPhone 16 has Apple’s A18 chip, 5G, iOS 18, and a 48MP main camera — all still top-tier in 2025. It’ll receive software updates until at least 2029. For Rs 39,990, it’s one of the best-value premium phones on the market, especially compared to Android flagships that cost more but lack long-term support.
How do I get the Rs 39,990 price at Croma?
Use the Croma app, select the iPhone 16, choose an eligible trade-in (even an older iPhone), apply the Rs 1,500 coupon, and pay via SBI, ICICI, or HDFC credit card on EMI. The final price only appears after all layers are applied. Don’t buy at the store counter — the discount stack isn’t always visible there.
Should I buy the iPhone 16 or wait for the iPhone 17?
If you need the absolute latest features — like a new sensor or enhanced AI camera modes — go for the iPhone 17 at Rs 45,990. But if you want a flawless flagship experience at half the cost, the iPhone 16 is smarter. The performance gap is negligible for daily use. Save Rs 6,000 and invest in accessories or a better plan.
Are the bank cashback offers reliable?
Yes, but read the fine print. The Rs 4,000 discount on SBI cards requires a minimum purchase of Rs 41,940 and only applies to EMI transactions. Cashback is credited within 3–5 billing cycles. Some users reported delays with IDFC First Bank. Always check your statement and contact customer support if the amount doesn’t reflect.
Can I trade in a non-Apple phone for the iPhone 16 discount?
Yes. Croma accepts Android phones, including Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi models, with trade-in values up to Rs 16,000 depending on condition. But Apple devices fetch the highest — up to Rs 29,000 for an iPhone 13 Pro in excellent shape. If you own an older iPhone, it’s your best leverage.
Is this discount a sign Apple is becoming cheaper in India?
It’s not about Apple lowering prices — it’s about retailers and banks creating temporary value stacks to compete. Apple still doesn’t discount directly. But this shows they’re okay with the ecosystem doing it for them. Expect more deals like this during Diwali and Black Friday, especially as competition from OnePlus and Samsung intensifies in the premium segment.
