GST effect: Apple slashes prices for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac in India by up to 7.5%

Barely hours after the implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Apple has passed on the benefits to its consumers. The Cupertino giant has slashed prices for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and MacBook by up to 7.5 percent, making them easier on the pocket. The changes are live on the Apple India website. Here’s how GST implementation affects Apple consumers.

Apple iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 was launched in India at a starting price of Rs 60,000 for the 32GB variant. It has now been slashed by Rs 3,800, bringing it down to Rs 56,200. The 128GB and 256GB storage variants were priced at Rs 70,000 and Rs 80,000, respectively. However, after factoring GST, the prices come down t Rs 65,000 (128GB) and Rs 74,000 (256GB).

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

The iPhone 7 Plus was launched for Rs 72,000 for 32GB variant and Rs 82,000 and Rs 92,000 for 128GB and 256GB variants. However, post GST, the 32GB, 128GB and 256GB varaints will now  set you back by Rs 67,300, Rs 76,200 and Rs 85,400, respectively.

iPhone 7

iPhone 7 Plus

Apple iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE

The iPhone 6s 32GB and 128GB variants were priced at Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000, respectively. However, they will now set you back by Rs 46,900 and Rs 55,900, respectively. The iPhone 6s Plus which was priced at Rs 60,000 for 32GB variant and Rs 70,000 for 128GB variant, will now set you back by Rs 56,100 and Rs 65,000, respectively. Lastly, the iPhone SE has also received a minor price cut. The 32GB variant which was priced at Rs 27,200 will now cost Rs 26,000, whereas the 128GB variant which was priced at Rs 37,200 will now cost Rs 35,000. 

iPhone 6

iPhone 6s

iPhone 6s Plus

iPhone SE

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch (Series 1) which was priced at Rs 23,900 gets Rs 1,000 cut, and now available for Rs 22,900. The Apple Watch (Series 2) which was available for Rs 32,900 is now available for Rs 31,600. The Nike+ which was priced at Rs 32,900 is now available for Rs 31,600, whereas the Apple Watch Edition which was priced at whopping Rs 110,900, will now set you back by Rs 105,700.

Apple Watch Series 2 

Apple Smart Watch 

Apple iPad, iPad mini 4

The 32GB and 128GB iPad (Wi-Fi only) that were priced at Rs 28,900 and Rs 36,900 will now cost Rs 28,000 and Rs 35,700. Similarly, the 32GB and 128GB iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular) variants that were priced at Rs 34,900 and Rs 45,900 will now set you back by Rs 33,800 and Rs 45,500. 

The iPad mini 4 128GB variant was earlier priced at Rs 34,900, and will now cost Rs 33,800. Similarly, the 128GB Wi-Fi + Cellular variant which was priced at Rs 45,900, will now set you back by Rs 44,500.

Apple iPad 9.7 

Apple iPad Mini 4 

Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is available in three storage variants. The 64GB Wi-Fi only variant is priced at Rs 52,900, but after GST, the price comes down to Rs 50,800. Similarly, the 256GB and 512GB variants that were priced at Rs 60,900 and Rs 76,900, will now set you back by Rs 58,300 and Rs 73,900.

The 64GB (Wi-Fi + Cellular) variant which was priced at Rs 63,900 will now cost you Rs 61,400. Similarly, the 256GB and 512GB Wi-Fi + Cellular variants that were priced at Rs 71,900 and Rs 87,900, will now cost you Rs 68,900 and Rs 84,500. 

Now, coming to the elder sibling – the 12.9-inch iPad Pro – the 64GB Wi-Fi only variant which was priced at Rs 65,900 will now cost you Rs 63,500. Similarly, the 256GB and 512GB variants that were priced at Rs 73,900 and Rs 89,900, will now set you back by Rs 70,900 and Rs 86,400.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 64GB Wi-Fi only variant which was priced at Rs 65,900 will now cost Rs 63,500. The 256GB and 512GB Wi-Fi only variants that were priced at Rs 73,900 and Rs 89,900 will now be available for Rs 70,900 and Rs 86,400.

