Tech News

Apple opposes a right-to-repair bill that would diminish its control over device repairs.

Apple claims to support the right-to-repair movement but testified against a new law in Oregon that would limit parts pairing.

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

Cosbom

Apple, despite supporting a right-to-repair bill in California, has been observed lobbying against a similar bill in Oregon that aims to prohibit the practice of parts pairing. Parts pairing is a strategy employed by companies like Apple to control the repair process fully. During a hearing on Oregon’s right-to-repair bill, cybersecurity expert Tarah Wheeler shared footage and testimony highlighting Apple’s resistance to relinquishing control over repairs. John Perry, Apple’s senior manager for the secure design team, argued that parts pairing is utilized to simplify repairs while maintaining device and data security.

The proposed bill in Oregon, SB 1596, mandates companies to provide documentation, tools, and parts necessary for customers and independent repair shops to fix faulty products. In contrast to California’s right-to-repair bill, the Oregon legislation also addresses parts pairing, a practice that restricts customers from repairing devices with aftermarket parts.

Right to Repair Testimony with Tarah Wheeler

SB 1596:

An original equipment manufacturer may not use parts pairing to:

(A) Prevent or inhibit an independent repair provider or owner from installing or enabling the function of a replacement part or component of consumer electronic equipment, including a replacement part or component that the original equipment manufacturer has not approved;

(B) Reduce the functionality or performance of consumer electronic equipment; or

(C) Cause consumer electronic equipment to display unnecessary or misleading alerts or warnings about unidentified parts, particularly if the alerts or warnings cannot be dismissed.

In certain instances, Apple mandates users to “pair” replacement parts such as batteries and screens with their device using Apple’s System Configuration tool. If the part is not authenticated as being from Apple, users may encounter bothersome notifications indicating that the installed part is not genuine, and features like Face ID may fail to function properly. An article from iFixit elaborates on how Apple, along with numerous other manufacturers, has expanded the utilization of parts pairing across various electronic devices. The article includes a graph illustrating the growth in the percentage of paired parts in iPhones over the years.

During the hearing, Perry asserted that the bill’s stance on parts pairing would compromise the security, safety, and privacy of Oregonians by compelling device manufacturers to permit the use of parts of unknown origin in consumer devices. He also noted that Apple has updated the parts pairing process, eliminating the need for customers to contact Apple support when installing a new part.

Perry emphasized that consumers should have the freedom to choose which parts they use for repair, as long as the device transparently records the repair history and the use of the part does not jeopardize consumer safety, security, or privacy.

After years of opposition to the right to repair movement, Apple announced a new initiative last October to provide customers with access to parts, tools, and documents. Additionally, the company introduced a Self Service Repair program, initially for a selection of iPhones and Macs, which it continues to expand.

Oregon-Senate-Bill-SB-1596

Tech News

iPhone 17 Pricing Shock: India Faces Steepest Price Increases in Apple History

Apple just unveiled the iPhone 17 series with some of the steepest price increases ever seen in India—the iPhone 17 Pro Max now starts at a jaw-dropping ₹1,59,990, and even the ‘budget’ iPhone 17 Air costs ₹99,990. Here’s why Indian consumers are getting hit hardest by Apple’s new pricing strategy.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2025

Cosbom

The numbers are in from Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event, and for Indian consumers, they’re genuinely shocking. What was once considered expensive is now entering luxury car territory, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max starting at ₹1,59,990—making it the most expensive iPhone ever launched in India.

Segments

The Price Breakdown: Prepare Your Wallet

Here’s how Apple’s new pricing structure breaks down across the iPhone 17 lineup in India:

iPhone 17 Series India Pricing:

iPhone 17: ₹89,990 (up from ₹79,900 for iPhone 16)
iPhone 17 Air: ₹99,990 (replacing the Plus model)
iPhone 17 Pro: ₹1,29,900 (up from ₹1,19,900 for iPhone 16 Pro)
iPhone 17 Pro Max: ₹1,59,990 (up from ₹1,34,900 for iPhone 16 Pro Max)

That’s a ₹25,000 increase for the Pro Max model alone—enough to buy a decent mid-range Android phone.

