Pre-orders for Apple iPhone 7 on Flipkart starts tonight

Last week, Apple struck a deal with e-commerce major Flipkart to sell iPhone 7 models on its platform.

"Flipkart will offer iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus... beginning on October 7," Flipkart said in a statement.

Apple enthusiasts can indeed pre-order the phones from tonight, September 29 at 23:59 hours from the company's website.

Bengaluru-based e-commerce portal is sourcing iPhone 7 directly from Apple this time, unlike previous years when it would source the phones from third-party sellers.

Unveiled earlier this month, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus would be available in India at a starting price of Rs 60,000.

The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be available in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB storage variants in silver, gold and rose gold colours. The new jet black colour variant will come only in 128GB and 256GB variants.

Apart from greater credibility, the partnership will also have some significant, material benefits as well. Flipkart, which has the largest etail market share in India, generates a major chunk of its revenues from sales of smartphones. Multiple smartphone brands, including Motorola and LeEco, sell exclusively on Flipkart.

The deal will ensure that Flipkart’s cost of obtaining these devices will be driven down leading to greater margins and increased profits for the company. This should surely help the company in the coming festive season and give it an edge over its rival, Amazon.