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iPhone 16 Drops Below Rs 40,000 in Croma's Black Friday Sale — Biggest Discount Yet
For the first time since its 2024 launch, the Apple iPhone 16 is officially under Rs 40,000 in India — and it’s not a glitch. During Croma’s Black Friday sale, the 128GB model is being sold for just Rs 39,990 after stacking discounts so deep, even seasoned deal hunters are double-checking their screens. The offer, valid until November 30, 2025, isn’t just a price cut. It’s a full-blown retail experiment in consumer psychology, and it’s working.
How Did They Get It So Low?
The original MRP of the iPhone 16 128GB? Rs 69,900 — confirmed by both Flipkart and IndiaiStore.com. But here’s the twist: Croma isn’t slashing the price once. They’re layering it like an onion. First, a flat Rs 13,410 discount brings it down to Rs 66,490. Then come the bank cashbacks: HDFC Bank Limited, State Bank of India, and ICICI Bank Limited each chip in Rs 1,000–2,000 when you opt for EMI. That’s already over Rs 15,000 off.
But the real game-changer? The trade-in. Customers can exchange almost any smartphone — even a five-year-old iPhone 8 — for up to Rs 29,000 off. Add another Rs 7,000 loyalty bonus from Croma’s rewards program, and you’re looking at Rs 49,410 in total savings. Throw in a final site coupon or app-exclusive voucher, and boom: Rs 39,990. It’s not magic. It’s math. And it’s aggressive.
Why This Matters for Indian Consumers
For years, Apple has been seen as a premium brand — expensive, yes, but worth it. Now, with the Croma Black Friday Sale, the perception is shifting. The iPhone 16, with its A18 chip and vertical camera bump, is suddenly competing with mid-range Android flagships that cost Rs 45,000–50,000. And it’s winning. Why? Because it’s not just cheaper. It’s predictably cheaper. No hidden fees. No bait-and-switch. Just a clear path to ownership.
Meanwhile, Apple’s own website still lists the iPhone 16e at Rs 59,900 and the iPhone 17 at Rs 82,900. That’s a Rs 43,000 gap between the new flagship and last year’s model — a gap Croma is exploiting. Retailers know this: people want the latest tech, but they don’t always need the absolute latest. And in a market where inflation still bites hard, that distinction matters more than ever.
What Apple Isn’t Saying
Apple hasn’t officially endorsed this deal. In fact, they’ve kept quiet. That’s telling. The company typically controls pricing tightly, especially in markets like India where margins are razor-thin. But Croma — backed by Tata Group — has the scale and leverage to negotiate terms Apple can’t refuse. This isn’t a clearance. It’s a strategic move to clear inventory before the iPhone 17 Pro hits shelves in force.
And it’s not just Croma. 91mobiles.com’s November 2025 data shows Apple’s entire lineup in India now spans from Rs 43,900 to Rs 229,900 across 135 models. That’s more variety than ever. But the iPhone 16? It’s becoming the sweet spot — the last flagship before the premium jump.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Don’t just walk into a store. Download the Croma app. The exchange process is smoother there, and cart abandonment spikes if you try to do it on desktop. Also, check your bank’s EMI eligibility — not all cards qualify for the full cashback. And if you’re trading in an old phone, clean it thoroughly. One scratched back or non-functional button can knock Rs 5,000 off your trade-in value.
Oh, and here’s a quiet tip: the Ultramarine color variant is selling out fastest. Not because it’s better. But because it looks expensive. And in India, perception still drives purchase.
What’s Next?
This deal ends November 30, 2025. After that, the iPhone 16 will likely settle into a Rs 50,000–55,000 range — still a bargain compared to its launch price, but no longer a steal. Meanwhile, Apple’s next budget move may be the iPhone 18, rumored to launch in September 2026 with a starting price under Rs 50,000. If that happens, the iPhone 16 could become the new entry point for Apple in India — a role it wasn’t designed for, but now might define.
For now, if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to join the iPhone ecosystem, this is it. No more waiting. No more ‘maybe next year.’ The door is open — and it’s not closing until December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rs 39,990 price real, or is it a trick?
It’s real — but only if you stack all discounts correctly. The Rs 39,990 price requires the base discount, bank cashback (from HDFC, SBI, or ICICI), maximum trade-in value (up to Rs 29,000), and a Croma loyalty bonus. Use the Croma app to see your exact final price before checkout. Many buyers miss one step and end up paying Rs 50,000+.
Can I get this deal outside of Croma?
No. This specific combination of discounts — especially the Rs 29,000 trade-in bonus plus Rs 7,000 loyalty kicker — is exclusive to Croma. Flipkart and Amazon are offering discounts too, but their best price for the iPhone 16 is around Rs 55,000. Croma’s deal is unmatched in the Indian market.
How does the iPhone 16 compare to the iPhone 17?
The iPhone 17 starts at Rs 82,900 and adds minor upgrades like a 5x telephoto lens and slightly better battery life. But the A18 chip, camera system, and performance in daily use are nearly identical. For most users, the iPhone 16 delivers 95% of the iPhone 17 experience at less than half the price. The extra Rs 43,000 buys marginal gains.
Is it safe to trade in an old phone?
Yes — Croma uses certified data-wiping tools and offers instant credit. But make sure your phone powers on, has no cracked screen, and isn’t water-damaged. Phones with minor cosmetic damage still get full trade-in value if they function normally. Avoid third-party sellers who ask you to ship your phone first — Croma’s in-store process is faster and more secure.
What if I break the screen after buying it?
Croma doesn’t cover accidental damage, but Cashify News — which reported this deal — offers free screen replacements within 30 days if you get your screen repaired through them. It’s a clever upsell, but if you’re worried, consider AppleCare+ at Rs 12,999. For a phone this cheap, though, many buyers skip it.
Will Apple lower prices after this sale?
Unlikely. Apple rarely adjusts MRP unless a new model launches. The iPhone 16’s price will likely stabilize at Rs 50,000–55,000 after November. This sale is a one-time retail push, not the start of a trend. If you want this deal, act before December 1.
