Old iPhones Regain Popularity as iPhone 17 Prices Spike

As Apple’s new iPhone 17 series hits Pakistan with prices reaching up to Rs900,000, many consumers are opting for older, PTA-approved models such as the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus. These older iPhones, priced between Rs25,000 and Rs38,000, remain in high demand in Pakistan’s used mobile market due to affordability and functionality.

Interestingly, some users are also pairing older PTA-approved iPhones with their new non-PTA iPhone 17 or iPhone Air models, using the same Apple ID to receive calls across devices. Retailers report that this workaround helps users avoid paying high PTA registration fees, which can reach Rs200,000 for the latest models.

Despite being nearly a decade old, the iPhone 7 Plus and 8 Plus continue to serve as practical and cost-effective choices for many Pakistanis, reflecting the country’s growing reliance on creative solutions amid rising smartphone costs.