iPhone 3G Price in India: The Rs 31,000 Launch in 2008 and Buying Today
The Apple iPhone officially reached India in August 2008, and the iPhone 3G price in India started at Rs 31,000 for the 8GB model. This article recalls how the iPhone 3G launched in India through Vodafone and Airtel, what it cost, what happened to the phone, and how to buy an iPhone in India today.
Quick answer: The iPhone 3G launched in India on 22 August 2008 at Rs 31,000 for the 8GB model and Rs 36,100 for the 16GB model, sold by Vodafone and Airtel, with data and voice plans extra. Apple stopped selling it in 2010 and its last software update was iOS 4.2.1. Today you buy iPhones in India from Apple’s own stores and online store, or from authorized resellers.
Table of Contents
iPhone 3G price in India in 2008
Vodafone announced the price of the Apple iPhone 3G in India first. The 8GB iPhone and 16GB iPhone cost Rs 31,000 and Rs 36,100 in Delhi, and you had to pay extra for data and voice plans. That was expensive, and I felt the price would definitely limit sales in India.
| Model | Launch price in India (2008) |
|---|---|
| iPhone 3G 8GB | Rs 31,000 |
| iPhone 3G 16GB | Rs 36,100 |
Airtel matched the same prices when it launched the phone. Shortly after announcing the price, Vodafone removed it from its web page for a while, which made many people wonder whether it was rethinking the pricing.
How the iPhone 3G launched in India
The iPhone was released in India on 22 August 2008, and Vodafone and Airtel were the two operators that officially sold it. People compared the Indian prices with the subsidized iPhone plans on AT&T in the US, which made the Indian price look even higher.
Vodafone had opened pre-registration for the iPhone. If you had pre-registered, you could get the iPhone before others:
- Visit a selected Vodafone store between 20 and 21 August 2008.
- Confirm the booking by paying a Rs 10,000 deposit in cash or by credit card and showing the booking SMS.
- Get an appointment from 22 August for a full demonstration, then collect the iPhone 3G, set up with your contacts and settings, by paying the balance.
You needed a Vodafone connection to use its iPhone plans. Stocks were limited and sold on a first come, first served basis, and the launch-day buzz brought the long queues everyone expected.
What happened to the iPhone 3G?
The iPhone 3G was first released on 11 July 2008, with 8GB and 16GB models, 3G data and GPS. It was followed by the iPhone 3GS in June 2009, and Apple discontinued the iPhone 3G in June 2010. Its last software update was iOS 4.2.1, released in November 2010.
An iPhone 3G cannot run current apps or get security updates, so today it is a collector’s item rather than a usable phone.
How to buy an iPhone in India today
- Apple’s own stores. Apple now sells directly in India through the Apple India online store and its retail stores, so you no longer need to buy through a mobile operator.
- Authorized resellers. Large electronics chains and online stores also sell iPhones with an Indian warranty.
- Check the current lineup and prices on Apple’s India website, as models and prices change every year.
- Watch for bank offers and trade-ins. Card cashback and exchange offers can lower the price.
Prices are now shown with the ₹ symbol; if you need it, see how to type the rupee symbol on any keyboard.
FAQ
What was the iPhone 3G price in India?
It launched at Rs 31,000 for the 8GB model and Rs 36,100 for the 16GB model, with data and voice plans extra.
When did the iPhone launch in India?
The iPhone 3G was the first iPhone officially sold in India, launched on 22 August 2008 by Vodafone and Airtel.
Can I still use an iPhone 3G?
Not for everyday use. Its last update was iOS 4.2.1 in 2010, and current apps do not support it.
Where can I buy an iPhone in India now?
From Apple’s online store and retail stores in India, or from authorized resellers.
Get our free weekly email: new tech guides and tools, no spam.
New and updated tech guides, a free tool worth bookmarking and one useful pick, once a week. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime. See our privacy policy.
Hey there, You have done a fantastic job. I will definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.
Apple iPhone was still highly price in India but it gives shocking features which really schoked & it was thebest phone for business man’s
The Nokia N76 features a slim body and gorgeous internal display. The multimedia-centric smart phone is equipped with a fairly robust media player, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 2-megapixel camera. Sound quality for calls and music is also good.
i am needing to place an order soon for my Keurig. what are your favorite K-CUPS????
Are iPhone apps going to present double scaled? Is the experience going to be quirky as it is with the iPad? Are apps rotated accordingly when the iPhone is held upside down? Are there going to be new apps that can’t be executed in the iPhone, 3G, and 3GS?
