Bengaluru woman highlights Zepto's price disparity for grocery items on Android and iPhone. Watch

Internet users suggested that the pricing disparity might stem from perceived differences in user demographics.

A Bengaluru resident has uncovered evidence suggesting that quick-commerce platforms may be charging Apple and Android users differently for the same products. Instagram user Pooja Chhabda conducted an experiment on the Zepto platform and found that iPhone users were being charged significantly more than their Android counterparts.

Chhabda compared prices on Zepto using an iPhone and an Android device and documented a striking disparity. For instance, the price of 500 grams of grapes was Rs 65 on the Android phone but surged to Rs 146 on the iPhone—more than double the cost.

The trend was not limited to a single item. Chhabda also found that capsicum was listed at Rs 37 for Android users, while iPhone users were charged RS 69. She further checked the prices of other staples like cauliflower and onions, revealing consistent discrepancies.

Shocked by these findings, Chhabda shared the results with her Instagram followers, urging them to verify if they were also being charged differently based on the device they used. In her post, she questioned Zepto’s pricing practices, writing, "Why are you doing this @zeptonow??"

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A post shared by Digital Marketing Consultant | Social Media Trainer | Bangalore (@pc_pooja.chhabda)

Internet users suggested that the pricing disparity might stem from perceived differences in user demographics. E-commerce platforms often associate iPhone users with higher disposable incomes, leading to the assumption that they are willing to pay a premium.

This theory resonated with many commenters on Chhabda’s post. “I think the logic is when you can pay so much extra for the same features that are available on some Androids, then you must be willing to pay extra for everything,” wrote one user.

“If anyone knows how the Apple App Store works, they know the reason behind the difference. It’s not shocking, but a premium charged by Apple to the developer, which is indirectly paid by us,” another user added.

“It’s not an iPhone vs Android but cheap phones vs premium phones. You will see the differences not just in prices, but also availability, delivery times, etc,” theorised another.

Some users expressed frustration with the practice: “It’s a very serious issue, and if this continues, I will surely rethink continuing with iPhone,” one person wrote.

Others made light of the situation:“Status comes at a cost,” joked one commenter.

“You wanted an iPhone, so you have to pay Apple’s price,” quipped another.

Meanwhile, Zepto has not commented on the matter yet.