The prices of the Apple iPhone 16 series have seen substantial reductions in the Yugra region of Russia, with some models discounted nearly 50%. This trend of significant price drops comes as retailers look to move inventory amid changing economic conditions and a forthcoming release of the iPhone 17, which is causing excitement among consumers.
At a chain store in Surgut, the iPhone 16 with 128 GB of memory is currently priced at 79,990 rubles, down from its initial retail price of approximately 120,000 rubles at launch. The pricing strategy reflects the traditional pattern in which iPhone prices drop following the launch of new models. Additionally, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which debuted in autumn 2024 with a starting price of 195,000 rubles for the 256 GB model, can now be purchased in KhMAO for about 134,990 rubles, marking a noteworthy reduction of 45%.
Similarly, the iPhone 16e, considered the entry-level option in the lineup, has seen a smaller price drop of 4-5%, now available for around 85,000 rubles. Retail consultants attribute these discounts to various factors, including the fluctuating exchange rate of the ruble against the dollar, market saturation, and imported units from countries such as the UAE and India that help reduce procurement costs.
As retailers brace for the iPhone 17's anticipated September 2025 launch, further price declines for the iPhone 16 series are expected. Sales personnel at local retail chains speculate that prices will continue to fall as the market adjusts to the arrival of newer models. Accordingly, the upcoming iPhone 17 is rumored to arrive with significant upgrades, including a new Apple A19 Pro chip and enhanced camera capabilities, drawing consumer interest.
According to reports from Macrumors, the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature aluminum frames, deviating from the titanium frames used in the iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro models. The design of the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to resemble its predecessor, with a larger rectangular camera block while maintaining the triangular arrangement of camera lenses. There are also rumors that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a slightly thicker body to accommodate a larger battery.
All four models of the iPhone 17 are reported to come equipped with Wi-Fi 7 chips developed by Apple, a significant upgrade over previous models. The front-facing camera has also been enhanced to a 24-megapixel configuration, compared to the 12-megapixel front camera on the iPhone 16 series. Furthermore, the telephoto camera is expected to see improvements as well, with the iPhone 17 Pro models featuring a 48-megapixel camera, a notable increase from the 12-megapixel camera present in its predecessor.
The internal structure of all four variants is speculated to provide better heat dissipation, with the cooling system available on Pro models aiming to enhance performance and multi-tasking capabilities. Users are particularly interested in the improvements in the AI capabilities and language integration, particularly for features such as Siri.
The Vietnamese consumer base for iPhones has raised concerns about the lack of visible differences between the new iPhone 17 models and their predecessors. However, they are hoping for a range of exceptional new features, including smoother operation of Siri, integrated AI functionalities, and enhanced battery life, all of which could justify the new releases.
As the market for iPhones adjusts to these changes, consumers in regions like Yugra are watching closely, balancing the allure of new releases with the realities of pricing strategies and economic factors. With retailers preparing for the potential upcoming price shifts and the innovative features anticipated in the new iPhone 17, the next months will likely be a pivotal time for current and prospective iPhone users.
