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Despite the recent global launch of Apple’s iPhone 17 series, Pakistan’s used mobile market continues to see robust demand for older iPhone models, particularly the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus, as consumers seek affordable alternatives to premium-priced flagship devices.
Current Market Prices for Used iPhones in Pakistan
iPhone 7 Series Pricing
The iPhone 7, which originally launched on September 16, 2016, remains available in Pakistan’s secondary market with prices ranging from Rs15,000 to Rs25,000. The pricing varies based on several factors including device condition, storage capacity, and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) approval status.
The larger iPhone 7 Plus commands higher prices, typically selling between Rs25,000 and Rs35,000. PTA-approved models in decent working condition with acceptable battery health start from approximately Rs30,000 on platforms like OLX Pakistan.
iPhone 8 Series Pricing
The iPhone 8, released a year after the iPhone 7, is currently priced between Rs18,000 and Rs27,000 in Pakistan’s used market. The iPhone 8 Plus ranges from Rs26,000 to Rs38,000, depending on factors such as physical condition, battery health, and included accessories.
Buyers seeking a reliable PTA-approved iPhone 8 Plus can find options under Rs38,000, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Why Nine-Year-Old iPhones Remain in Demand
Price Gap with Newer Models
With the iPhone 17 series now available through authorized distributors in Pakistan at prices reaching Rs900,000, many consumers find older models more financially viable. Even the iPhone 11, which is several generations old, costs over Rs100,000 when PTA-approved.
Haris Khan, a mobile retailer at Singapore Plaza in Rawalpindi, explained the sustained demand: “These older iPhones are popular mainly because they are now the cheapest available options. Despite being nearly a decade old, they work fine for regular WiFi and SIM use.”
Device Condition and Longevity
While some units in the used market show signs of aging, including battery deterioration and physical wear, many devices remain in serviceable condition. Refurbished phones with replaced batteries or repairs continue to function adequately for basic smartphone tasks.
The build quality and software optimization that Apple is known for contribute to these older devices maintaining usability even years after their initial release.
Clever Workaround: Using Old iPhones with New Non-PTA Models
Apple Ecosystem Integration Strategy
An interesting trend has emerged where buyers leverage Apple’s ecosystem features to work around PTA registration costs. Mobile retailers report customers purchasing older PTA-approved iPhones alongside expensive non-PTA models.
Haris Khan shared a revealing customer experience: “A customer who came to buy a non-PTA iPhone Air, which costs around Rs350,000, also bought an iPhone 8 Plus. His reasoning was that by using the same Apple ID, any call received on the PTA-approved iPhone 8 Plus would also appear on the non-PTA iPhone Air through Apple’s ecosystem.”
This integration allows the non-PTA device to receive calls through Apple’s Continuity features, enabling users to utilize their expensive flagship phones without immediate PTA registration.
Temporary Solution for New iPhone Buyers
Similar practices are being adopted by purchasers of the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models. Since PTA approval for these premium devices can cost up to Rs200,000, some buyers temporarily purchase an older PTA-approved iPhone 7 for approximately Rs25,000 to maintain SIM card functionality.
This approach serves as a bridge solution until users can afford the substantial PTA registration fees for their new devices.
Avoiding Illegal Alternatives
Mobile retailers note this strategy represents a more legitimate alternative to purchasing “JV” (Japanese variants) or SIM-locked iPhones, which PTA has declared illegal. Buyers unable to immediately pay PTA approval fees prefer this method to remain connected while using their expensive non-registered iPhones.
Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior
Most Sought-After Models
According to multiple mobile shop operators, the iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus remain the most requested older models in Pakistan’s used market. These devices strike a balance between affordability, functionality, and the iOS experience.
Availability and Condition Variance
Despite being eight to nine years old, these iPhone models continue to circulate actively in the secondary market. Availability remains consistent, with various condition grades offering options across different price points.
Buyers can choose between:
- Well-maintained units with original batteries
- Refurbished devices with replaced components
- Budget options showing more wear but functional
- PTA-approved versus non-approved units
PTA Registration Context
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority requires all imported smartphones to be registered through its Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS). Non-compliant devices eventually lose cellular network access, making PTA approval crucial for full functionality.
Registration costs for newer iPhone models can be prohibitively expensive, explaining why some users opt for the dual-device strategy or choose older PTA-approved models that cost less than the registration fee alone for flagship phones.
Conclusion: Budget-Conscious iPhone Ownership
The persistence of iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 series models in Pakistan’s market demonstrates the enduring value proposition of Apple devices, even at advanced ages. For consumers desiring iOS experience without premium pricing, these older models provide viable entry points.
Additionally, the creative use of older PTA-approved devices alongside new non-registered models reflects Pakistani consumers’ adaptability in navigating regulatory requirements while accessing desired technology.
As iPhone prices continue rising with each generation, the used market for previous models will likely maintain significance in Pakistan’s smartphone ecosystem.
