Airtel offers iPhone 7 for Rs 7,777; read the fine print

Key Highlights

• Airtel had announced ‘Project Next’ in July this year and the Online Store is a part of that initiative.
• On Airtel's Online Store down payment on the iPhone 7 is Rs 7,777.
• Apple had reduced the price of the iPhone 7 32GB after GST to Rs 56,200.

Bharti Airtel on Monday announced the launch of its latest digital innovation – the Online Store. The Store is set to offer deals on smartphones including the iPhone 7 which was released in India last year.

“The Online Store will offer a range of premium smartphones with affordable down payments, instant credit verification and financing, and bundled monthly plans,” Airtel said.

Airtel’s Online Store went live today with Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus variants and the company said it planned to add devices from all brands to the store’s offerings in the near future.

Airtel said it has made available the iPhone 7 for Rs 7,777. However there is a catch.

“The iPhone 7 (32 GB) is available at a down payment of just Rs 7,777 and 24 monthly installments of Rs 2499,” Airtel said.

In addition to paying the monthly recharges customers will get a bundled tariff plan.

“The monthly installments have a built-in high-end postpaid plan which offers 30 GB data, unlimited calling (local, STD, national roaming), and Airtel Secure package that covers the device against any physical damage and offers cyber protection,” Airtel said.

With the monthly installments included, the price of the iPhone 7 goes up to Rs 67,753. 

After the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax Apple had reduced the price of its iPhone 7 which was priced at Rs 60,000 to Rs 56,200. 

Airtel had announced ‘Project Next’ in July this year and the Online Store is a part of that initiative.

The telecom operator plans to invest up to Rs 2000 crore under Project Next to launch several other digital innovations.

“All smartphones on the platform will come with down payments that are a fraction of the market price of the device and the convenience of easy monthly instalments with a built in postpaid plan. The postpaid plan will offer large bundles of data, unlimited calling and device protection package, allowing customers to enjoy the device to the fullest on India’s leading smartphone network,” Airtel said.

Airtel said devices purchased on its platform will be delivered to customers’ homes.

“Not only are we making it easier for millions of customers to upgrade to devices they always wanted, we are also making the entire process seamless and simple through digital technologies. Imagine getting your dream device, instant credit to purchase it and a great plan to go with it, all available in one place with a few clicks,” Harmeen Mehta, Global CIO & Director – Engineering, Bharti Airtel said.

Airtel has also partnered with Apple Inc, HDFC Bank, Clix Capital, Seynse Technologies, Brightstar Telecommunications and Vulcan Express to enable the digital experience on its Online Store.

Airtel’s Online Store services is currently available to customers in 21 cities across India and will be expanded to other cities and towns shortly.

How to get your smartphone device on Airtel’s Online Store in four steps:
1. Go to www.airtel.in/onlinestore and select the device of your choice
2. Check your eligibility and get instant loan approvals
3. Make the down payment for phone    
4. The device will be delivered to your preferred location/address