U can buy Iphone in India throu Shopyourworld.com.We have a merchant tie up with brands across globe including Amazon, best buy & that enables you to shop sitting in India. A full landing price (including fixed shipping) tells you exactly how much a product will cost you. bit.ly/iphonesyw
Man….thnx fur sharing ur experiences…Helps fur a better mobilistic future!!!
frd same hanset and good handset are avaliable wth china mobel for around 2500 to 3000 in pune same facility u cannot find any difference between china and apple.
only wifi feature is not avaliable rest same as apple so go for it i am using it science 4 months good
my best advice is get an i phone, jailbreak it and then use it like any other phones,for futher information
{amitjak}, read this guys reply…..he is giving you adress from where to get i phone with out any silly plans..
remember te new i phone 3gs rocks
its worth the money
just want to know where i get 3g 32GB APPLE IPONE in black market in india just want to know the price too
iphone is superb ,may be quite expensive but stil worth it since almost from 2yrs price has not come down a single penny so it is giving a good competition as many of them have mentioned ,speed is good very soft touch screen, only problem is it is not affordable for everyone .i waited for 1 year so tat price wil come down but finally purchased it for the same old price just wasted my time. in uk its price is 342 pounds for 8gb,440 for 16gb and 530 for 32gb for iphone 3gs .guys if u have enough money buy it ,otherwise dont think of it.IPHONE ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCKS
some ppl say.. iphone is not successful in some countries but its not true. demand is so much that apple cannot fulfill there orders.. I waited for 1 month to get my phone in CANADA.
same model us successful for last 3 yrs in N.America. and other company changing there phone and style every month. GO FIGURE….
try to get good plan and you will never go wrong.
iphone is the best phone avlbl in india market..i hv recently purchased it for 32000…go for it withut hv a second thought…apple ,apple apple….it’s class 2 keep an iphone…
That iPhone 3G S really looks neat, just hope I can get a nice AT&T plan with it.
WOW.. you seem to be a very detail oriented person..
thanks a lot for sharin ur knowledge.. :)
The IPhone has flopped badly in Australia as well its a crappy poory made product anyway with the same design cues apples had since 95 who cares about there crap anyway..
Really iPhone price is not justified in present market scenario, otherwise it is excellent, it will not hang than others. Furthermore, it gives you just like a natural interface. Now money does matter. iPhone manufacturer cost is not just more than $100(i think so). What is the logic to buy it at 9 times more price! why not less!
And one more thing Dont buy it from Airtel and VOdafone just get it from the gray market it, it should be about 25000 as i asked some days back in Gaffar market New Delhi the 2G iphone is just for Rs-21000, its damn good deal, cant get better then this, and use any sim, no plans nothing just like other phones.
I have been using Iphone 2G for long time, like 6 months, and never had any problem with it. The phone is awesome and other any phone cant stand with it.About price some guys does not know any thing moreover over news channel and media also know nothing. Price is fine, its same as in other countries. Everybody is looking for $200, dont you know they have to pay minimum $70 per month for plans. And about features like0-
1. Video recording- i do video recording using iphone just need to install 3rd party application.
2.No sms forwarding-who says just install one more software and thats it. like this hell of lots of application available for iphone which makes it wonderful device you wont find that much application for any other device
Let me tell you one thing its just like a PC apple has given you a Computer with Windows installed now if you know anything about it then install softwares and take advantage of device and if you dont know anything then keep saying like this that its has not that or that.
one more thing Nokia, what is this you all are talking about N95 what the hell phone is this, hangs up instantly, nothing man i have used nokia many phones, Till now Nokia does not know how to make a good phone with good speed, You people take Nokia with eye shut, 5 Mega pixel does not make any phone good.
on the other hand Apple Iphone so smooth never stucks, awesome.
I thing its enough and use Iphone and then Write something about it, You cant say about any thing about Iphone as its the only phone you need to use it to feel it.
APPLE ROCKS !!
amitjal is absolutely correct.
I am using this 3GS for 2 months and this iphone rocks. used nokia HTV touch motorola.. but you cannot compare.. apple with orange .. this is the scenerio.. use it and then compare it with other phone.
prices are rediculious.. I agree but try to buy from grey market. unlocking this phone is no buig deal at all. its simple.
APPLE ROCK’S
hey i have been using iphone 3g since an year, and now i have my 3gs, its the best phone you can get right now. now you guys may be wondering how am i am using 3g or 3gs you should be little clever to do that,the jailbreaking process is very simple and then you can use any sim card…
comming to nokia i was one of the fans of nokia but after getting my iphone and year ago, i felt nokia sucks,it hangs except fr the 5MP camera,nothing is good from nokia
arrreee………… yaar, kitna luutoge INDIA ko??????? ha!
kuch to sharam karo. baaki ki COs itne saste me mobs bech rahi he aur ek aap ho ke…..
try to understand yaar.. market me tikna bhi he ya nhi?
Pricing Plans in US—–
AT&T has announced iPhone 3G pricing plans for new and existing AT&T customers as the iPhone 3G prepares for sale at AT&T retail stores from July 11, 2008. There are some good deals to look out for, but do check the fine print to find the iphone tariff plan that works for you.
