iPhone 17: How Much Will It Cost? Here’s What We Know So Far

As Apple gears up for the expected launch of the iPhone 17 this fall, rumors are swirling about everything from a sleeker design to major performance upgrades. But one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is: how much will it cost?

While Apple hasn’t made anything official, pricing predictions are already a hot topic. A mix of global tariffs, economic uncertainty, and feature enhancements could influence the final price tag.

Tariffs and Trade Wars Could Push Prices Up

Global trade tensions are once again putting pressure on tech pricing. Former President Trump’s renewed tariff threats could lead to a 25% levy on iPhones manufactured outside the U.S., with potential tariff hikes on goods from India and China—the two key countries where Apple assembles most of its phones.

For example, if tariffs on Indian imports jump from 10% to 26%, or China’s go from 30% to a staggering 145%, the base model iPhone 17 could see a hefty price increase. Here’s a rough look at what that might mean based on iPhone 16 pricing:

Model Current Price India Tariff (26%) China Tariff (145%)

iPhone 16 (128GB) $799 ~$1,107 ~$2,153

iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) $999 ~$1,385 ~$2,692

iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) $1,199 ~$1,662 ~$3,231

Note: These are estimates, not official Apple pricing.

Apple Might Raise Prices Regardless of Tariffs

Even without tariff complications, a price increase may be coming. Apple hasn’t raised the base iPhone price since 2020, and sources including The Wall Street Journal suggest the company is preparing for an across-the-board bump in 2025.

Improved components like additional RAM, a rumored ultrathin “iPhone 17 Air,” and AI-focused upgrades could serve as justification for the higher cost. Industry analysts expect a base model price increase of $50 to $150, potentially pushing it to $849–$949.

Could the Economy Be a Factor?

Uncertainty in the U.S. economy could also influence pricing decisions. High interest rates, inflation fears, and supply chain volatility may lead Apple to either raise prices—or hold off to remain competitive during an economic slowdown. The company might also look to recover costs through its subscription services like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple News+.

Will Older iPhones Stay Affordable?

One strategy for savings is to buy last year’s model, but if iPhone 17 prices rise sharply, demand for older iPhones might spike—possibly raising their resale value and even retail prices. Trading in an older iPhone when upgrading could also help offset the cost.

What About the iPhone 17 Air?

Leaked reports suggest the iPhone 17 Air could start around $900, similar to the current iPhone 16 Plus. However, tariffs and new hardware could push that price higher by launch day.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for a Higher Price Tag

While no one outside of Apple knows for sure how much the iPhone 17 will cost, the odds are stacking up toward a price increase—whether due to international trade policy, product improvements, or both.

One thing’s for sure: the closer we get to launch, the clearer the picture will become. If you're planning to upgrade, now might be a good time to lock in trade-in deals or explore financing options.

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