At stores across Uzbekistan, prices for Apple smartphones have noticeably climbed. For example, at a shop in the Malika shopping center surveyed by Kun.uz, the prices for models supporting both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs have changed as follows (prices listed are for the “natural titanium” color variant):
As of June 20, 2025:
- iPhone 16: 128 GB – $769, 256 GB – $919
- iPhone 16 Pro: 128 GB – $1,009, 256 GB – $1,139, 512 GB – $1,399, 1 TB – $1,549
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 256 GB – $1,239, 512 GB – $1,439, 1 TB – $1,679
As of July 20, 2025:
- iPhone 16: 128 GB – $849, 256 GB – $999
- iPhone 16 Pro: 128 GB – $1,139, 256 GB – $1,279, 512 GB – $1,499, 1 TB – $1,699
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 256 GB – $1,399, 512 GB – $1,629, 1 TB – $1,799
A comparison of prices before June 20 suggests that the increase began in the second half of June.
Based on these figures, prices over the past month have increased by:
- iPhone 16: 9.5% or $80
- iPhone 16 Pro: 10.2% or $100–150 depending on storage
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 10.8% or $120–190 depending on storage
Price data from another shop at the Malika center (tracked via social media from June 22 to July 22) showed similar trends:
- iPhone 16: 8% or $70
- iPhone 16 Pro: 10.8% or $130–150
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: 10.7% or $120–190
Policy change in effect since May 1
The surge in premium smartphone prices is largely attributed to recent changes in customs regulations. Effective May 1, the duty-free import limit for individuals was reduced from $2,000 to $1,000 for air travelers, and from $1,000 to $500 for those entering by train.
Now, if a person brings an iPhone 16 Pro Max purchased abroad (e.g., in the UAE) for $1200, they must pay $60 in customs duties at the airport. An additional UZS 75,000 must also be paid for UzIMEI registration.
