India Has Reportedly Rejected Apple's Request to Import and Sell Refurbished iPhones

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Posted May 3, 2016 at 5:41pm by Shalom Levytam

India has rejected Apple's request to import and sell refurbished iPhones in the country, reports Bloomberg.

A telecommunications ministry official told the news outlet that Apple's application was turned down but asked not be identified. Apple wants to sell refurbished phones in the country to appeal to price-conscious customers. A previous application was rejected in 2015 by the environment ministry.

Rivals opposed Apple's application arguing that it would trigger a flood of used electronics and counter the government's Make-in-India program.

The decision will be a disappointment to Apple. CEO Tim Cook identified India as major potential growth area during an interview with Jim Cramer yesterday.

Apple is also looking for permission to open its own stores in India, a market that is currently dominated by small local vendors.

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India Has Reportedly Rejected Apple's Request to Import and Sell Refurbished iPhones

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Recycles - May 4, 2016 at 1:29pm

The problem is that Apple might not be clear enough that you are getting a used device. Recycling is good, but those pre-owned iPhones can suffer from more hardware issues like button breakage compared to new ones.

Mang Domeng - May 4, 2016 at 6:06am

Calm your horses! The refurbished phones are for those who are on a tight budget. It is a matter of choice if you want to get a new one, if you have the money or a discounted refurbished one if you still want an iPhone in the same latest model. Try to look at pre-owned vehicles, it also came used and the manufacturer replaced the old parts to be sold again but in a discounted rate. They would not sell it if it did not passed their standards. It still come with warranty so if something went wrong, they can fix it under the warranty policy.

JuergenWest - May 4, 2016 at 6:00am

Apple sells refurbished products in the United States as well, this is nothing new. It's a form of recycling and there is nothing wrong with it. It's a cost saving alternative for the entry level consumer. Other premium brands like BMW and Mercedes Benz also sell certified pre owned products. Any high quality product is designed and built to last. They are intended to have second and even third owners. Not everything is meant to be thrown away. Imagine if every home, car, or phone in the world only had one short term owner. What a waste of resources that would be.

Guest - May 3, 2016 at 9:28pm

The truth is many probably are. They said my battery on 6s was fine even though it had 2278 out of 2725 max.

Chip - May 3, 2016 at 6:28pm

Refurbished phones are often as reliable as new ones.

Prakash Munjuluri - May 3, 2016 at 6:11pm

Very bad & disappointing news for Apple iphone lovers in India.. I hope govt of India would reconsider this decision & allow Apple to sell low cost refurbished iphones in our Country..