KARACHI: For years, Pakistan’s iPhone buyers have had to rely on local retailers who often charge whatever they wish for the latest Apple devices. Each time a new iPhone hits the global market, local shops seize the opportunity to cash in, especially in the absence of an official Apple store in the country.
This year was no different. Soon after the launch of the iPhone 17, prices skyrocketed, with some non-PTA iPhone 17 Pro variants reportedly selling for as high as Rs700,000. These phones, not registered with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, typically stop supporting local SIM cards after two months, yet they still attract buyers eager to get their hands on the newest model.
In the first ten days after launch, the demand far exceeded the supply. Distributors such as Mercantile and GNEXT, both key players in Pakistan’s tech market, had not yet received their PTA-approved stock, allowing shopkeepers to take full advantage. Prices have now eased somewhat, but the cycle of overpricing continues almost every year.
However, things might finally begin to change. Airlink Communication has announced plans to open Pakistan’s first official Apple retail store by the end of 2025, which could mark a major shift for Apple fans and the country’s broader tech retail landscape.
The announcement came during Airlink’s latest corporate briefing session, attended by Topline Securities. According to the report, the Apple store will be located inside Dolmen Mall Lahore and will operate alongside a Xiaomi outlet.
This development follows Airlink’s appointment last year as a premium partner for Apple in Pakistan. GNEXT Technologies, Apple’s authorised distributor in the country, selected Airlink to help expand structured retail access to Apple’s range of products. The partnership aims to give customers formal access to iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches and accessories, reducing dependence on grey market sellers.
Airlink expanding its tech portfolio
During the same briefing, Airlink also revealed it expects to receive a shipment of 10,000 Acer laptops by November. These will be completely built units (CBUs) introduced as part of a pilot project, with plans to begin local manufacturing if the initiative proves successful.
Additionally, the company said it is in talks with another international mobile brand for local manufacturing and distribution in Pakistan, although an official agreement has yet to be finalised.
If the official Apple store does open on schedule, it could finally bring fair pricing, authentic warranties, and proper customer support to Pakistani Apple users — something that has long been missing from the country’s growing smartphone market.