Same quantity, different prices: Zepto price difference on Android, iPhone leaves netizens stunned

Vinita Singh, a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Horse Power, recently highlighted discriminatory pricing on Zepto for Android and iPhone users. Sharing two screenshots on LinkedIn, she demonstrated how the same product (a 500g pack of capsicum) was priced at Rs 21 on an Android device but Rs 107 on an iPhone, a whopping fivefold increase in price. Singh noted that both screenshots were captured simultaneously and questioned the rationale behind such a significant price difference. 
 
“Zepto, is there any clarification for this? First Screenshot: Android. Second Screenshot: iPhone,” Singh wrote while sharing the screenshots on LinkedIn. “Both the screenshots were taken at the same time, this morning. But why such difference, Zepto?” she asked, tagging the founders of the quick-commerce platform.

Her post quickly went viral, gaining traction on X (formerly Twitter) and sparking widespread discussions. Many users shared similar experiences of price discrepancies on various platforms. Some speculated that the higher pricing for iPhone users could be due to Apple's app store policies. “It’s the Apple. They charge vendors up to 35% percentage of all in-app purchases. So, when you pay for it on their app, Apple takes 35% of it,” wrote one X user. However, others clarified that these fees apply only to digital goods, not physical products.  

Take a look at her post here.

The incident has highlighted the growing scrutiny of digital platforms' pricing practices. Last week, the Consumer Protection Authority issued notices to cab service providers Ola and Uber for allegedly charging different rates based on the customer’s operating system. On January 23, Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi addressed the issue in a post on X, emphasizing the need for fairness in pricing models.  

Singh’s case is not isolated. Another Bengaluru woman backed her post by pointing out the pricing discrepancies on Zepto. Many believe that such disparities stem from assumptions about iPhone users' higher disposable incomes, prompting companies to charge them more. The debate continues, with consumers demanding accountability from quick commerce platforms like Zepto.