Similarly, the 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular variant that was priced at Rs 76,900 will now be priced at Rs 74,100. The 256GB variant which was priced at Rs 84,900 will now be available for Rs 81,400, whereas the 512GB variant that was priced at Rs 100,900 will now be available for Rs 97,000.

Apple iPad Pro 12.9 

12-inch MacBook, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro

The MacBook line-up, expect for the MacBook Air has got some price cut too. The 12-inch MacBook with Intel Core m3 processor which was priced at Rs 109,900 will now set you back by Rs 104,800. The with Intel Core i5 processor which was priced at Rs 134,900, will now set you back by Rs 128,700.

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with 128GB storage and 256GB storage is now priced at Rs 104,900 and 121,100, down from Rs 109,900 and Rs 126,900, respectively. Similarly, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar – 256GB storage variant is now priced at Rs 147,900, down from Rs 154,900. Also, the 512GB model is now priced at Rs 164,100, down from Rs 171,900.

Lastly, the 15-inch MacBook Pro – 256GB variant which was priced at Rs 205,900 will now set you back by Rs 195,800, whereas the 512GB variant which was priced at Rs 239,900 will now set you back by Rs 228,100. Besides these, Mac Mini, Mac Pro and iMac have also got minor price cuts. You can check the revised prices here.

Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac India pricing revealed

At the WWDC 2017 keynote, Apple announced updates to its line of hardware and software. Key highlights included the all-new iMac Pro, iPad Pro, and MacBook devices. Although there is no word on India launch date of the new products, pricing of some of the products has been released through the official Apple website. Here’s a look at how much the iOS and macOS devices will set you back this time.

The new iPad Pro with a 10.5-inch Retina display is powered by the A10X Fusion fourth-generation chip with 64-bit desktop-class architecture which is said to be 2.5x times faster than the predecessor chip. It promises up to 10 hours of battery power while surfing the web on Wi‑Fi, watching video or listening to music. The new 10.5-inch iPad Pro differs in size while keeping the remaining specifications intact. As for the pricing, the Wi-Fi-only models start at Rs 52,900 for the 64GB model and go up to Rs 60,900 and Rs 76,900 for the 256GB and 512GB model respectively. The Wi-Fi+Cellular model is priced at Rs 63,900 for 64GB variant, Rs 71,900 for 256GB version and Rs 87,900 for the 512GB variant. It is available in standard color choices of gold, space grey, silver, and rose gold.

ALSO READ: Apple WWDC 2017: Here Are The Top Features Of iOS 11

The upgraded 12-inch MacBook now boasts Intel Core m3, i5 and i7 processors with 14-nanometre process technology at its core. It is claimed to offer up to 20 percent faster performance.It further promises up to 10 hours of battery life. Prices of the new 12-inch MacBook start at Rs 109,900 for the 256GB model while the 512GB variant will set you back by Rs 134,900. 

The 13-inch MacBook without TouchBar is powered by 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz and uses Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640. The Retina display is enhanced with 500 nits brightness and for connectivity, there are two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports. As for the pricing, the 13-inch MacBook costs Rs 109,900 for the base model and available in color choices of Space Grey and Silver.

ALSO READ: Apple WWDC 2017: All new iPad Pro 10.5-inch, 12.9-inch Retina display with HDR video support announced, launch in India later this month

The 13-inch MacBook Pro without TouchBar now starts at Rs 109,900 for the base model with 128GB SSD while the 256GB SSD model will cost you Rs 126,900. As for the TouchBar model, prices start at Rs 154,900 for the base variant with 256GB SSD and go up to Rs 171,900 for the 512GB version. 

The 15-inch MacBook Pro is available only in the TouchBar-based version. It is priced at Rs 205,900 for the 256GB SSD version and Rs 239,900 for the 512GB model. There is 16GB of LPDDR3 onboard memory across models.

