Apple iPhone 17 Pro may launch with 256GB storage and $50 price rise, leak suggests

Highlights:

• Leaks suggest iPhone 17 prices will increase compared to the iPhone 16 range.
  
• The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to start with 256GB storage, up from 128GB on the iPhone 16 Pro.
  
• Price rises are likely linked to US tariffs on products made in China.
  
• Predicted prices put the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,049 and the Pro Max at $1,249.
  

A new leak claims that Apple will raise prices for the iPhone 17 series while also increasing base storage for the Pro model to 256GB. The move would mirror Apple’s past strategy of eliminating lower storage tiers while introducing a higher entry price.

Price rise reports

Industry speculation has pointed to an iPhone 17 price increase to offset US tariffs on products manufactured in China. Apple has been expanding production in India, but analysts say it is unlikely the company can meet total US launch demand from Indian facilities alone.

Apple reportedly absorbed these extra costs earlier this year, taking an estimated $900 million hit in Q2. Leakers Instant Digital and Setsuna Digital have both suggested a $50 increase for most models, though the base iPhone 17 may remain at its current price.

256GB starting storage for the Pro model

The iPhone 16 Pro currently starts at 128GB, with only the Pro Max offering 256GB as standard. According to the latest leak, the iPhone 17 Pro will start at 256GB storage – effectively adding around $100 in value compared to the previous base configuration.

Apple made a similar change with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, removing the 128GB tier and requiring buyers to purchase the 256GB version as the entry-level option.

It is unclear whether the iPhone 17 Pro Max will also see a storage bump, though most analysts believe it will remain at 256GB.

Expected line-up and pricing

If reports are correct, the pricing could be as follows:

• iPhone 17: $799
  
• iPhone 17 Pro (256GB): $1,049
  
• iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,249
  
• iPhone 17 Air: $949
  

The iPhone 17 Air’s price has raised concerns among commentators, who suggest its modest specifications may be a hard sell at this level, despite being the slimmest model in the range.

Looking ahead

Apple has not confirmed any details for the iPhone 17 series. If accurate, these changes would continue the company’s trend of balancing price increases with specification improvements, particularly for its Pro models.