Price cuts are here. The iPod Shuffle (1 GB) is now closer to its US retail price of $49 (Rs 1,972) and the cheapest iPod in India with a tag of Rs 2,300. The 2 GB model ($69, Rs 2,784) will cost Rs 3,200. Nice pair of figures, but they are followed as always with the ubiquitous * i.e it excludes local taxes. Assuming 4% VAT, these should be Rs 2392 (1 GB) and Rs 3328. Still, not bad; just a 20% premium.

IT News Online: Apple Cuts Price of iPod shuffle 1 GB in India, Launches 2 GB Model

According to latest reports, the iPhone might be launched in India by September this year. The rumour is that the iPhone will be offered by Vodafone and thus tied into their service.

Moreover, these will be in “..a price ranging between Rs 27,200 and Rs 28,000 ($675-700)” while unlocked iPhones are already available at Rs.20,000 to Rs.22,000 ($500-550).

International Business Times: Vodafone to bring Apple iPhone to India

Business Standard: Apple iPhone India launch likely in Sept

Given that the Indian consumer is used to unlocked phones and low switching costs between carriers, Apple may well be advised to offer unlocked iPhones in India. Vodafone could still offer exclusive iPhone services such as visual voice mail and better bundled EDGE data rates. Or, Vodafone could go the Orange, France way and offer an unlocking fee of €100. I wouldn’t count on any of it though. I’m quite sure we’ll see some stunning ads for a Vodafone-locked iPhone by the end of this year.

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!