ALSO READ: Apple WWDC 2017: New iMacs with better displays, Intel kaby lake, USB Type-C port announced, iMac Pro unveiled

The 21.5-inch standard display iMac is priced from Rs 90,900 for the base model while model with Retina 4K display with 3.0GHz quad‑core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz) will cost you Rs 107,900 and the one powered by 3.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz) will set you back by Rs 124,900. 

ALSO READ: WWDC 2017: Apple Unveils HomePod, Its Siri-Powered Smart Home Speaker

As for the all-new 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display, the prices start at Rs 148,900 for the base model with 3.4GHz quad‑core Intel Core i5 and Radeon Pro 570 with 4GB of VRAM. The model with 3.5GHz quad‑core Intel Core i5 processor and Radeon Pro 575 with 4GB of VRAM is priced at Rs 165,900 while the model with 3.8GHz quad‑core Intel Core i5 processor and Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB of VRAM will set you back by Rs 189,900.

Apple WWDC 2017: All new iPad Pro 10.5-inch, 12.9-inch Retina display with HDR video support announced, launch in India later this month

At the WWDC 2017 developer conference, Apple made a number of important announcements including new macOS High Sierra, watchOS 4 and iOS 11 update. Apple also announced the all new iPad Pro at the event. One of the key highlights of the new iPad Pro is that it features a 10.5-inch Retina display with support for HDR video. It weighs just one pound and features 40 percent smaller bezels. Apple also announced the lager 12.9-inch iPad Pro new same Retina display and HDR video. The company confirmed that the new iPad Pro models will be going on sale in India later this month.

Both iPad Pros feature True Tone display, low reflectivity, wide color gamut and brighteness that can notch up to 600 nits. There is also a new feature called ProMotion that can refresh the display at 120Hz, which Apple claims to make motion smoother, more responsive and crisper. It also means 20ms better latency for Apple Pencil. 

ALSO READ: Apple WWDC 2017: Here are the top features of iOS 11

Both new iPads are powered by A10X Fusion chipset – hexa-core CPU with three high-performance cores, and 12-core GPU. Apple claims that the CPU is 30 percent faster compared to A9X, and offers 40 percent faster graphics as well.

In terms of camera, both new iPad Pros get 12-megapixel rear cameras with optical image stabilization (OIS), same as the one on the iPhone 7. Up front is a 7-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calling. Both iPads also come with 10-hour battery with fast charging feature.

The base 64GB storage variant of 10.5-inch iPad Pro will set you back by $649 (approximately Rs 41,800), whereas the 12.9-inch iPad Pro will cost $799 (approximately Rs 51,500). Maximum storage variant you can get include 512GB. Pre-orders begins today and will ship next week. The iPad pros will ship with iOS 10 and will be updated to iOS 11 this fall. 

iPad Pro (9.7 inch)

Apple WWDC 2017: How to watch live stream and what to expect from the keynote

Apple's WWDC 2017 keynote address is just hours away, and the company is expected to make some interesting announcements introducing new hardware and software – essentially highlighting the company’s roadmap for the year. The WWDC keynote, being held at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, will be live streamed across the world to compatible devices and here’s how you can participate from the comfort of your home.

If you own an Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows 10 device, then you’ll be able to live stream the event and watch the story unfold. The WWDC is set to begin at 10:00am PDT (10:30pm IST), and on you can watch the live stream on your Safari or Microsoft Edge browsers by clicking on this link right here. Furthermore, if you own second, third, or fourth-generation Apple TV set-top boxes, you can watch the keynote from the Apple Events channel when it begins.

