Will Brand Apple pull huge premium for the new iPhones?

Apple Inc's much-awaited iPhone 6 may not have an immediate or major impact on company's market share in India, experts said.

Premium pricing and not-so-relevant applications may find limited takers for the iPhone 6 in the country, they said.

According to company's India website, Apple's new large-screen phones – iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus – will be available in India from October 17 and the new smartwatches only next year.

"Price-point is something that is killing the brand right now. They need to understand that they cannot offer same set of features at such premium price point. It will be difficult for them to justify the price. The latest example is the tremendous response to Xiaomi, which shows that buyers today are not really brand specific but more driven by price and features that a product offers," said Binoy CS, director telecom practice, Frost & Sullivan.

Apple, known for its innovations, has joined the competition for bigger screen phones late.

The two new phones are Apple's entry into the larger than 4 inches, aimed at challenging competitors like Samsung.

The company is yet to unveil the Indian prices for the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus. If market buzz is to be believed, the new iPhones will come with premium pricing in India, making them one of the most expensive models by the company.

"Indian market, which is more Android dominated, is unlikely to find major excitement among the buyers, other than the Apple loyalists. Till now Apple has lived by its own rules but now competition seems to be clouding its decision making. The package is certainly not good enough to make an Android user want to make the switch to the iOS bandwagon," said an expert.

Experts said the features and applications Apple unveiled are little futuristic for the Indian market and will take time for find takers here. Things like mobile payment, health applications are little advance for Indian consumers, said experts.

Brand ambassadors galore
Zydus Wellness Ltd will unveil the Everyuth naturals Advanced Tulsi turmeric, which will be a Re 1 sachet and to be launched by Bollywood actor – Nargis Fakhri. The company will also launch 'Donate your calories to help nourish children' campaign for its brand Sugar Free. The event will see participation of Akshay Kumar – Bollywood superstar and chef Sanjeev Kapoor. The campaign talks about saving the unwanted calories and adopt a fitter lifestyle.