12 iPhone 16 Pro Max phones seized from passengers at Delhi Airport, second incident this week

Customs officials at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi have seized 12 newly launched iPhone 16 Pro Max devices from a group of passengers arriving from Dubai. The incident happened on Tuesday, and a total of four passengers who were attempting to smuggle the recently launched high-end iPhones into India were arrested.

According to the Customs Department, the four passengers arrived at Delhi Airport on an Indigo flight (6E-1464) from Dubai on Tuesday.

This is the second such seizure of smuggled iPhone 16 Pro Max smartphones at Delhi Airport.

Woman arrested with 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max

Earlier this week, a total of 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max devices, concealed inside a vanity bag carried by a woman passenger, were also seized by customs officials at Delhi Airport.

The passenger, in her late thirties, was intercepted by the officials after her arrival from Hong Kong.

"On a detailed personal and baggage search of the passenger, 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max devices concealed in her vanity bag wrapped in tissue papers were recovered," a statement issued by the customs department had said.

Why same iPhones have different prices

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is the top-tier model of Apple in 2024, was launched worldwide last month.

However, due to several factors including import duties, taxes, and exchange rates, there can be a significant price difference for the same model in different countries.

iPhone 16 Pro Max price in India, Dubai, Hong Kong

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a 256 GB storage option, is sold in India at a price of Rs 1,44,900 and costs much less in Hong Kong and Dubai. A 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max can be purchased in Hong Kong for around Rs 1,09,913, while the same will cost Rs 1,16,575 in Dubai. This price difference makes iPhone 16 Pro Max devices an attractive choice for smugglers.