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Recent leaks point to Apple making a notable shift in pricing strategy for its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, potentially starting at $1,049, a $50 increase over the current iPhone 16 Pro, but with the base storage doubled to 256 GB, up from 128 GB. This information comes from Instant Digital, a Chinese leaker who has held firm on this claim for a few months now.
Since the iPhone X in 2017, Apple’s Pro models have retained a starting price of $999. If the iPhone 17 Pro indeed launches at $1,049, this would mark the end of that eight‑year pricing streak.
Industry analysts argue that the $50 bump is largely driven by higher component costs and U.S. tariffs on Chinese‑manufactured devices, factors Apple may now be passing on to consumers. Doubling the base storage could soften the blow, allowing Apple to present the adjustment as a value upgrade rather than a mere price hike.
Check out my full iPhone 16 Pro Max review!
Research shows that approximately half of iPhone buyers already opt for storage tiers above the base. Whether this new pricing strategy shifts that trend will be a key outcome that Apple will be looking for.
Pricing Across the iPhone 17 Lineup
Leaked pricing estimates suggest the full iPhone 17 lineup may include:
- Standard iPhone 17: $799
- iPhone 17 Air: $949
- iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB): $1,049
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,249
These tentative figures align with a widespread expectation that the premium 2025 models will carry a $50 premium over the iPhone 16 series. The shift also allows Apple to slot in the iPhone 17 Air at a price point between the standard iPhone 17 and 17 Pro.
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 family in early to mid‑September 2025, with various sources pinpointing a 9th September announcement and potential launch in the second half of the month.
