Higher iPhone 17 Prices Expected, Pro Models to Start at 256GB Storage, Says Leaker

Apple is reportedly planning a price increase for the iPhone 17 lineup, with the Pro and Pro Max models set to start at 256GB of storage, according to a leaker known as Instant Digital. The shift eliminates the 128GB base option previously offered, aligning with a strategy seen in the iPhone 15 Pro Max launch. This change is expected to push the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro to approximately $1,049 and the Pro Max to $1,249, marking a $50 increase from their current base prices.

The decision to drop the 128GB tier follows a pattern where Apple adjusts storage configurations to reflect higher demand for larger capacities. The iPhone 15 Pro Max saw a similar move, with its base price rising to $1,199 for 256GB after removing the 128GB option. The leaker suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro models will maintain this trend, potentially offsetting the price hike by offering enhanced value through increased storage, though no additional hardware upgrades have been confirmed.

Analysts note that the price adjustment comes amid rising production costs and ongoing tariff pressures, which have cost Apple nearly a billion dollars quarterly. Despite exemptions from some larger tariffs on China, the financial impact is expected to grow in the coming months. The standard iPhone 17 is rumored to retain its $799 price point, while the new iPhone 17 Air, positioned as a mid-tier option, may start at $949. The Air’s unproven market segment and thinner design could face challenges at this price, especially if it lacks the storage bump seen in the Pro models.

The leaker’s claims remain unverified by Apple, and pricing details are subject to change as the September 2025 launch approaches. The move reflects Apple’s ongoing balancing act between premium pricing and consumer expectations in a competitive smartphone market.