Apple is giving up to Rs 81,500 discount on iPhone Duo but conditions apply

Apple's first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, is priced at Rs 2,99,900 in India. Buyers who find the price too steep can reduce the cost by exchanging their existing smartphone through Apple's trade-in program. Apple is offering exchange discounts of up to Rs 81,500, but the final amount depends on the model and condition of the old phone. While eligible iPhones may fetch higher exchange values, Android users can also check how much their devices are worth before placing an order.India Today Tech checked Apple's India website to verify the exchange values for select iPhone models. Under the trade-in program, an iPhone 16 Plus can fetch up to Rs 40,000, while the iPhone 17 is eligible for a discount of up to Rs 45,000. Those exchanging an iPhone 16 Pro Max can get up to Rs 62,000 off, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max can fetch up to Rs 71,000.iPhone modelMaximum exchange discount by AppleiPhone 16 PlusRs 40,000iPhone 17Rs 45,000iPhone 16 Pro MaxRs 62,000iPhone 17 Pro MaxRs 71,000Note: Exchange values depend on the old phone's condition and eligibility. These are maximum exchange values, not guaranteed discounts for every device. Apple's assessment of the phone's condition will determine the final amount. Buyers can also check the exchange value of eligible Android phones before placing an order. Apple's trade-in offer comes with conditionsThe discount is part of Apple's trade-in program, which lets customers exchange an eligible old smartphone while purchasing a new device. The value offered depends on the phone's condition, including whether its components work properly and whether its body or display has visible damage.Apple provides condition options such as 'Good' and 'Damaged' during the trade-in process. For a phone to qualify under the 'Good' category, Apple says, "Every part is fully functional, but the body and display may have minimal wear, such as light surface scratches, chips or dents." This means buyers should check their phone's condition before counting on a particular exchange amount. The final discount may be lower than the maximum advertised value, depending on Apple's assessment.iPhone Duo delivery dates pushed to January 2027The trade-in offer comes at a time when getting the iPhone Duo itself could require considerable patience. Apple opened pre-orders for the foldable phone in India and other markets, but delivery estimates slipped into next year within less than an hour of bookings opening.In India, Apple's website is showing an estimated delivery date of January 23 for customers placing pre-orders now. The delay could be linked to strong demand, limited initial supply, or a combination of both factors.The iPhone Duo is designed to offer more screen space without giving up the portability of a phone. Unfolding it reveals a 7.6-inch display, while the smaller 5.4-inch screen handles everyday use when the device is closed. Apple has also focused on productivity, with support for Apple Pencil and features that let users move content between apps. For photography, the phone gets a pair of 48-megapixel rear cameras for standard and ultrawide shots.Apple has priced the base model with 256GB of storage at Rs 2,99,900. The device is scheduled to go on sale in India on October 23. Buyers considering the phone can use Apple's trade-in program to reduce the upfront cost, but the final savings will depend on the device they exchange and its assessed condition.What happens if you buy gold instead of iPhone DuoApple's iPhone Duo costs Rs 2,99,900 in India, but spending the same amount on gold could offer a different financial benefit. According to ET Markets, 24-carat gold in Delhi was priced at around Rs 14,296 per gram on October 16, 2026. At that rate, Rs 3 lakh could buy approximately 21 grams of gold before GST and other charges. Gold prices can rise over time, potentially generating returns for investors, while smartphones generally lose resale value as newer models arrive. However, gold prices can also fall, so future gains are not guaranteed.- Ends