Those planning to purchase an iPhone are advised to refrain from buying now, as the market situation may change significantly in October, with substantial offers expected for four models.
After the release of the iPhone 18 Pro series, consumers show interest in older generations of iPhone. Typically, significant discounts are offered on older models after a new one is launched. However, this time the situation is complicated by Apple significantly increasing prices even on its previous generations.
The question arises about the most suitable time to purchase an iPhone. Since the holiday season is approaching, Flipkart Big Billion Days starts on October 9, and Amazon Great Indian Festival starts on October 8. Both marketplaces promise major sales on smartphones and electronics. Generally, high demand and significant discounts on iPhones are observed during these sales.
Pro models to watch out for
Older Pro models may generate the most interest. For example, the price of the iPhone 17 Pro 256GB on Flipkart is ₹1,34,900. Nevertheless, at the beginning of September, there were price discrepancies for this phone across various platforms. This suggests that its actual cost could decrease during the festive sale due to bank offers, exchange, and coupons. Furthermore, older iPhone generations are rarely found on e-commerce sites.
An interesting point is that the new iPhone 17 Pro is now a previous generation model after the arrival of the iPhone 18 Pro. This gives companies an opportunity to clear old stock during sales. This does not guarantee a halving of the price, but it increases the likelihood of getting a better deal than the regular price.
A similar situation may arise with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This device is still expensive, but after the release of the new 18 Pro Max, bank offers and exchange conditions for the 17 Pro Max may become more aggressive. At the beginning of September, the retail price of the 17 Pro Max 256GB was ₹1,49,900 on Apple and ₹1,47,900 on Flipkart.
Next, we consider the iPhone 16 Pro. Being an even older model, it could be a very attractive option for those who need a new iPhone but do not necessarily require the latest version. Its current online price is around ₹1,09,900, and the price could drop further considering bank offers.
Will the iPhone 18 Pro/Max get a discount?
A more cautious approach should be taken regarding the iPhone 18 Pro. This phone was released in India and worldwide on September 18, 2026. Consequently, the October sale will take place just a few weeks after its launch. Therefore, rushing expectations of large direct price reductions is premature. However, thanks to a combination of offers such as bank cards, exchange, and no-interest installments, the deal could be attractive. Even immediately after launch, some platforms reported bank offers of ₹7,000–₹8,000.
In both major sales this year, bank offers will play a crucial role. Amazon announced a 10% instant discount when paying with SBI Credit and Debit cards for the Great Indian Festival, and Prime customers will receive additional savings on certain deals. Flipkart also announced Big Billion Days, with early access starting on October 8 and the main sale on October 9.
Thus, if your goal is the iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max, waiting for the October sale is a reasonable decision. Better prices can also be expected for the iPhone 16 Pro and older models. As for the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, the chances of benefiting from bank offers and exchange are higher than the chance of a large direct price reduction.