Apple’s first foldable iPhone goes on sale on 23 October 2026. A comparison of official prices across 30 markets puts the United States at the lowest headline price, while taxes, customs duties and currency costs could change the final calculation for international buyers.
Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone Duo is set to reach stores on 23 October, prompting consumers to compare prices across international markets. With the 256GB model listed at ₹2,99,900 in India and US$1,999 in the United States, buying the device overseas may appear considerably cheaper at first glance.
However, the headline price is only one part of the equation. Sales taxes, currency-conversion charges, customs duties, warranty conditions and the availability of tourist tax refunds can all affect the actual cost of purchasing a phone abroad and bringing it home.
To compare the differences, we reviewed prices listed by Apple in individual markets alongside data from Nukeni, a Japan-based website that tracks Apple product prices internationally. The following figures are approximate rupee equivalents based on exchange rates cited in the original comparison for 21 October 2026. They should be treated as a price snapshot rather than a guarantee of the final amount payable.
Where the 256GB iPhone Duo costs less than in India
The comparison identifies the United States as the lowest-priced market on a headline-price basis, followed by Canada and Hong Kong. Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia are also among the less expensive options when prices are converted into Indian rupees.
| Rank | Market | Local price | Approx. price in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | US$1,999 | ₹1,89,645 |
| 2 | Canada | C$2,999 | ₹2,01,562 |
| 3 | Hong Kong | HK$17,499 | ₹2,10,591 |
| 4 | Japan | ¥364,800 | ₹2,17,919 |
| 5 | Taiwan | NT$74,900 | ₹2,18,361 |
| 6 | Malaysia | RM9,499 | ₹2,20,147 |
| 7 | Thailand | ฿79,900 | ₹2,24,447 |
| 8 | New Zealand | NZ$4,199 | ₹2,25,562 |
| 9 | China | RMB15,999 | ₹2,26,934 |
| 10 | Switzerland | CHF1,999 | ₹2,28,731 |
| 11 | Singapore | S$3,099 | ₹2,29,872 |
| 12 | South Korea | ₩3,290,000 | ₹2,34,668 |
| 13 | Vietnam | ₫64,999,000 | ₹2,37,452 |
| 14 | Philippines | ₱159,990 | ₹2,38,480 |
| 15 | Luxembourg | €2,261.68 | ₹2,39,735 |
| 16 | Czech Republic | CZK54,990 | ₹2,40,009 |
| 17 | Poland | PLN9,999 | ₹2,42,766 |
| 18 | Chile | CLP2,499,990 | ₹2,43,237 |
| 19 | Germany | €2,299 | ₹2,43,641 |
| 20 | Austria | €2,319 | ₹2,45,814 |
| 21 | Spain | €2,339 | ₹2,47,898 |
| 22 | Netherlands | €2,339 | ₹2,47,934 |
| 23 | France | €2,339 | ₹2,47,945 |
| 24 | Belgium | €2,339 | ₹2,47,945 |
| 25 | Ireland | €2,369 | ₹2,51,232 |
| 26 | Italy | €2,369 | ₹2,51,232 |
| 27 | United Kingdom | £1,999 | ₹2,52,936 |
| 28 | Denmark | DKK17,999 | ₹2,55,224 |
| 29 | Sweden | SEK26,995 | ₹2,57,377 |
| 30 | Norway | NOK25,990 | ₹2,62,125 |
Prices and rupee conversions are indicative figures from the supplied comparison, not a live quotation. Local prices, exchange rates and tax treatment may change. Check the relevant Apple store before purchasing.
Why the United States may not be the cheapest in practice
The US price of US$1,999 converts to approximately ₹1.90 lakh at the exchange rate used in the comparison. But the final checkout price depends on the state and local sales tax, which is generally added to the advertised price.
The same principle applies to other markets where taxes are excluded from the listed price or vary by location. Travellers should check whether the price displayed by Apple includes local taxes before comparing it directly with India’s retail price.
Canada, Hong Kong and several Asian markets also appear relatively competitive in the comparison. Yet the difference can narrow once payment-card foreign transaction fees, currency conversion and any applicable import charges are taken into account.
Can tourists claim a tax refund?
Some destinations offer tax-refund schemes for eligible visitors purchasing goods for export. The rules vary by country: minimum purchase thresholds, participating retailers, documentation and departure procedures may apply.
Travellers should confirm their eligibility and the refund process before buying. A refund should not be assumed simply because a purchase is made overseas, and any refund may take time to process.
For buyers returning to India, customs rules are another important consideration. The value of a phone does not automatically determine whether it can be brought into the country without duty; applicable passenger allowances and import rules need to be checked against the traveller’s circumstances.
Check connectivity, warranty and availability before buying
Price is not the only consideration when purchasing a phone abroad. The iPhone Duo uses eSIM activation and does not support a physical SIM card, according to Apple’s regional product information. Buyers should verify that their home mobile operator supports eSIM and that the device is compatible with their intended service.
Warranty and service terms should also be reviewed before purchase, particularly if the device may need repair after the buyer returns home. Availability can differ by market, and Apple’s official regional stores remain the best place to confirm current prices, purchasing conditions and collection arrangements.
Is buying the iPhone Duo abroad worth it?
The comparison suggests that the United States offers the lowest advertised price among the 30 markets listed, with Canada and Hong Kong next. But the cheapest headline price is not necessarily the cheapest completed purchase.
For travellers already planning an overseas trip, a purchase may be worth considering if the final price remains lower after local taxes, payment charges and any applicable customs duties. Planning a special trip solely to buy the phone is a different calculation: travel costs can quickly outweigh the price difference.
The most reliable approach is to compare the final checkout price in the destination with Apple’s current Indian price, confirm customs requirements and check eSIM and warranty compatibility before making a decision.
