As Apple gears up for its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series unveiling on September 9, 2025, a new report from TrendForce has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike, predicting significant price increases for three of the four models in the upcoming lineup. According to the report, while the base iPhone 17 is expected to maintain its predecessor’s starting price, the iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max could see substantial cost jumps compared to their iPhone 16 counterparts, potentially making them some of the priciest iPhones yet.
The TrendForce report, released on September 4, 2025, outlines a detailed pricing structure for the iPhone 17 series, which is expected to include four models: the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The base iPhone 17 is forecasted to retain the iPhone 16’s starting price of $799 for the 128GB model, with higher storage tiers priced at $899 for 256GB and $1,099 for 512GB. This pricing stability positions the standard iPhone 17 as the most budget-friendly option in the lineup, appealing to cost-conscious consumers seeking Apple’s latest technology without breaking the bank.
However, the report suggests that the iPhone 17 Air, a new addition replacing the iPhone 16 Plus, could start at a steep $1,099 for 256GB of storage—$200 more than the iPhone 16 Plus with equivalent storage. Additional storage options for the Air are projected at $1,299 for 512GB and $1,499 for 1TB. This significant price increase has raised eyebrows, as the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to prioritize a sleek, ultra-thin design over features like advanced camera systems or larger battery capacity, potentially making it a harder sell at such a premium.
The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are also expected to see price hikes. The iPhone 17 Pro is tipped to start at $1,199 for 256GB, a $200 increase over the iPhone 16 Pro’s $999 starting price for 128GB, though the base storage increase to 256GB adds some value. Higher storage configurations for the Pro are projected at $1,399 for 512GB and $1,599 for 1TB. The iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple’s top-tier offering, is expected to start at $1,299 for 256GB, with 512GB and 1TB models priced at $1,499 and $1,699, respectively. These figures represent a $100-$200 increase over the iPhone 16 Pro Max, depending on storage capacity.
The reported price hikes are attributed to rising production costs, including new tariffs on components and manufacturing in countries like China and India, as well as upgraded hardware such as the A19 and A19 Pro chips, 12GB of RAM for the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models, and advanced 120Hz ProMotion displays across the entire lineup. The iPhone 17 Air’s premium pricing is also seen as a strategic move to position it as a competitor to high-end devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, emphasizing design differentiation over raw specifications.
While these price predictions are compelling, they are not set in stone. Recent rumors, including estimates from J.P. Morgan, suggested more modest price increases for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, with the Air potentially starting as low as $899-$949. This discrepancy has fueled cautious optimism among analysts that Apple might mitigate the impact of tariff-related costs or adjust pricing to maintain competitiveness. The iPhone 17 series is also expected to introduce significant upgrades, including a redesigned camera system, enhanced thermal management, and a 24MP front camera across all models, which could justify the higher costs for some consumers.
With Apple’s “Awe Dropping” event just days away, the tech community is buzzing with anticipation. Pre-orders are expected to begin on September 12, with retail availability likely starting on September 19. As consumers weigh the rumored innovations against the potential price increases, the base iPhone 17 may emerge as the standout value option, while the Air, Pro, and Pro Max will need to deliver exceptional features to justify their premium price tags.
