iPhone 17 Pro Costs 6 Workdays in Singapore, 60 in Hanoi

iPhone Affordability in Southeast Asia: A Wide Gap Between Cities

A recent study has revealed significant differences in the affordability of the latest Apple iPhone 17 Pro across various cities in Southeast Asia. The research highlights how economic conditions, income levels, and cost of living play a crucial role in determining how long it takes for an average worker to purchase the device.

In Singapore, an average worker can afford the iPhone 17 Pro in just six workdays. This remarkable figure is attributed to the city-state’s high average income and relatively stable cost of living. Singapore tops the list of 11 cities analyzed in the study, which includes major urban centers across the region.

Following Singapore is Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan, where workers need 13 days of work to buy the 256GB version of the iPhone 17 Pro. The study assumes that the average worker is purchasing this specific model, which provides a fair comparison between cities.

Other cities show varying degrees of affordability. In Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, it takes 20 days of work to afford the device, while in Indonesia’s Jakarta, the time required increases to 30 days. Thailand’s Bangkok requires 32 days, and the Philippines’ Manila sees an average of 50 days needed for a worker to purchase the iPhone 17 Pro.

Hanoi, Vietnam, ranks among the least affordable cities for the iPhone 17 Pro. An average worker in Hanoi needs approximately two months of work to afford the device, which is priced at around VND35 million (US$1,325). This places Vietnam as the 12th cheapest market for the iPhone 17 Pro globally, with the United States leading the list, followed by Hong Kong and Canada.

The demand for the latest Apple products in Vietnam remains strong, despite the high price. On September 18, buyers in Hanoi queued overnight to purchase the new iPhone 17 Pro, particularly the most expensive Pro Max model. This model is available at a price of up to VND64 million for the 2TB version, reflecting the premium nature of the latest Apple technology.

The study also included other cities in Southeast Asia, such as those in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, and Myanmar. In these regions, the time required for an average worker to afford the iPhone 17 Pro ranges from 63 to 111 days. These figures highlight the economic disparities within the region and the challenges faced by workers in less developed areas.

The data used in the study comes from multiple sources, including cost of living platforms like Numbeo and recruitment platforms such as Talentnet. These sources provide a comprehensive view of the economic landscape in each city, allowing for accurate comparisons.

Overall, the findings underscore the importance of income levels and cost of living in determining access to high-end technology. While some cities in Southeast Asia offer relatively easy access to the latest devices, others face significant barriers due to lower wages and higher living costs. As technology continues to evolve, the gap between affluent and less affluent regions is likely to remain a pressing issue for policymakers and economists alike.