New iPad Air and MacBook Air are more expensive in India than in the U.S.
Indians planning to buy Apple’s new MacBook Air or iPad Air that was unveiled this week will end up paying more than their U.S.-based counterparts
by The Hindu Bureau · The HinduApple recently launched a new iPad Air that runs on the M3 chip, and a MacBook Air that runs on the M4 chip. Gadgets enthusiasts in India looking to buy the device may soon find themselves paying more for these two devices compared to buyers in the U.S.
While Apple’s new MacBook Air laptop did come with a $100 price cut for U.S.-based customers, the truth is that buyers in India will pay significantly more than their U.S.-based counterparts. This has been the case for Apple devices for years, due to a mixture of factors that could include Goods and Services Tax (GST), high import fees, and the company’s own strategy of targeting ultra-premium gadget buyers in India.
How wide is the difference in prices? Let’s take a look.
| Device | Price in the U.S. | Price in India |
| MacBook Air 13 [M4] | From $999 [₹86,817] | From ₹99,900 |
| MacBook Air 15 [M4] | $1,199 [₹1,04,198] | From ₹1,24,900 |
| iPad Air 11" | From $599 [₹52,055] | From ₹59,900 |
| iPad Air 13" | From $799 [₹69,436] | From ₹79,900 |
In order to snag a new Apple device without breaking the bank (too hard), users can try opting for Apple’s device trade-in programme. Others can wait until festival time sales on e-commerce platforms to check if there is a drop in price. They can also buy a discounted Apple product by combining several bank offers when buying online, or ask their brick-and-mortar store to match prices.
Alternatively, a buyer can choose to opt for an older Apple device from the company’s line-up, as their prices usually fall once a new device enters the market.
Published - March 06, 2025 03:13 pm IST