Tech giant slashes iPhone prices for the third time in 6 months, signaling an all-out pricing war in Israel’s heated smartphone market. Retailers and consumers gear up for aggressive discounts ahead of Passover.
In a dramatic move that underscores intensifying competition in Israel’s smartphone market, Apple has once again lowered the price tags on its flagship iPhones, ordering its official Israeli distributors to implement sweeping cuts of up to 8% on the iPhone 16 series — the third such reduction in just six months.
Starting April 1st, the new price list goes into effect, delivering price drops ranging from 200 to 400 shekels ($55–$110) across most iPhone 16 models. This aggressive pricing strategy appears aimed squarely at clawing back market share from Samsung, whose recent mobile launches have been eating into Apple’s dominance, according to industry analysts.
Apple has demanded that official distributors of its products in Israel reduce prices from April 1.
— InnA (@_innAI_) March 24, 2025
According to the new price list, the price reduction will be on average 8%.
In particular, prices will be reduced for the entire line of iPhone 16 smartphones.
Third Price Cut in Six Months Signals Strategic Shift
Apple's recent pricing trend is anything but coincidental. The company previously slashed prices in July and August 2024, and again in January 2025, with reductions averaging 200–300 shekels. The current round of cuts makes it clear: Apple is not surrendering the Israeli market without a fight.
While Apple has made no official comment on the motive behind the price changes, insiders suggest the answer is obvious. Samsung is surging. Its Galaxy devices are winning fans across the Israeli tech landscape, while Xiaomi continues to quietly expand, leaving legacy competitors in the dust.
Current iPhone 16 Price Ranges (Before April Cut)
According to leading Israeli price comparison site Zap, current iPhone 16 prices are as follows:
- iPhone 16 (128GB): 2,898–4,240 shekels ($800–$1,170)
- iPhone 16 (256GB): 3,299–4,599 shekels ($910–$1,270)
- iPhone 16 Pro (256GB): 4,299–5,734 shekels ($1,190–$1,590)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB): 6,289–8,100 shekels ($1,740–$2,240)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB): 5,688–6,979 shekels ($1,570–$1,930)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB): 4,808–6,075 shekels ($1,330–$1,680)
Post-discount, expect reductions of up to 400 shekels ($110) across the board.Eilat Advantage: Even Bigger Bargains in the Tax-Free Zone
In Eilat, where VAT is exempt, iPhones are already considerably cheaper, with some iPhone 16 models selling for as low as 4,099 shekels ($1,130). While the upcoming nationwide price drop may be smaller in Eilat, the southern city continues to be a paradise for Apple fans hunting for deals.
🔹 iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro & 14 Pro Max (2022) – 78M+ units sold (2022 only) 📉🔍 MASSIVE DOWNFALL IN SALES AGAIN #iphone #Israel #Apple #iPhoneSE4 #USAID pic.twitter.com/M1hcKVX8Fz
— Kavindu Dinal (@DinalKavindu) February 11, 2025
Price Freefall: Older iPhones See Massive Cuts
While Apple’s latest devices are getting trimmed, the real shockwaves are in previous-generation models, where prices have plummeted by up to 41%:
- iPhone 15 (128GB):
- Launch Price: 4,049 shekels ($1,120)
- Current High-End Price: 3,499 shekels ($970)
- At Discount Retailers: As low as 2,537 shekels ($700) — a 37% drop, even before April’s cuts.
- iPhone 15 Plus (128GB):
- Launch Price: 4,749 shekels ($1,310)
- Zap Price: 3,599 shekels ($990)
- Private Retailers: 2,799 shekels ($770) — a staggering 41% drop.
- iPhone 14 (128GB):
- Launch Price: 3,499 shekels ($970)
- Current: 2,138–3,099 shekels ($590–$860)
- iPhone 14 Plus (128GB):
- Launch Price: 4,090 shekels ($1,130)
- Now: 2,540–3,100 shekels ($700–$860)
These reductions position Apple’s older models as powerful contenders in the mid-range market, especially for younger buyers, students, and budget-conscious consumers.
Passover Promotions: Accessories, Bundles, and More
Despite the price drops, iPhones remain among the most premium-priced smartphones in Israel, often sold without essential accessories like chargers or headphones. However, in anticipation of Passover, many retailers — including Go Mobile and KSP — are expected to bundle in free extras or offer exclusive holiday packages.
Some retailers are even tossing in wireless chargers, cases, and Bluetooth earbuds — a clear attempt to sweeten the deal as consumers weigh their options between iPhone and Android alternatives.
BREAKING: Apple is working on two foldable devices!
— elizabeth campbell (@elizabethc89638) March 24, 2025
A foldable iPhone (bigger than iPhone 16 Pro Max)
A foldable iPad (19 inches!)
Prices could be SKY-HIGH
Would you buy a foldable Apple device?#iPhone16 #iphone16e #KimSeonHo #kimsoohyun #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines #ENHYPEN .
iPad Discounts Incoming
It’s not just iPhones getting the discount treatment. Apple is expected to roll out price cuts on iPads, too. For instance, the iPad 10.9” Wi-Fi (256GB) has already dropped from 2,739 shekels ($760) to 2,449 shekels ($680) — with further reductions potentially on the horizon.
Bottom Line: Apple Wakes Up to Market Reality
With three consecutive rounds of price cuts and a shrinking lead over Samsung, Apple is recalibrating its Israel strategy. No longer relying solely on brand loyalty and prestige pricing, the tech giant appears ready to fight tooth and nail to remain a dominant force in Israeli mobile tech.
Consumers — especially savvy shoppers — stand to benefit the most. Between aggressive price wars, Passover bundles, and a weakening shekel, 2025 may be the best year yet to upgrade to an iPhone.