Apple is gearing up for a pricing shake-up with the highly anticipated iPhone 17 Pro, expected to launch in September 2025. According to credible leaks from Chinese source Instant Digital, Apple plans to raise the base price of the iPhone 17 Pro to $1,049—$50 more than last year’s iPhone 16 Pro. However, the higher price comes with a significant upgrade: the base storage will be doubled from 128GB to 256GB.

This move mirrors Apple’s previous strategy with the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which eliminated the 128GB tier and started at 256GB for a higher price point. With storage-heavy apps, 4K video, and high-resolution photography becoming the norm, Apple appears to be aligning product value with real-world user demands.

Why Is the iPhone 17 Pro Price Increasing and What Do You Get?

The iPhone 17 Pro price increase is tied to both internal upgrades and external economic factors. Apple is reportedly responding to rising component costs and ongoing trade tariffs related to China. According to a July report by Jefferies, these economic pressures are expected to raise prices across the entire iPhone 17 lineup.

Instead of simply charging more, Apple seems to be sweetening the deal. By starting the iPhone 17 Pro at 256GB for $1,049, the company offers better value compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, which currently starts at 128GB for $999 or 256GB for $1,099. This change could make the price increase feel more justified to consumers.

Leaker Instant Digital, who has previously provided accurate information such as the Yellow iPhone 14, frosted glass on the iPhone 15, and details about the M4 iPad Pro, has now made this 256GB storage claim three times in recent weeks. Their consistent accuracy lends credibility to the rumors.

What Are the Expected Specs and Features of iPhone 17 Pro?

While full specs remain under wraps, the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature:

A new A19 Pro chip for enhanced performance and energy efficiency
Advanced camera upgrades, possibly with improved low-light and AI photo processing
Updated design options, including rumored Dark Blue and Orange colors
Battery optimization, with higher capacity batteries for extended use
Titanium or stronger material build, continuing from the iPhone 16 Pro Max

By combining storage upgrades with these expected features, Apple may be positioning the iPhone 17 Pro as a more complete professional-grade device for content creators, professionals, and power users.

Expert Reactions and Market Analysis

Industry analysts believe that Apple’s strategy is both practical and market-sensitive. “Consumers are already paying more for storage upgrades,” said a tech analyst at Jefferies. “By eliminating the 128GB base and starting at 256GB, Apple not only simplifies its product tiers but improves perceived value.”

This tactic also simplifies the pricing ladder and aligns Apple’s Pro model with its Max counterpart, which already begins at 256GB. It may also help Apple differentiate the Pro models from the base iPhone 17 variants, expected to retain the lower 128GB tier.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is weighing price hikes seriously due to long-term supply chain adjustments and increased investment in next-gen silicon chips and AI capabilities. These background changes are part of Apple’s broader shift toward hardware and software integration.

What’s Next: iPhone 17 Launch Date and Announcement Plans

Apple typically holds its iPhone unveiling event in early September. This year, the iPhone 17 lineup—including the Pro and Pro Max—is rumored to be announced on September 9, 2025, with sales beginning September 19, 2025.

With increased anticipation, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Apple positions the iPhone 17 Pro in terms of features, pricing, and value. If the doubled storage rumors hold true, this might be one of Apple’s smarter pricing changes in recent memory.

The iPhone 17 Pro price increase isn’t just about charging more—it’s about offering more where it counts. For users who rely on performance, photography, and storage, this pricing shift could represent one of Apple’s most user-conscious upgrades in years.

You Must Know:

Will iPhone 17 Pro really start at $1,049?
Yes, according to multiple leaks from Instant Digital and reports from Jefferies, Apple is expected to start the iPhone 17 Pro at $1,049 with 256GB base storage.

Why is Apple raising iPhone 17 Pro prices?
The price increase reflects higher production costs, international tariffs, and a shift to offering higher default storage to meet consumer demands.

What storage options will the iPhone 17 Pro offer?
The base model will start at 256GB, with other tiers likely including 512GB and 1TB, similar to the iPhone 16 Pro lineup.

When is the iPhone 17 Pro expected to launch?
Apple is rumored to unveil the iPhone 17 series on September 9, 2025, with a release date around September 19.

Is the price hike worth it for consumers?
If the iPhone 17 Pro delivers double the storage and meaningful upgrades, many consumers may find the $50 increase justified, especially when compared to buying a 256GB iPhone 16 Pro for $1,099.