The iPhone 17 lineup is gearing up for its grand reveal, likely on September 9, and rumors suggest a noticeable bump in price this year.
Economic pressures, potential tariffs, and a series of meaningful upgrades are all contributing to what could be at least a $50 increase across models.
Apple’s new range is expected to include the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Reports indicate design changes, improved selfie cameras, and possibly larger batteries, with the Pro models rumored to start at 256GB of storage-ditching the 128GB option entirely, just like the iPhone 15 Pro Max did last year.
Speculative pricing places the iPhone 17 starting around $849 for the base model, the Air at $949, and the Pro versions climbing higher, with the Pro Max potentially hitting $1,249 for 256GB. The Air could even reach $1,099 if Apple decides to match Samsung’s thin Galaxy S25 Edge pricing strategy.
While tariffs have been delayed, giving Apple more breathing room to negotiate, analysts agree that a global, product-specific tariff might not survive legal challenges. Still, with inflation and component costs rising, a $50 hike seems inevitable, especially after five years of relatively steady iPhone pricing.
Competitors like Samsung have kept their Galaxy S25 prices unchanged from last year, and Google is expected to do the same with the Pixel 10 lineup-except for the Pixel Pro XL, which might see a $100 jump if it follows Apple’s move to 256GB minimum storage.
For buyers worried about the upfront cost, carriers are expected to roll out aggressive promotions, trade-in bonuses, and installment plans. A well-kept current iPhone could shave a significant chunk off the price of an upgrade.
Feature-wise, the standard iPhone 17 is finally tipped to get a 120Hz refresh rate display, delivering smoother scrolling and animations. The Pro models may gain a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with up to 10x lossless zoom, redesigned camera housing, and even 8K video recording. The Air’s claim to fame will be its super-slim build-possibly making it one of the sleekest phones ever released.
With less than a month to go until Apple’s event, speculation will soon give way to facts. Whether the upgrades justify the higher price will be up to buyers, but if Apple delivers on these rumors, the iPhone 17 series could set a new benchmark in design and performance.