Saffron color iPhone 17: Scuffle outside Apple Store to get iPhone 17; people lined up overnight; video goes viral
Sales of Apple's latest iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air have begun in India. Launched on September 9th, the series went on sale in stores on September 19th. Huge crowds of customers were seen outside Apple Stores in Delhi and Mumbai. Many people lined up overnight to purchase the phones.
Chaos in Mumbai, video of scuffle surfaced
A commotion broke out at the Apple Store in BKC, Mumbai, on the first day of the sale. Pushing and shoving broke out among those standing in the long queue. Videos surfaced on social media showing people slapping each other. Security guards on the scene quickly brought the situation under control and stopped the fighting. However, chaos prevailed for some time.
Long queues in Delhi too, 'Cosmic Orange' color attracts attention
Crowds also gathered at the Apple Store in Saket Select City Mall, Delhi. Here, a customer purchased the Cosmic Orange color variant of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is being called the "saffron iPhone" on social media. Interestingly, the customer identified himself as Muslim and said, "I like this color; it has nothing to do with religion." This variant went out of stock on the very first day of launch.
Why is there such a rush?
Although the iPhone 17 series can be purchased online and from other retailers, the desire to be the first to get the new iPhone draws people to Apple Stores. Every year, during the launch of a new iPhone in many countries, images emerge of customers camping out outside stores all night.
Bank Offers and Prices
Apple is also offering a bank discount of Rs 5,000 on its latest iPhones. The phones are available at the Apple Store, Apple's official website, Amazon, Flipkart, and select offline retail stores.
The iPhone 17 series prices are as follows:
iPhone 17 – Starting at Rs 82,900
iPhone Air – Starting at Rs 1,19,900
iPhone 17 Pro – Starting at Rs 1,34,900
iPhone 17 Pro Max – Starting at Rs 1,49,900
Major Upgrades and Features
Customers say the iPhone 17 series has seen major upgrades in camera, battery, and design. The new Cosmic Orange color and improved processor are particularly appealing. Several variants of the Pro series were out of stock during pre-orders. The iPhone 17 sales in India once again demonstrated the craze and passion people have for Apple products.
However, the violence in Mumbai certainly dampened this enthusiasm. Despite this, the massive crowds at stores and the buzz on social media clearly indicate that the iPhone 17 series is proving to be a "superhit launch" in the Indian market as well.
Craze isn't limited to major cities
This craze isn't limited to major cities, but is also rapidly growing in smaller cities and towns, where people are booking the new iPhone online or by visiting their nearest store. Apple's strong branding and marketing has further fueled this craze, making it a highly successful product in India.
The launch of the new iPhone 17 has created a stir in the Indian mobile market. It will be interesting to see what sales records this new Apple series sets and whether it further strengthens Apple's dominance in India.
(Prakash Kumar Pandey)