Why Indians Should Avoid Buying iPhones Abroad In 2026?

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts!

At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we love helping people make wise choices when it comes to gadgets, especially something as exciting as a new iPhone.

Every year, we see so many Indians tempted to pick up an iPhone while travelling abroad, the USA, Dubai, Singapore, you name it, thinking they will save a bunch of money.

Moreover, sure, the base price often looks lower.

However, after years of hearing real stories from customers and digging into the details, we have learned one thing: it is usually not worth the risk or the hassle.

In 2026, with the latest iPhone models out there, buying abroad can lead to unexpected problems that ruin the experience.

Let me break it down for you in simple terms so that you can decide with confidence.

1. The Big SIM Card Issue: Physical vs eSIM Only

This is hands-down the biggest reason to buy in India.

Since the iPhone 14 series, all iPhones sold in the USA come without a physical SIM tray; they are eSIM only.

That means you can only use digital SIMs.

Apple continued this trend into 2026 and even expanded eSIM-only models to more countries.

In India, however? Our iPhones still come with a physical nano-SIM slot plus eSIM support. Why does this matter so much?

• Most Indians use dual SIMs (one for work, one personal, or for better coverage).
• Not every Indian carrier has flawless eSIM support yet, especially for quick switches or international roaming.
• If you are travelling within India or to places with spotty networks, popping in a local physical SIM is a lifesaver. With a US model, you are stuck figuring out eSIM transfers, which can be a nightmare if something goes wrong.

Trust me, we have seen people regret this the moment they land back home and realise they cannot just swap SIMs like before.

2. Warranty And Service Headaches

Apple‘s warranty sounds global on paper, but in reality, it is not always smooth sailing.

If you buy an iPhone in India from an official store or authorised reseller, you get full, hassle-free service at any Apple centre across the country.

Repairs, replacements, everything appropriately covered.

However, with a phone bought abroad:

• Some Apple service centres in India may limit what they can do or ask for extra proof.
• Parts availability can be an issue for non-Indian models.
• If something significant goes wrong, you might end up shipping it back to the country of purchase, which is expensive and time-consuming.

Peace of mind is priceless when you are spending lakhs on a premium phone. Why take the chance?

3. FaceTime Missing On Dubai/UAE Models

Dubai is a super popular spot for Indians to buy iPhones because of tax-free shopping.

However, here is a catch that surprises everyone: iPhones officially sold in the UAE (and some other Middle Eastern countries) have FaceTime completely disabled due to local regulations.

Moreover, no, changing your region or updating software will not fix it; the restriction is baked into the hardware based on where it was sold.

You will never get FaceTime audio or video calling.

In 2026, this rule is still firmly in place.

If you rely on FaceTime to chat with family or friends, this alone makes Dubai-purchased iPhones a no-go.

4. Price And Customs Reality Check (Even In 2026)

Yes, the Indian government raised the duty-free allowance to ₹75,000 in 2026, which is excellent news for travellers bringing back gadgets.

A base-model iPhone from the US might slip under this limit without extra duty.

But:

• Higher storage or Pro models easily cross ₹1 lakh in value; you will still pay duty on the excess.
• Add flight stress, the risk of damage to luggage, and possible random customs checks.
• In India, official retailers and banks offer massive cashbacks, no-cost EMI, and exchange bonuses that often bring the effective price way down. Many times, it ends up cheaper or very close to abroad after all offers.

Plus, you are supporting local jobs.

Apple now assembles a massive chunk of iPhones right here in India!

Quick Comparison

Fun Trivia

Did you know that US iPhones have a slightly bigger battery because there is no physical SIM tray taking up space? It is a slight boost, usually 5-10% more capacity, but most Indian users happily trade that for the convenience of physical SIMs. Convenience wins every time!

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, buying your iPhone in India just makes life simpler.

You get a device ideally suited to our networks, full warranty backup, all features working as intended, and none of the post-travel stress.

Whether it is the latest iPhone 17 series or whatever comes next, sticking to official Indian channels is the way to go for the best long-term experience.

If you are planning an upgrade soon, drop by our site or reach out; we would love to help you find the perfect deal right here at home.

Thanks for reading!

Check out more practical tech guides and tips on the THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA blog.

Stay smart, stay local!

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THOUSIF Inc. - INDIA

Our editorial team at THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA is a group of experts who aim to create well-researched, highly informative, and helpful content.

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