The Apple smartphones have never been out of favor in Pakistan as far as the quality of the builds, performance and the brand value is considered. Apple iPhone 15 series has been among the most discussed flagship phone lines, yet since long ago, there is one significant problem that prevented potential buyers to purchase the phones: extremely high PTA taxes. This taxation made the end-cost of owning an iPhone in Pakistan to be high.
At the beginning of 2026, the government proposed a significant modification of the calculation of the PTA tax on the imported used and refurbished phones, which include iPhone 15 series. This was done to help to make taxes fair and within the real market values. This blog will tell you all the details of this new PTA tax reduction, display comparison tabs, and make you realize how this will impact on buying the iPhone 15 by Pakistani buyers.
Why iPhone 15 Carried High PTA Charges
The iPhone 15 models never failed to be the highest value category, which implied:
- Very high cost of registering PTA.
- There are several users who are not using PTA registration.
- The use of the iPhone on grey markets increases.
- These issues are to be specifically addressed by the latest decrease.
CNIC vs Passport Registration for iPhone 15
- Registration of a passport is still cheaper as compared to CNIC.
- Expatriate Pakistanis are able to save 15,00025,000 PKR per device.
- Both promote the registration of legal devices and minimise the use of the grey-market.
Benefits for iPhone 15 Users
- The PTA charges on flagship iPhones are now more reasonable.
- It is easier to be registered legally.
- Anticipated depreciation of non-PTA use of iPhones.
- Stabilization of the iPhone market of the used product in Pakistan.
Why the iPhone 15 Faced High PTA Charges
- High pricing of the devices in the foreign market.
- A large number of consumers, which contributes to the increase in grey-market imports.
- PTA charges in the past of tens of thousands of PKR per device.
In the past, users have had to pay up to more than 40 percent of the cost of a device as PTA fees, and therefore, most users have avoided legal registration and used smuggled or unregistered phones. Not only did it cost the tax revenue but it also augmented the possibilities of network blocking with non-PTA devices.
What Changed With the 2026 PTA Tax Revision?
Government reduced the official customs values of used and refurbished mobile phones and PTA began to apply these new values to calculate taxes. Since the base value upon which the tax will be calculated has reduced, the total amount of PTA fee that the buyers must pay when purchasing iPhone 15 series devices has also reduced significantly.
The new approach portrays the real-life prices observed in the markets of second-hand smartphones in the world compared to the past when computers incurred high old values. This is particularly on phones that are imported or phones that have been given back by the citizens. The shift is primarily in favor of used or refurbished devices, as opposed to brand-new, sealed devices sold locally but even new phones may be indirect beneficiaries as a result of more precise valuations.
Conclusion
The PTA reduces the tax on the Apple iPhone 15 series which is a ground breaker to the Pakistani mobile users. It makes flagship devices more affordable, promotes legal registration, and assists in stabilizing the market, as well as assisting in compliance with taxes. Consumers intending to import or register an iPhone 15 ought to take the issue seriously by doing so as soon as possible before they can enjoy such new, and lower prices. Registering through the official PTA Device Registration Portal is always necessary to check the correct details of PTA charges and activate the registration.
FAQs
1: Is tax on iPhone 15 series reduced in Pakistan?
Yes, government reduced the PTA tax on the Apple iPhone 15 series in 2026 after it revised customs values for smuggled used and refurbished phones. Since PTA tax is also computed on these values, it means that for many iPhone 15 models… the total amount that you will have to pay is now much less.
2: What is the percentage of PTA tax relief on iPhone 15 series?
The discount depends on the model and registration type. On an average, PTA duty has been slashed by 55% to 75%. Some models, for instance, that were previously taxed over Rs. 140,000 are now taxed for just Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000.
3: Is the PTA slashing applicable on passport as well as cnic registration?
Yes, the PTA tax cut will be applicable on both passport and CNIC registrations. However, in the majority of cases passport registration is still less expensive than cnic registration.
4: Is the PTA tax waiver on the high-end iPhone 15 as well?
This discount applies mainly to second-hand as well as refurbished iPhone 15 models brought into Pakistan. For the brand-new units in the retail stores, the price reduction might not be immediate; this is because their pricing is influenced by the dealers and the official distributors.
5: Does PTA registration still be required after the reduction of tax?
Yes, pta registration is still a must. The priced down tax notwithstanding, any imported iPhone 15 needs to be registered with the PTA before it can connect to the local mobile networks in Pakistan.
6: Can I get my iPhone 15 registered for less tax now?
You can avail the reduced PTA tax if the updated customs valuation covers your iPhone 15. You may register now and enjoy the lower tax, as the total tax amount is calculated automatically during the registration process.
7: What was the reason for the cut in government PTA tax for iPhone 15 series?
The government slashed the PTA tax to bring down customs values to actual market values; to promote registration of the phones, to curb smuggling, and to make high-end, premium smartphones accessible to consumers in Pakistan.
8: Is the PTA tax cut for good or for bad?
Presently, the tax relief falls under the amended customs valuation procedures. It will remain in force until further notification or policy revision by the government.
9: Are older iPhone models be eligible for the PTA tax reduction?
Yes, a number of older iPhone models will also receive revised customs values, particularly those brought in as used or refurbished units. But how much you save varies with the model and condition.
10: Is the PTA tax cut also applicable for non-Apple phones?
Yes the new customs valuation will be applicable on other smartphone brands as well besides Apple. However, the iPhone 15 series has attracted more attention because of its higher previous tax rates.
11: Is buying an imported iPhone 15 now safe after this tax update?
Yes, that’s safe as long as it is PTA-approved or can be registered legally. Buyers must always verify the PTA status of an imported phone before making a purchase.
12: How to Check PTA Tax on iPhone 15?
You can verify the PTA tax by putting in the IMEI number of your iPhone 15 in the pta registration system. Based on the present tax regulations, the system will Automatically Compute Tax Amount to Be Paid.
13: Is it the right time to purchase the iPhone 15 in Pakistan?
If you are looking for imported/used iPhone 15 models, this is a good time as there is now a lesser PTA tax. It lowers total expenditure and makes legal documentation cost-effective.