Apple’s Request to Sell Refurbished iPhones in India Rejected

Selling refurbished phones could have meant higher sales for Apple in a price-sensitive market like India.

Apple iPhone. (Photo: iStock)

One of the world’s largest mobile manufacturers Apple has been having a hard time gathering a strong number in sales, globally, as the interest surrounding the iPhone is gradually declining. They tried to boost their sales by coming out with a smaller, more affordable version of the current generation iPhone in the form of iPhone SE, but that too failed to create any interest, especially in India.

According to a Bloomberg report, the American company is set to take another blow. Apple had requested to import and sell refurbished iPhones in India, but that has been turned down, according to a telecommunications ministry official who did not wish to be named.

Also Read: Your iPhone Will Expire in Three Years, Says Apple

Apple wanted to sell refurbished phones in order to lure more customers in a price-sensitive market like India. The company’s rivals have mounted a public campaign against the effort, arguing that such a move would trigger a flood of used electronics while defeating the government’s Make-in-India program to encourage local manufacturing.

The turning down of Apple’s request can be seen as a setback especially at a time when the company is struggling with sales globally and holds 2 per cent market share in India.

Also Read: Apple’s iPhone SE in Reality Costs Just Rs 10,700