Apple products have always held a special place in the hearts of Indian consumers, prompting many to explore various avenues to secure these tech marvels at the best possible deals. However, a recent turn of events suggests that the traditional practice of buying Apple Watches from the US might not be as cost-effective as it once seemed.
In a surprising move, Apple had to temporarily halt the sale of Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute. While the company eventually resumed sales, a significant compromise was made – the blood oxygen health feature was disabled for users in the US. This means that individuals purchasing these models from the US and using them in India will sacrifice a crucial health monitoring feature.
The restriction applies specifically to the latest Apple models shipped to stores in the US. Therefore, any savings of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 obtained by buying an Apple Watch from the US and importing it to India would be nullified if the blood oxygen feature becomes inaccessible.
For example, considering the 45mm Apple Series 9 model, which can be bought in India for Rs 42,000 with bank offers, the same model in the US might cost Rs 35,000 before additional taxes of Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 are factored in.
In essence, the potential savings amount to merely Rs 3,000 between purchasing the product in India versus the US. For those intending to acquire an Apple Watch, particularly for the blood oxygen feature, it is strongly recommended to opt for the Indian market. This ensures access to all features without the need to pay a premium for tools that should come unlocked out of the box.