The Cupertino giant is expected to launch a Siri smart speaker, new iPad tablets, and possibly update its MacBook laptop lineup as well. On the software front, we can expect the first developer preview for iOS 11, macOS 10.13, watchOS 4, and tvOS 11 – with the biggest new features of each highlighted in the keynote.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 7 priced at Rs. 39,499 available on Amazon India

Siri smart speaker

Apple has been reported heavily to launch its own Amazon Echo and Google Home rival. The smart speaker is expected to come with a display screen, great audio quality, will run a platform for Siri (obviously), and perform some additional functions not seen before in this category. The Siri smart speaker is expected to be priced at a higher price point than its rivals, and even though it will be unveiled at WWDC, it won’t be shipped until much later this year.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone SE gets a price cut, now starting at Rs. 19,999 for India

New iPad Pro models

The tech giant is also expected to launch two iPad Pro tablets – one with a 10.5-inch display and the other with a 12.9-inch display. Rumours point to a sleek design with slim bezels, with the 10.5-inch variant being only slightly taller and wider than the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. There’s little else we know about the device as of now, but recent rumours suggest stereo speakers, repositioned mic, and a virtual Home Button. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also expected to get spec and hardware upgrades, along with slight design changes. There is expected to be cellular and non-cellular options for the new tablets. Alongside the new iPad tablets, Apple could also unveil the Apple Pencil 2 as well.

ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus (PRODUCT) RED launched in India, Price starting at Rs. 70,000: Specs and features

MacBook updates

Recent reports suggest that Apple will also be refreshing its MacBook lineup, with updates lined up for 12-inch MacBook, the MacBook Pro, and the almost forgotten MacBook Air as well. First coming to the MacBook Pro upgrade, Apple has been tipped to update the laptop with Intel's Kaby Lake processor series, from the current SkyLake processors.

Further, the company is expected to launch a 32GB RAM variant of the 15-inch MacBook Pro to cater to the need of professional users. There are reportedly some price cuts to the existing models that can also be expected to be announced at WWDC 2017.

The 12-inch variant of the MacBook laptop series has been tipped to be upgraded with new Kaby Lake processors as well as receive a new 16GB RAM. Finally coming to the MacBook Air, while the upgrade rumours for the laptop are thin and hard to find, the laptop is expected to be refreshed with new processors at the very least.

iOS 11

Apple’s guaranteed highlight of the keynote address will be iOS 11. The latest software will bring a host of improvements including a new video centric revamp to Apple Music, killing off 32-bit app support, and a few changes in animation and notifications. Interestingly, FaceTime is expected to get a long-awaited overhaul, and one of the biggest changes is said to be the introduction of group video calling ability. There are reportedly many iPad-centric changes also incoming.

macOS 10.13, tvOS 11, and watchOS 4

While the previews for the entire Apple product line are coming for sure, there’s little that we know about the changes that are arriving with most of them. macOS will be updated to version 10.13, and it will get a new name, presumably of another landscape that Apple really loves. watchOS and tvOS will also get updated to version 4 and 11 respectively, and it’s only a matter of time before we get all the dope on what these software updates bring to the table. We will be on ground zero and will be updating you ball by ball. Stay Tuned!

Apple iPad Pro with 10.5-inch display to reportedly launch on April 4

Apple is all set to host an event for the launch of its new iPad lineup. The event was earlier expected to be held this month but it is now speculated that the event will take place on April 4. If rumors turn out to be true, Apple will be launching a new 10.5-inch iPad Pro model, 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 models and a 7.9-inch iPad Pro model at the said event. A tweet shared online now reveals the alleged case for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro model.

This tweet comes from a Spanish accessory distributor named Marc Alonso who shared the information along with the images of the case. Alonso claims to have received files of a case which turns out to be the 10.5-inch iPad Pro model. The tweet further mentions that the official graphics of the case are said to be pending since the official announcement by Apple hasn’t taken place yet. Some features of the case are detailed in the image which includes resistant rigid back shell to provide optimum protection, and a built-in front cover that can be converted into 2 different positions. Furthermore, the alleged 10.5-inch iPad Pro case is made of anti-slip material.

