The much-anticipated iPhone 15 series has finally landed, boasting an array of models including the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. However, for the average Pakistani, the excitement of these new releases is overshadowed by the daunting price tags they carry. In this article, we delve into just how much of your hard-earned monthly salary you’ll need to part with to secure the coveted iPhone 15 Pro Max, particularly the 256 GB variant.
A Staggering Expense: Owning the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Pakistan
As the dust settles on the grand iPhone 15 unveiling, the World of Statistics Twitter account has unveiled a rather grim reality for Pakistanis. To acquire the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max with a substantial 256 GB storage capacity, an average Pakistani would need to allocate a whopping 816% of their monthly salary. This staggering statistic places Pakistan just ahead of Egypt, where the expenditure stands at 821% of one’s monthly earnings, but significantly behind Nigeria, where the figure climbs to a jaw-dropping 754%.
What makes this situation even more disheartening for Pakistanis is the fact that their currency holds a stronger position compared to Nigeria’s. Despite this, the cost of owning the latest iPhone remains prohibitively high in Pakistan.
A Global Perspective: Where Does Pakistan Stand?
When we look at a global scale, Pakistan’s struggle to afford the iPhone 15 Pro Max becomes even more evident. The top five countries with the most favorable iPhone affordability are Switzerland, where you’d need to allocate a mere 20% of your monthly salary, followed closely by Singapore at 24%, the United States at 28%, the United Arab Emirates at 34%, and Australia at 35%. These countries, in stark contrast to Pakistan, offer a far more accessible path to owning Apple’s latest flagship device.
Must Read: Apple iPhone 15: Faster Wireless Charging and Exciting Upgrades
Anticipating the Price Tag in Pakistan
At its initial release in the United States, the iPhone 15 Pro Max 256 GB variant comes with a starting price of $1,100, equivalent to Rs. 324,961 when converted at the prevailing exchange rate of Rs. 295. However, it’s essential to note that this price is likely to soar after obtaining approval from Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority (PTA). As a point of reference, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is currently retailing for Rs. 540,000 in Pakistan, inclusive of retail margins. With this in mind, it’s reasonable to expect the iPhone 15 Pro Max to debut in Pakistan with a starting price of approximately Rs. 555,000 or possibly even higher following an official launch.
In conclusion, while the iPhone 15 series brings a wave of excitement for tech enthusiasts worldwide, the exorbitant cost of owning one in Pakistan is a bitter pill to swallow. With prices reaching unprecedented heights and a significant chunk of one’s monthly income required to make the purchase, Pakistanis face a challenging decision when considering whether the latest iPhone is worth the substantial financial sacrifice.