PLANNING TO BUY AN IPHONE 5S OR 5C IN INDIA? Here’s what you’ll need to do this time around (Launch date and final pricing)

With the India launch of Apple’s most awaited flagship product, iPhone 5S and 5C just round the corner, Apple has decided to spice things up a bit and bring uniformity to the process of how an iPhone is sold.

This time around, you will not be able to go to your local dealer and buy the phone outright. Instead, Apple has decided to follow a pattern that is more common in the west. Apple will hold a special event across the country to sell iPhones on the 1st day.

Here’s what you need to do in case you’re planning to buy an iPhone 5S and 5C on launch day –

1. You’ll need to stand in a line, wait for your turn and pray that you’re one of the lucky ones to get the iPhone of your choice (keeping in mind the colour and storage capacity).

2. In order to be eligible to stand in a queue, you’ll need a token (image below) from an Apple authorized reseller which costs Rs. 5000.

3. Once you get the token, you are now eligible to buy ONE iPhone 5S or 5C. Keep in mind, the 5000 that you paid to the reseller will NOT be adjusted when you purchase your phone.

Yes, you will be entitled to complimentary food and beverage with this token.

4. In order to get your token money back, you’ll need to go back to the reseller and reclaim the token amount from them.

In case you are unlucky to buy a phone on the 1^st day, worry not. Resellers should get supply after a few days.

LAUNCH DATE AND PRICING

The iPhone 5S and 5C will be available in India in Apple’s 3rd wave of international launches, i.e. 1st November. The 16 GB base model of the 5S will be priced at Rs. 53,500 while the 5C will be somewhere between Rs. 42000 - Rs. 44000 for the 16 GB model.

Remember to keep that token with you safely. If you misplace the token, you cannot get the token amount refunded. Will you be lining up to buy the latest and greatest from Apple?