Apple has earlier informed that iPhone 3G will be priced for $199 (8GB model) and $299 (16GB model). Now these prices require two-year contracts and are available to iPhone customers who purchased before July 11, customers activating a new line with AT&T and current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount. Existing AT&T customers who are not currently eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model for a new two-year service agreement. Check more pricing details here.
i was very exicted 4 the i phone and its does not matter for me whats the cost of i phone because if the price of i phone will be less then the craze of i phone will be finshed
even if i have 200 crores of of black money , i dont buy this such a stupid ,costly phone.instead i buy china handset which is just 4h which has better features than this stuff.
iPhone which is available in around 8k in US is available at 31K in India. Does iPhone company think Indians are stupid and they will buy?
I am not gonna buy it even if I get it at half the price as still its too costly compare to US price.
dude do ur research again…..price is the same everywhere…
i think u know to much stop acting like a fool in public
yes i do agree call rates r higher in orther countries
Atrocious price,I would rather buy it from an overseas market,at present few people will buy it just for snob value,the craze will fizzle out very soon and then the price will crash..
it’s not worth of the money we pay……its rediculous…its just like selling a nokia 1100 for 10,000…fools
Dude if u’ll use it then u’ll know that it is worth spending that much money…..its the best phone in the world specially the new model I phone GS
Hello All,
dnt even think of i phone for some time ,As the fools with big pockets will be going to take this..No doubt we have waited a lot..But 32000 is a wastage of money…yaar..its rediculous..I am going to sue these people.believe me it will come to 10 to 15k..in next 6 mnths…from 3 gb to 16 gb.
Shahnawaz
Next 6 months…ahahahahah its has been a year and the price is still around 30000…..Dude i phone is a huge thing not jus only in india but all around the world….jus wait for 1-2 month i phone GS is commin and its gonna b even more expensive then the old one..
Guys
Don’t be crazy to buy iphone 3G by paying Rs.31000
instead go for HTC Touch Diamond(4GB) or HTC Touch Cruise or
Nokia N76 that has mobile TV,16GB Flash memory,Wi-Fi
Another classic example of where all the top thieves survive is this release of Apple 3G Iphone in India. 31000INR??? Are you freaking kidding me? I bought one in US for just $199 (approx. Rs.8000)… Dude, India is going down the drain… There is no wonder people opt for foreign goods and why wouldn’t we? if we are getting genuine products at an honest price… The only way to standup against this is not to buy from these sellers… But some people just can’t wait… Anyway, its people’s money and they can spend it the way they want… But the Indian companies are fooling the people… To hell with them, I ain’t buying Indian.
can i use the iphone 3gs which bought in us, can i freely use with any gsm sim in it. or is it waste of money putting on it for 199$ in us. otherwise wait and bought in india with Rs.31000/-
This is absurd pricing still Vikram, what an absurd strategy by apple-vodafone/airtel. instead they could keep a 2 year contract with a nominal monthly rental and reduce the price as well. Because anyway they are locked phones in india too with that price. This price will never work in india. And still the mobile phone market in that 3g range will still be ruled by the bulky n series NOKIA phones, i guess.
Or we could wait for samsung omnia instead. :)
ya but its is the same everywhere buddy even in australia and newzealand u will have to take a monthly plan of 69 to 100 dollers which is 3000- 4000 indian ruppees a month for 2 years, so think about dat and even if u wanna buy it its 800 dollars which is around 36000 indian ruppees but still ppl buy it here.In india this phone will not work only because ppl don’t earn that much.Price is same in every country.
What Rs. 8990 phone for Rs. 31000. This is probably the biggest joke of the year. That is why we Indians prefer to get these gizmos from foreign market and unlock them. .
Guys – You must remember that the Iphone is subsidised in the US and the UK because a consumer need to take up a 2y and 18month contract respectively. The Iphone through Vodafone in NZ without a contract is approx $1100 (INR 32,000) approx and is proced the same in Australia without a contract.
O2 in the UK will be releasing their pay as you go (aka prepaid in India) prices for the Iphone. These prices are rumoured to be £399 for the 8gb, again very similar to the India pricing. ATT in the states is considering prepaid services for the Iphone. Expected price $599 for the 8GB.
Its not just India, but prices for the Iphone without a contract is high worldwide.
As MNCs Vodafone and Apple might having looting kind of intension by fixing such a BIG price, wondering, how Airtel agreed this price..!
Guys,
This is really bad though not surprizing at all. We expected such unreasonable price for this black beauty. I think people should hold off from buying this right now for 2 reasons A) 3G is not yet available B) Vodafone and Airtel are taking undue advantage of our long wait!
i- phone rate is very costly,but the i -phone aviable in india,i phone “s are low battry pack up ,my brother is use the phone,the i-phone service station are not aviable genral citis, in only metro citi”s the i phone is best phone but”the phone cost is only19000 ,is depend on india goverment.and compair with the i -phone mobail service.
What Rs. 8557 phone for Rs. 31000. This is probably the biggest joke of the year. That is why we Indians prefer to get these gizmos from foreign market and unlock them. Very poor pricing strategy from Vodafone. Vodafone are you hearing, this is India.