{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Long Queues at Apple Stores Prompt Actor Sonu Sood to Call for Social Upgrade",
  "summary": "Reacting to massive crowds lining up outside retail outlets for the newly launched iPhone 18 lineup, actor Sonu Sood urged people to prioritize uplifting society over upgrading gadgets.",
  "content": "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.\n\nMassive Queues Form Outside Retail Outlets in Major Metros\nRetail 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.\n\nA Call for Social Responsibility and Online Support\nReflecting 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.\n\nPricing and Configurations for iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max\nRetail 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.\n\nSonu Sood's Career Highlights and Recent Projects\nWidely 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.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThe arrival of the new flagship device lineup directly impacts consumer budgets and tech purchasing plans.\n\n• Financial Outlay: The new Pro models range from 1,64,900 rupees to 3,29,900 rupees across storage tiers. Prospective buyers must carefully evaluate their finances and installment commitments before purchasing.\n• Storage Choices: Both devices are officially available starting September 18 in four configurations ranging from 256GB to 2TB. Consumers can pick the capacity matching their professional and personal workflow needs.\n• Store Logistics: Major stores in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are witnessing heavy crowds and wait times. Shoppers can consider advance reservations or home delivery to avoid waiting in line.\n• Consumer Mindset: The public discussion highlights the balance between luxury tech consumption and practical utility. Buyers are encouraged to weigh true feature requirements against spending significant sums on prestige.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe nationwide launch of Apple's flagship smartphone lineup drew massive retail crowds, triggering a pointed public reaction from actor Sonu Sood.\n\n• Retail Launch: Sales for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max officially commenced across Indian retail stores on September 18. Enthusiasm to secure the newest devices prompted shoppers to line up overnight and early in the morning.\n• Actor's Reaction: Observing the crowded lines outside stores, the actor questioned excessive consumerism and financial priorities. He emphasized that standing in lines to upgrade phones should be secondary to driving social improvement.\n• Community Resonance: Social media users echoed the sentiment, noting that substantial spending on luxury devices often exceeds practical needs. This shared viewpoint caused the actor's statement to trend across online platforms.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What did Sonu Sood say regarding the queues for the iPhone 18?\nSonu Sood remarked that people should line up to bring positive changes to society rather than just upgrading phones and managing new EMIs, emphasizing that the true upgrade is creating a better society.\n\n2. When did sales for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max start in India?\nOfficial sales for both devices commenced across India on September 18.\n\n3. What are the prices for the iPhone 18 Pro in India?\nThe iPhone 18 Pro starts at 1,64,900 rupees for 256GB, with the 512GB version costing 1,89,900 rupees, the 1TB edition priced at 2,39,900 rupees, and the 2TB model at 3,14,900 rupees.\n\n4. What is the price range for the iPhone 18 Pro Max?\nThe iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at 1,79,900 rupees and reaches up to 3,29,900 rupees for the top-end 2TB storage variant.\n\n5. Which film marked Sonu Sood's recent directorial debut?\nSonu Sood made his directorial debut with the 2025 film Fateh, in which he also starred and served as producer.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/entertainment/apple-storsa-para-lagi-lnbi-kataron-ke-bicha-abhineta-sonu-sood-ne-samaja-sudhara-ki-apila-ki-34532",
  "category": "Entertainment",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-19",
  "tags": [
    "Sonu Sood",
    "iPhone 18",
    "Apple",
    "Bollywood",
    "Smartphone",
    "iPhone 18 Pro"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}