ALSO READ: Apple Park ‘spaceship campus’ will be open to employees in April with a Steve Jobs theater

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro has so far been the highlight amongst the expected iPad models as it is expected to feature a bezel-less display, thereby ditching the Home button. The new 10.5-inch iPad Pro is expected to feature the same footprint as the present 9.7-inch iPad Pro, but Apple will retain the top bezel for the FaceTime camera. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is also expected to be 7.5mm thick, which could be due to the possible addition of pressure-sensitive technology along with support for Apple Pencil. It is also reported that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro will feature Apple’s new A10X processor.

ALSO READ: Google Assistant may come to iPhone to complete again Apple's Siri

As for the remaining iPad models, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 model could feature a 12-megapixel rear camera and True Tone display akin to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The True Tone display uses advanced four-channel ambient light sensors which adapts the color and intensity of the display and accordingly matches the light in the surrounding environment. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also said to feature the A10X processor under its hood. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 model, on the other hand, is expected to be powered by the A9X chip, hinting at a lower pricing.

The 7.9-inch iPad Pro model is expected to feature a Smart Connector, True Tone display, and four speakers. For photography, the 7.9-inch iPad Pro model could sport a 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera with True Tone flash. The new iPad Pro lineup will also reportedly gain quad microphones. Reports claim that Apple will start shipping the 10.5-inch iPad Pro model in May, whereas the other models will ship as early as this month.

ALSO READ: Apple to reportedly launch new iPad Pro lineup, 128GB iPhone SE, iPhone 7 red color variant next month

The upcoming Apple event is also expected to launch other products. First up is a 128GB storage variant of the iPhone SE. Apple is also expected to introduce red color variants for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. A new band for the Apple Watch is also expected at the event.

Apple to reportedly launch new iPad Pro lineup, 128GB iPhone SE, iPhone 7 red color variant next month

Apple recently sent out invites for its annual developer’s conference which is scheduled to be held on June 5 in San Jose. As it prepares to reveal iOS 11, Mac OS X 10.13 and Watch OS 4 at the WWDC 2017 event, Apple is said to host another event as early as next month. This new Apple event will be mainly focused on the iPad Pro as the company will reportedly introduce a new lineup. Apple is said to introduce new 10.5-inch iPad Pro model, 12.9-inch and 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 models and a 7.9-inch iPad Pro model. It is also reported that at this event Apple would announce a 128GB storage variant of the iPhone SE. Apple is also expected to introduce red color variants for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. A new band for the Apple Watch is also expected at the event.

The latest information comes from a Japanese website Mac Otakara, which further reports that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro will start shipping in May, whereas the other models will ship by March itself. The 10.5-inch iPad Pro has so far been the highlight amongst the expected iPad models, as it had been rumored to feature a bezel-less display, thereby ditching the Home button. Note here though, that the iPad Pro was earlier rumored to come in 10.9-inch and not 10.5-inch screen size. The new 10.5-inch iPad Pro is expected to feature the same footprint as the present 9.7-inch iPad Pro, however the top bezel will remain for the FaceTime camera.

The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is also expected to be 7.5mm thick, which could be due to the possible addition of pressure-sensitive technology along with support for Apple Pencil. It is also reported that the 10.5-inch iPad Pro will feature Apple’s new A10X processor.

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2 model could most likely feature a 12-megapixel rear camera and True Tone display akin to the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The True Tone display uses advanced four-channel ambient light sensors which adapts the color and intensity of the display and accordingly matches the light in the surrounding environment. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also said to feature the A10X processor under its hood. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro 2 model, on the other hand, is expected to be powered by the A9X chip, hinting at a lower pricing. 

As for the 7.9-inch iPad Pro model, it is expected to feature a Smart Connector, True Tone display, and four speakers. For photography, the 7.9-inch iPad Pro model will sport a 12-megapixel rear-facing iSight camera with True Tone flash. The new iPad Pro lineup will also reportedly gain quad microphones.

Coming back to the other announcements, the report says event will witness introduction of a new 128GB model of the iPhone SE. This contradicts previous reports of Apple not refreshing the iPhone SE in early 2017. The red color variant was also previously reported to be for the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus. However, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus could be revamped with a new red color variant, if rumors do turn out to be true.