Apple sought out by mobile retailers for discriminatory offers – Technology News

Mobile retailers in India are up in arms against tech giant Apple, accusing the company of engaging in anti-competitive practices. The controversy stems from Apple’s cashback offers on its latest iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models, which have sparked outrage among the retail community.

The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA), representing over 150,000 mobile phone retailers, has raised concerns over the disparity in cashback offers between Apple’s own stores and large format retailers, compared to smaller retail channels. While Apple’s stores and large format retailers are offering a cashback of Rs10,000 on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models, smaller retail channels are limited to offering only Rs 3,000 cashback on the same models.

AIMRA has called out Apple’s actions as anti-competitive and detrimental to the sales and reputation of smaller retailers. The association has urged Apple to level the playing field in its promotional offers and correct the discrepancy.

The controversy comes at a time when Apple’s iPhone production in India is on the rise, with exports expected to nearly double in the coming financial year. Despite the growth in production and exports, the allegations of anti-competitive behavior by Apple have put a spotlight on the company’s business practices in the country.

As the mobile retail community continues to push back against Apple’s cashback offers, the tech giant faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by AIMRA and ensure fair competition in the market.