Turkey

Turkey firmly holds the top spot for the world’s most expensive iPhones. The main reason lies in the country’s tax system. The final price includes multiple levies: a 50% special consumption tax applied to luxury goods, a 20% value-added tax, plus cultural fees. Together, these make an iPhone nearly twice as expensive as in the United States. Adding to the burden is the weak Turkish lira, which turns buying a new iPhone into a luxury that few local consumers can easily afford.

Brazil

Brazil has long been known for sky-high iPhone prices. The culprit is a punishing tax regime: steep import duties combined with a range of local levies push prices 50-70% higher than in the United States. As a result, the cost of a new iPhone can easily surpass $2,000, turning the purchase into a serious financial strain and putting the device out of reach for the average consumer.

Egypt

Egypt also ranks among the countries with the highest iPhone prices. Strict import restrictions and a multi-tiered tax system drive up costs significantly. The current price of an iPhone 16 Pro exceeds $1,300, hundreds of dollars above the global average. For many buyers, this price tag makes the smartphone more of a luxury item than an accessible piece of technology.

Sweden

Sweden is known not only for its high standard of living but also for some of the priciest iPhones in Europe. A 25% value-added tax and other consumer levies weigh heavily on the final cost. As a result, the price tag for the flagship model is around $1,450, well above that in most neighboring countries. Even a strong krona does not shield Swedish consumers from overpaying compared with other European markets.

India

India remains one of the most expensive markets for iPhones, despite local assembly of certain models. The main drivers are steep import duties and the goods and services tax (GST), which significantly inflate prices. The iPhone 16 Pro, a premium model, retails for about $1,400, turning the device into not just a communication tool but also a symbol of social status.