Consumer enthusiasm surrounding high-end smartphones has once again come to the forefront across the country. Following the official retail availability of the new iPhone 18 lineup, retail outlets witnessed massive gatherings of buyers waiting in lengthy lines for hours. While many customers arrived with pre-orders secured well in advance, others stood outside retail outlets overnight to get their hands on the latest hardware. Amid widespread conversation regarding the steep price tags of these premium handsets, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood shared a pointed social media post questioning public priorities without naming anyone directly.
Massive Queues Form Outside Retail Outlets in Major Metros
Retail stores in major urban centers including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru recorded overwhelming footfall right from the early hours of the morning. Several eager shoppers arrived outside store gates the previous night to ensure they were among the first to purchase the device. While numerous individuals had reserved their units prior to the launch date, many walked in early on launch morning hoping to purchase directly over the counter. Sonu Sood shared an image depicting this crowded scene outside Apple retail stores on X, offering critical commentary on the spectacle.
A Call for Social Responsibility and Online Support
Reflecting on the scene, Sonu Sood noted that buying a new phone on fresh installments leaves old financial burdens unchanged. He suggested that the time has arrived for citizens to stand in lines not merely to upgrade personal electronics, but to bring about real societal reform, stating that the true upgrade lies in shaping a better community. His remarks quickly gained traction across social platforms, drawing widespread agreement from internet users. Commenters noted that people often spend over 1.5 lakh rupees on devices primarily to consume short videos, standing in lines overnight to satisfy their personal vanity. Many expressed the hope that the country's youth would show similar passion toward community progress.
Pricing and Configurations for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max
Retail sales for both the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max commenced in India on September 18. According to manufacturer specifications, both flagship devices are offered in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB internal storage variants. In terms of domestic pricing, the iPhone 18 Pro carries an entry-level price of 1,64,900 rupees for the base 256GB version. The 512GB edition is priced at 1,89,900 rupees, the 1TB configuration costs 2,39,900 rupees, and the top 2TB storage variant reaches 3,14,900 rupees. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at 1,79,900 rupees for its base configuration, with the top-tier 2TB model priced up to 3,29,900 rupees.
Sonu Sood's Career Highlights and Recent Projects
Widely recognized for his roles in notable commercial hits such as Jodhaa Akbar, Singh Is Kinng, Dabangg, and Simmba, Sonu Sood has built a versatile profile in Indian cinema. Most recently, he made his directorial debut with the 2025 release Fateh. On that cinematic venture, the actor took on the dual responsibilities of lead actor, director, and producer.
