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How Many Days of Work Are Needed to Afford the iPhone 16 Pro in 2025?
As technology continues to evolve, so does the price of the latest gadgets. The iPhone 16 Pro (128 GB), released in 2025, remains a symbol of cutting-edge innovation. But how long does it take for people around the world to earn enough to buy this smartphone? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the number of working days required to afford the iPhone 16 Pro across a variety of countries, based on the latest data from the iPhone Index in mid-2025.
Switzerland Leads as the Most Affordable Country for the iPhone 16 Pro
Only 4 days of work needed – a remarkable feat, placing Switzerland at the top of the affordability chart. High average wages and relatively stable prices make it easier for Swiss consumers to pocket the latest Apple device quickly. Swiss workers enjoy a strong economy and high purchasing power, enabling them to snag the new iPhone in less than a week.
The United States: Slightly More Time Needed Than Switzerland
Just over 5 days – Americans need an average of 5.1 workdays to afford the iPhone 16 Pro. Despite rising prices, the U.S. wages keep pace, allowing tech enthusiasts to plan their purchase roughly within a workweek. The country’s competitive job market and strong consumer economy influence affordability levels.
Australia and Singapore: Nearly 6 Workdays
Australia: 5.7 days
Singapore: 5.7 days
Both nations show similar figures, reflecting their robust economies and high average incomes. Consumers in these countries are accustomed to premium electronics, which are relatively more accessible compared to other regions.
Luxembourg: Just Over 6 Days
Luxembourg: 6.1 days
This small European nation, known for its financial strength, has a workforce that can afford the latest iPhone within a little more than half a week of work.
Denmark and the United Arab Emirates: Around a Week and a Half
Denmark: 6.7 days
UAE: 7.3 days
Denmark’s high wages and UAE’s booming economy make it relatively uncomplicated for residents to purchase new tech gadgets within a week or so of working days.
Canada and Norway: Closer to 8 Workdays
Canada: 7.6 days
Norway: 7.7 days
North American and Scandinavian countries maintain strong economies, but the slightly longer days reflect differences in average wages and price levels.
New Zealand and Ireland: Just Over a Week
New Zealand: 7.8 days
Ireland: 8 days
These nations have stable economies with average income levels that require around a week of labor to buy the new Apple device.
The UK and Germany: Around 9 Days
UK: 9.1 days
Germany: 9.1 days
As Europe’s economic powerhouses, both countries demonstrate similar affordability levels, requiring nearly a week and a half of work to afford the latest iPhone.
South Korea and France: Close to 10 Days of Work
South Korea: 9.7 days
France: 9.8 days
Strong consumer markets and competitive wages keep the iPhone within reach in these technologically advanced countries.
Belgium and Hong Kong: About 10 to 11 Days
Belgium: 10.3 days
Hong Kong: 10.4 days
Residents here need approximately a week and a half to a little over a week of labor to buy the device, reflecting high living costs but steady wage levels.
Japan and Spain: Around 12 to 15 Days
Japan: 12.4 days
Spain: 14.9 days
Japanese workers still find the iPhone attainable in a little over a couple of weeks, while Spanish consumers need nearly two weeks to afford the device.
Italy, Taiwan, and Poland: About 16 to 19 Days
Italy: 16 days
Taiwan: 18.3 days
Poland: 18.6 days
These figures indicate moderate affordability levels compared to Western Europe, with local income levels playing a big role.
Portugal and China: Over 23 Days
Portugal: 23.1 days
China: 24.7 days
In these regions, it takes nearly a month of standard working days to purchase the iPhone. The significant disparity is driven by differing wages and living costs.
Emerging Economies: From Malaysia to Turkey
Malaysia: 25.3 days
Greece: 26.6 days
Mexico: 40.3 days
Thailand: 42.3 days
India: 47.6 days
Vietnam: 53.1 days
Brazil: 68.6 days
Philippines: 68.8 days
Turkey: 72.9 days
For many developing nations, the high number of workdays underscores the economic challenges faced by consumers striving to keep pace with technological advancements. In many of these countries, it requires more than a month of consistent work to afford the latest iPhone.
Key Takeaways in 2025
- The most affordable nations include Switzerland, the U.S., Australia, Singapore, and Luxembourg.
- Countries like India, Vietnam, and Turkey experience significantly longer durations, highlighting income disparities globally.
- The cost of cutting-edge technology remains a barrier for many in emerging markets, emphasizing the ongoing digital divide.
- As wages and economies evolve, these numbers will fluctuate, but the trend underscores that a premium smartphone like the iPhone 16 Pro continues to be a luxury for many worldwide.
These insights reflect the current global economic landscape and highlight the disparities in purchasing power around the world. As technology becomes more integral to daily life, understanding affordability helps shed light on the broader issues of economic inequality.
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