Visual Capitalist has published its 2025 Apple iPhone price index, revealing significant international differences for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro. In Türkiye, consumers pay $ 2,182, more than double the $ 1,079 price in the United States. Brazil follows closely with $ 1,835. Among 41 countries analyzed, only South Korea offers lower prices than America.
Taxes drive higher costs globally
Much of this discrepancy comes down to taxes and import duties. In Türkiye, the Special Consumption Tax (SCT), a one-time luxury tax, inflates the upfront cost of new smartphones. Currency fluctuations and inflation add further price pressure. These structural factors make Apple iPhones among the most expensive in the world when newly imported.
Used devices face different taxation
The situation for used and refurbished Apple iPhones is very different. While SCT is collected only once at import, refurbished or used devices originally sold in Türkiye are exempt from this tax when resold. Additionally, since 2021, the Value Added Tax (VAT) on qualifying refurbished smartphones sold through authorized renewal centers has been reduced from 20% to just 1%.
Importing devices remains expensive
Türkiye also enforces an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration tax on foreign devices. This fee is mandatory if a consumer brings a phone from abroad and wishes to use it on Turkish networks for longer than 120 days. This tax, often very high, makes personal imports of used smartphones costly and restricts consumer options.
Secondary market growth in Türkiye
The differences in tax treatment highlight the opportunity for the secondary smartphone market in Türkiye. Consumers increasingly turn to used or refurbished Apple iPhones for affordability, while businesses are building strong ecosystems to meet this demand.
Founded in 2021, Getmobil has developed a three-sided marketplace linking consumers, merchants, and trade-in partners. Its trade-in technology powers retail and e-commerce channels, while its SaaS platform helps small merchants expand within the regulatory framework. EasyCep, founded in 2018, has become another leading player, refurbishing and reselling smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Both companies contribute to a more affordable and sustainable consumer market, demonstrating that Türkiye’s unique tax landscape can accelerate secondary smartphone adoption.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
