Apple’s release of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in India has resulted in significant foot traffic at retail locations, with thousands of customers lining up to purchase the new devices. The pricing for these models is substantial, with the iPhone 18 Pro starting at 164,900 rupees (approximately US$1,700) and the Pro Max reaching prices as high as 329,900 rupees. Alongside these flagship models, Apple introduced the 'iPhone Duo,' the company’s first foray into the folding smartphone market.

While the launch demonstrates strong consumer appetite for Apple products in the Indian market, it has simultaneously ignited a public debate. Critics and social commentators are questioning the sustainability of such high-cost purchases, specifically highlighting concerns over consumer debt and the cultural pressure to own luxury technology. The discourse centers on whether the desire for the latest hardware is driving individuals toward poor financial decisions, particularly in a market where these devices represent a significant portion of average annual earnings.

While the SCMP report focuses on the tension between consumer enthusiasm and economic reality, it does not provide specific data on the percentage of sales financed through credit or installment plans, which remains a central point of the broader debate regarding debt. The report frames the situation as a cultural phenomenon that has moved beyond simple retail success to become a broader societal issue regarding spending habits.