Apple to launch iPhone 8, 8 Plus in India on Sept 29

Apple is working to launch iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus in India on September 29, a week after they go on sale in the US, according to a report by The Economic Times. The Cupertino-based firm is looking to launch the two models along with the Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple TV in India at more than 10,000 retailers, the report added.

“This is the earliest iPhone has ever been available for customers in India,” an Apple India spokesperson told ET.

India is the world’s second biggest smartphone market after China, and industrialists say that Apple is targeting over 50 per cent growth in sales in the launch period, more than last year.

Apple will begin taking pre-orders for the iPhone 8 line from Sept. 22. In India, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will be available in two storage variants — 64GB and 256 GB. The 64GB iPhone 8 will come at a price of Rs 64,000, while the 256GB iPhone 8 will cost Indians Rs 77,000. On the other hand, iPhone 8 Plus will cost Rs 77,000 for 64GB storage and Rs 86,000 for 256GB. The handsets will be available in three colour options: Gold, Silver and Space Grey.

Interestingly, Apple will also be offering a cashback of Rs 10,000 on the new iPhone 8 and 8 Plus and Rs 15,000 for consumers who are buying a new iPhone and Watch Series 3 together using Citibank cards.

According to the industrial executives cited by ET, the consumer launch event will take place on Sept. 29 at 6pm in nine cities including the National Capital Region, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune and Hyderabad.