Apple iPhone 5s out of stock in India, but 5c not so hot

The new iPhones went on sale in India last week. We caught all the frenzy around the iPhone 5s and 5c launch live in Mumbai. While the “cheaper” iPhone 5c was supposed to be the highly anticipated device, it was the iPhone 5s that stole the show. According to TOI, the iPhone 5s is already sold out across the country and retailers are asking Apple for emergency replenishments. Reportedly, some sources reveal that the new stock is likely to reach these retailers in the next two days.

The two major carriers, Reliance and Bharti Airtel have asked for additional stocks. However, the Diwali weekend is responsible for the delay in stocking. Retailers such as The MobileStore, PlanetM, UniverCell and Future Group have also disclosed that the iPhone 5s is out of stock. But, they still have iPhone 5c units.

Out of stock very fast

According to trade estimates, about 30,000 iPhones were launched in India. Out of which, 6,000 units were of the iPhone 5s. While Bharti Airtel and other retailers started selling these devices through bundled offers on November 1, RCom began selling its EMI offer on November 2.

By Saturday evening, retailers sought additional 5s stocks from Apple’s distributors Redington and Ingram Micro. The stock reached retailers by Sunday evening and was sold out by Monday noon. Telecom companies said that the iPhone 5s is seeing more demand than 5c, but they have exhausted their stock for both new models.

The 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants of the iPhone 5s are priced at Rs 53,500, Rs 62,500 and Rs 71,500 respectively. The 16GB and 32GB iPhone 5c is priced at Rs 41,900 and Rs 53,500 respectively. RCom’s bundle deal offers the 16GB iPhone 5s and 5c at Rs 2,999 and Rs 2,599 EMI options respectively, with zero down payment.