Comparison of iPhone prices in India: 2007 iPhone 3G at ₹31,000 vs 2024 iPhone 16 at ₹79,900 with improved storage

The iPhone 17 Air: Premium Pricing for Compromised Features

Perhaps the most controversial pricing decision is the iPhone 17 Air at ₹99,990. This ultra-thin device, measuring just 5.5mm thick, replaces the iPhone 16 Plus but costs ₹10,000 more than its predecessor.

iPhone with ultra-thin design and single rear camera on a marble surface.

What you get for ₹99,990:

6.6-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate
A19 chip (not the Pro version)
Single rear camera (48MP)
Ultra-thin design prioritizing aesthetics over functionality

What you lose:

Dual camera system
Longer battery life (due to thinness constraints)
Advanced Pro features like ProRAW photography

The pricing suggests Apple is betting Indian consumers will pay premium prices for design over functionality—a risky gamble in a price-sensitive market.

Currency Impact vs. Global Pricing Strategy

Apple’s Indian pricing has historically followed a simple formula: $1 = ₹100. But with the current exchange rate at around ₹87 to the dollar, Apple appears to be padding prices beyond currency fluctuations.

Global Pricing Comparison:

US: iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199
India: ₹1,59,990 (equivalent to $1,839 at current rates)
Effective markup: Nearly 53% over US pricing

This means Indian consumers are paying significantly more than their global counterparts, even accounting for taxes and import duties.

Comparison of iPhone 16 prices across multiple countries in respective currencies showing regional price differences.

The Make in India Paradox

Here’s what makes these price increases particularly frustrating: Apple is now manufacturing all four iPhone 17 models in India through facilities including Tata Group’s plant in Hosur and Foxconn’s Bengaluru unit.

Despite local production—which should theoretically reduce costs—Apple has chosen to increase prices across the board. This suggests the company is prioritizing profit margins over the cost benefits of local manufacturing.

What ₹1.6 Lakh Gets You (And What It Doesn’t)

For the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s ₹1,59,990 starting price, you get:

6.9-inch display with ProMotion
A19 Pro chip with improved graphics
Triple 48MP camera system with 8K video recording
Enhanced thermal management
Wi-Fi 7 support
256GB base storage (finally)

But here’s the reality check: That same ₹1.6 lakh could buy:

A flagship Android phone + a premium laptop
A decent motorcycle
2-3 years of iPhone 16 Pro usage at current depreciation rates
A significant down payment on a car

The Festive Season Gamble

Apple’s timing is strategic but risky. Launching these prices just before India’s festive season—traditionally the biggest sales period—suggests confidence that Indian consumers will absorb the shock.

Pre-order and availability:

Pre-orders: September 12
General availability: September 19
Festive season discounts: Unlikely for at least 3-6 months

The Competition Advantage

These price increases hand significant advantages to competitors:

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (expected around ₹1,20,000):

Similar flagship features at ₹40,000 less
More storage options
Better zoom capabilities

OnePlus, Xiaomi, and other flagship killers now have a massive pricing umbrella to operate under, potentially offering 80% of iPhone features at 50% of the cost.

Why Apple Thinks It Can Get Away With This

Despite the sticker shock, Apple’s pricing strategy isn’t entirely irrational:

Brand loyalty: iPhone users tend to stick with the ecosystem
EMI culture: Many buyers focus on monthly payments rather than total cost
Status symbol: iPhones remain aspirational products in India
Trade-in programs: Older iPhone values help offset upgrade costs

The Real Winners and Losers

Winners:

Apple shareholders (obviously)
Android flagship manufacturers getting pricing umbrella
Older iPhone models getting extended life cycles

Losers:

Indian consumers facing 15-25% price increases
First-time iPhone buyers priced out of the ecosystem
Small retailers unable to move premium inventory

What This Means for the Market

Apple’s aggressive pricing could backfire in a market where smartphone penetration is still growing and price sensitivity remains high. While the company has successfully positioned iPhones as luxury products, there’s a limit to how much the market will bear.

The success of these prices will largely determine whether other premium brands follow suit or use this as an opportunity to gain market share with more reasonable pricing.

Bottom Line: Apple is betting that Indian consumers’ desire for iPhones is price-inelastic. The next few quarters will reveal whether they’re right—or whether they’ve finally priced themselves out of significant market growth.

