iPhone inflation in Turkey: Here is how iPhone prices have changed over the years

Apple launched a new era in the smartphone world by introducing its first iPhone model in 2007. Over time, technological advancements and added innovations have increased iPhone prices. However, the price increase in Turkey has been far above global averages.

Especially with Apple opening its official store in Turkey in 2014, iPhone models began to be sold directly.

However, due to high taxes, import costs, and exchange rate fluctuations, buying an iPhone in Turkey has become increasingly difficult.

WHY ARE iPHONES MORE EXPENSIVE IN TURKEY?

The reasons why iPhone prices in Turkey are much higher than in the US include the following:

Taxes: Special Consumption Tax (SCT), Value Added Tax (VAT), and other additional taxes drive prices up.

Exchange Rate: The depreciation of the Turkish Lira increases the cost of imported products.

Import and Logistics Expenses: Like every electronic product brought into Turkey, iPhones are sold with additional costs.

CHANGES IN iPHONE PRICES OVER THE YEARS

Apple launched the first iPhone 2G model in 2007 for 499 dollars. When adjusted for inflation to today, this price corresponds to 783 dollars.

However, price increases in Turkey are shaped not only by technological developments but also by economic fluctuations.

According to a report by Şeyda Uyanık from Ekonomim, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is 1,199 dollars (approximately 43,431 TL) in the US, is sold for 99,999 TL in Turkey. This gap has grown even larger, especially after the economic crisis in 2018.

The ratio of iPhone prices to the minimum wage in Turkey has shown significant changes over the years:

In 2008, an iPhone 3G could be purchased for approximately 2 minimum wages.

In 2022, an iPhone 14 Pro Max was equivalent to 9.5 minimum wages.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, released in 2024, is sold at a level of approximately 6 minimum wages.