iPhone 17 Series Price Leak: All Models to Get Costlier Except Base Version

The iPhone 17 series is poised for a significant price shakeup according to a recent industry leak reported by Techlusive on July 31, 2025. Industry sources indicate every model in Apple’s upcoming flagship lineup will see price hikes—except the standard iPhone 17. This marks a strategic departure from Apple’s typical pricing structure, potentially making the base model the most value-oriented option in years.

Breaking Down the iPhone 17 Pricing Strategy

Insiders reveal the iPhone 17 Pro could start at $1,099 ($100 increase), while the Pro Max may jump to $1,299—a $200 premium over its predecessor. The rumored iPhone 17 Air (or “Slim” variant) is also expected to see a $50-$70 increase. However, Apple reportedly plans to maintain the base iPhone 17 at $799 despite component upgrades. Analysts attribute this to Apple’s need to retain entry-level buyers amid global smartphone market contraction. As per Counterpoint Research’s Q2 2025 report, premium device sales dipped 3% year-over-year as consumers extend upgrade cycles. Holding one model’s price steady could combat this trend while allowing Apple to monetize Pro-model innovations more aggressively.

What’s Driving the Price Increases?

Multiple factors contribute to the hikes:

• Advanced Manufacturing Costs: The Pro models’ rumored solid-state buttons and enhanced titanium frames require new production techniques
• AI Chip Investments: Apple’s next-generation Neural Engine demands costly 3nm+ semiconductor technology
• Display Upgrades: ProMotion technology with LTPO 3.0 panels expected in Pro models
• Camera Innovations: Periscope telephoto lenses and computational photography hardware

Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted in May 2025 that Apple’s component costs rose 12-18% year-over-year, necessitating price adjustments. The exception for the base model suggests Apple acknowledges affordability limits—a concern highlighted in the 2024 International Data Corporation (IDC) Consumer Tech Sentiment Survey, where 68% of respondents cited “excessive pricing” as their primary barrier to upgrading premium devices.

How the iPhone 17 Series Compares

Model	Expected Starting Price	Price Change	Key Differentiators
iPhone 17	$799	None	A18 chip, 6.1″ OLED, Dual camera
iPhone 17 Air	$899	+$70	Thinner design, A18 Pro, Advanced cooling
iPhone 17 Pro	$1,099	+$100	A19 Pro, Triple camera, Action button
iPhone 17 Pro Max	$1,299	+$200	A19 Pro, Tetra-lens camera, 2TB storage

Must Know

Q: Which iPhone 17 model won’t increase in price?
A: The standard 6.1-inch iPhone 17 is expected to retain its $799 starting price despite receiving an upgraded chipset and display. This positions it as Apple’s primary volume driver.

Q: When will iPhone 17 pre-orders begin?
A: Based on Apple’s historical patterns, pre-orders will likely open Friday, September 12, 2025, following a September 9 launch event. Shipping dates typically follow one week later.

Q: Why is only the base model avoiding a price hike?
A: Apple aims to maintain market share in the competitive $800-$900 segment dominated by Samsung and Google. Techlusive’s sources confirm this targets users who skipped the iPhone 16 cycle due to economic concerns.

Q: What justifies the Pro Max’s $200 increase?
A: The flagship model reportedly includes exclusive features like a 12x optical zoom periscope camera, graphene thermal management, and Apple’s first 2TB storage option in a smartphone.

Q: Will older iPhones get cheaper?
A: Yes. Apple typically reduces previous-generation prices by $100 upon new releases. The iPhone 16 series should see discounts starting September 2025.

Q: How reliable is this iPhone 17 price leak?
A: While unconfirmed by Apple, Techlusive’s report aligns with supply chain data from Barclays Research and display industry forecasts from DSCC. Final pricing will be confirmed at Apple’s September event.

This selective pricing strategy reveals Apple’s tightrope walk between innovation economics and market realities. While Pro users will shoulder premium R&D costs, the base iPhone 17 emerges as an unexpected sanctuary for budget-conscious upgraders. As component inflation reshapes flagship pricing across the industry, Apple’s decision to draw a line at $799 could prove pivotal in maintaining its volume leadership. Verify all details at Apple’s official September keynote before making purchase decisions.