A Bengaluru woman has sparked a heated discussion online after revealing surprising price differences for the same products on Zepto, depending on whether the app is accessed via an Android or iPhone. Instagram user Pooja Chhabda conducted a simple test, where she discovered that products like fruits and vegetables were significantly more expensive for iPhone users. For instance, 500 grams of grapes were priced at Rs 65 on an Android device but cost Rs 146 on an iPhone. Similarly, capsicum was listed at Rs 37 on Android but jumped to Rs 69 on an iPhone. Shocked by the difference, Chhabda urged her followers to check if they, too, were unknowingly paying higher prices based on their devices.

Why Are iPhone Users Charged More?

Such pricing disparities aren’t entirely new in the digital landscape. Many platforms are believed to tweak prices based on perceived user demographics. iPhone users are typically perceived as having higher disposable incomes, prompting companies to conclude that they are more inclined to pay premium prices. While this pricing strategy is prevalent in e-commerce, it has ignited discussions regarding fairness and transparency within the digital shopping landscape.

Public Response to Pricing Inequities

The announcement swiftly gained traction, eliciting a variety of reactions from the public. Some users on social media perceived the situation with humor, making light of the concealed "status tax" associated with iPhone ownership. One user remarked, “Everything seems pricier for iPhone users. Guess status comes at a cost!” Others took a more critical approach, pointing out that pricing differences might not be limited to iPhone and Android but could extend to all premium devices. “It’s not just an iPhone versus Android issue. Premium phones always face price, availability, and delivery differences,” another user commented.

The Bigger Picture in Digital Shopping

Chhabda’s findings have raised questions about transparency in the e-commerce industry. While platforms may argue that such strategies are based on market segmentation, consumers are increasingly demanding fairness and uniform pricing. This incident underscores the necessity of exercising caution while engaging in online shopping, as device-based targeting can not only affect pricing but also impact product availability and delivery conditions. As discussions surrounding this matter intensify, Chhabda’s finding may represent merely the surface of more intricate pricing strategies yet to be revealed.