The 256 GB Apple iPhone Air model, which launched at a significantly higher price point, is now being sold at a discount [File]
| Photo Credit: REUTERS
India’s electronics retailer Croma has kicked off its annual Black Friday sale, running from November 22 to November 30, and one offer in particular has taken social media by storm: the sharp price drop on Apple’s iPhone Air.
The 256 GB model, which launched at a significantly higher price point, is now being sold at a discount, with additional bank offers. But the viral buzz around the deal stands in stark contrast to the device’s lukewarm sales performance in recent weeks.
The iPhone Air, despite its premium Apple branding, has struggled to gain momentum in the market. The device was engineered to be one of Apple’s slimmest smartphones yet, measuring just 5.6 mm in thickness and weighing 156 grams. It also features the powerful A19 Pro chipset, a 6.5-inch OLED display with ProMotion, and a 48 MP rear camera supplemented by a digital 2× zoom. It has the hallmarks of a high-end device, and its design has drawn admiration for its sleek profile.
But the very design that sets it apart also contributes to its shortcomings. The ultra-slim frame means the iPhone Air carries a smaller battery, leading to concerns about day-long usability, especially for heavy users.
Its single-camera setup, while capable, lacks the versatility found in competing phones that offer multi-lens systems — a key expectation in this price segment. These trade-offs have resulted in muted demand and slower-than-expected sales, making the Black Friday markdown even more prominent.
Croma’s broader Black Friday promotion covers laptops, televisions, and home appliances, with in-store and online shoppers able to take advantage of exchange bonuses, EMI options, and a range of bank offers. Yet it is the iPhone Air discount that has generated the loudest consumer response, as buyers view the slashed pricing as a rare chance to purchase a premium Apple device at a more accessible cost.
The surge in online chatter surrounding the deal highlights an interesting trend: while the iPhone Air has not matched the sales performance of other Apple models, a deep price cut is capable of reigniting interest. For prospective buyers, the offer presents genuine value — but also a reminder to weigh the device’s limitations alongside its attractive new price.
Published – November 24, 2025 11:25 am IST