Will you be upgrading to the iPhone 17 series at these prices, or are these increases finally pushing you toward alternatives? Let us know in the comments.

Tech News

Live Coverage: Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event (September 9, 2025)

We’re here with the latest on iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2025

Cosbom

As the world tunes in tonight, here’s Cosbom’s live blog starting at 10:30 PM IST with play-by-play announcements, pricing details, and instant analysis of every major reveal.

10:30 PM — Keynote Kickoff
Tim Cook welcomes the world with “Awe Dropping” title graphics. Live stream quality is crisp, and social feeds are already buzzing.

10:35 PM — AirPods Pro 3

H3 chip, improved ANC, live translation, heart-rate monitoring, improved battery life.

Pricing: $249.

10:40 PM — Apple Watch Series 11 & Ultra 3

Series 11 adds blood-pressure monitoring, brighter display.
Ultra 3 gains satellite texting, advanced health sensors.
Pricing: Series 11 starts at ₹39,990; Ultra 3 at ₹79,900 (India).

10:58 PM — iPhone 17

Dual-lens camera, A19 chip, 6.1″ display.
Price in India: ₹89,990.

11:10 PM — iPhone 17 Air

Ultra-thin 5.5 mm chassis in five colors.
6.6″ 120 Hz display, A19 chip, single 48 MP rear camera.
Price in India: ₹99,990.

11:25 PM — iPhone 17 Pro

Triple-48 MP camera, “horizontal bar” design, 256 GB base.
ProMotion 120 Hz, A19 Pro chip.
Price in India: ₹1,29,900.

11:35 PM — iPhone 17 Pro Max

6.9″ display, advanced thermal system, Wi-Fi 7 support.
256 GB base storage.
Price in India: ₹1,59,990.

11:45 PM — HomePod & Services

HomePod 2 gets spatial audio.
Apple One bundle adds Fitness+ AI-powered workouts.

11:50 PM — Pre-orders & Availability

Pre-orders begin Sept 12 at 5 AM PT (6:30 PM IST).
In-store launch: Sept 19.
iOS/iPadOS/macOS updates roll out Sept 16.

11:50 PM — Closing Remarks
Tim Cook thanks developers and customers. Stream ends with “See you next year” teaser and product montage.

Key Takeaways:

Indian pricing jumps: Air at ₹99,990; Pro Max at ₹1,59,990.
Software rollout (iOS 26, macOS 26) synced with hardware release.
Apple doubles down on health features across wearables.

Stay tuned for in-depth hands-on reviews, detailed feature analyses, and comparison guides coming soon!

This page is being updated live, please reload the page if you don’t see the latest updates. You can also head on to our Live Streams section at live.cosbom.com

Tech News

Apple’s “Awe Dropping” Event: iPhone 17 Air and Everything to Expect This Tuesday

Apple’s biggest product launch in years is just 48 hours away, and the iPhone 17 Air could be the most radical iPhone redesign since the iPhone X. Here’s everything we know about Tuesday’s event.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2025

Cosbom

Apple’s highly anticipated fall event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 at 10 AM PT (10:30 PM IST), promising what could be the company’s biggest product refresh in years.

Concept render of iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air showing their rear designs and camera setups

The iPhone 17 Lineup:

iPhone 17 Air: Ultra-thin at just 5.5mm thick, 6.6-inch 120Hz display, A19 chip
iPhone 17 Pro: Starting at $1,099 (up $100), 256GB base storage
iPhone 17 Pro Max: Redesigned camera system
Standard iPhone 17: Expected pricing and specs

Major Software Updates:
Apple will announce the official release dates for its 2025 software lineup, all numbered with “26” to represent the September 2025-2026 season:
iOS 26: Features the new “Liquid Glass” user interface, redesigned Camera app, enhanced ChatGPT integration, improved Apple Intelligence capabilities
iPadOS 26: Introduces a completely new windowing system, Preview app for iPad, enhanced Files app with folder customization, Background Tasks for intensive operations
macOS Tahoe 26: New features and improvements for Mac users
watchOS 26: Updated features for Apple Watch
visionOS 26: Updates for Vision Pro headset
The iOS 26 public release is expected around September 15-16, with release candidates available immediately after the September 9 event.