Overview
- Distributor notices reviewed by MoneyControl warn of high fines and possible store-code blocking if a device sold is activated with a foreign SIM within 90 days.
- The action follows scarce availability of iPhone 17 models in India as units are diverted to higher-margin markets in Russia, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Industry estimates cited in reports say 3–5% of iPhone exports from India are unofficial, with nearly half of those shipments bound for Russia.
- Apple’s iPhone exports from India reached about $1.6 billion in October, representing nearly one-third of the country’s smartphone exports.
- Apple cut bank cashback on the iPhone 17 series to Rs 1,000 from Rs 6,000, and Tim Cook said supply is expected to stabilise by December.