The iPhone Affordability Index offers a clear, real-world perspective by measuring how many full working days (8-hour shifts) an average salaried worker needs to afford the device across 33 countries. The results highlight stark global income disparities and the true cost of premium smartphones.
Where the iPhone 17 Pro Is Most Affordable
At the top of the affordability rankings are Luxembourg and Switzerland, where workers need just three working days to buy the iPhone 17 Pro. Close behind are the United States, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, each requiring four days of work. These countries benefit from high average wages and relatively balanced pricing, making premium devices far more accessible.
Several developed economies sit comfortably in the mid-tier. Australia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Germany, and Canada require about five working days, while France and Sweden need six days. The United Kingdom and New Zealand stretch to seven days, still within a reasonable range for most consumers.
Middle of the Pack: Rising Cost Pressure
Affordability drops further in parts of Southern Europe and Asia. Singapore, Italy, and the UAE require eight days, while Spain pushes to nine days. In Central and Eastern Europe, the gap widens significantly: Czechia needs 12 days, Poland 17 days, Portugal 24 days, and Hungary 27 days.
Least Affordable Markets
The situation becomes far more challenging in emerging markets. Chile requires 32 working days, while Malaysia needs 45 days and Thailand 61 days. In Brazil, buyers must work 77 days, and in TÜrkiye, nearly 89 days.
At the bottom of the index are Southeast Asian markets and India. Vietnam (99 days) and the Philippines (101 days) cross the 100-day mark, while India ranks last, requiring a staggering 160 working days to afford the iPhone 17 Pro, nearly half a year of work.
What the iPhone Affordability Index Reveals
The iPhone Affordability Index underscores that flagship smartphone pricing is not just about the sticker price, but about local purchasing power, wages, and taxes. While Apple’s pricing may appear uniform globally, the real cost to consumers varies wildly, making premium smartphones a luxury in many regions.
For buyers, the data reinforces why financing plans, older models, and mid-range alternatives play a crucial role in markets like India and Southeast Asia. For Apple, it highlights the growing challenge of expanding premium sales in price-sensitive economies. In short, the iPhone 17 Pro may be the same device worldwide, but the effort required to own one is anything but equal.