The iPhone 17 series is gearing up to headline Apple’s annual fall event in September, and anticipation is already running high. While the official launch date is still under wraps, leaks and rumours about the lineup and pricing have been making waves. Interestingly, the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 17 Air, which is rumoured to replace the ’17 Plus’ model, are likely to retain the same price tags as their predecessors. However, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are said to get more expensive.
Analysts predict a price hike of up to $50 (approximately Rs 4,400) for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Read on to learn what could be driving this increase—especially when the iPhone 16 Pro models started in India at Rs 1,19,900.
Redesigned build and coating
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are tipped to feature a major design overhaul, replacing the squircle-shaped camera island with a larger setup. Reports also suggest a new aluminium-glass design instead of the titanium body used in the iPhone 15 Pro series. This change may improve structural durability but could add to production costs.
Another factor likely influencing the price increase is a new anti-reflective display coating. This added layer promises to reduce screen glare and improve scratch resistance compared to the current Ceramic Shield. If this materialises, Apple would become only the second major brand after Samsung to introduce anti-reflective smartphone displays in India.
Samsung first rolled out this tech with the Galaxy S24 Ultra (review), followed by the S25 Ultra (review). While it improves readability in sunlight and reduces eye strain, the downside is slightly muted colour vibrancy. It remains to be seen how Apple, sourcing these displays from Samsung, will address this trade-off.
Rise in component pricing
Beyond the revamped design and upgraded display technology, component costs for the iPhone 17 lineup are expected to rise. According to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, Apple is likely to offset these increased costs by raising the prices of the iPhone 17 Pro models, as well as the new slim variant.
It is worth noting that both iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are reportedly in line for several significant hardware upgrades. These include a bump in RAM from 8GB to 12GB, a new Vapour Chamber cooling system for more efficient heat dissipation, and Apple’s next-generation A19 Pro chipset for enhanced performance. On the camera front, the devices are expected to feature a triple 48MP rear camera setup alongside a 12MP front camera.
Tariff war
The US government’s proposed reciprocal tariff may also play a role. Although devices like smartphones and computers are currently exempt, Bloomberg reports that this could change amid President Donald Trump’s renewed push for domestic manufacturing. If enforced, the tariff could increase costs for products assembled in countries like India, an expense Apple may pass on to consumers.
Important update: Although a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods is in effect from August 1st, smartphones, including iPhones made in India, are currently excluded under a Section 232 exemption. Should this exemption end, iPhones from India could face higher import fees later. For now, however, India-assembled devices remain unaffected.
How much all these factors will influence the Indian pricing remains to be seen, but a price hike seems likely, primarily since Apple hasn’t raised Pro-series prices since 2023. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max (review) were cheaper than their iPhone 15 Pro counterparts in India.
Projected pricing
Current projections suggest the iPhone 17 Pro will start at $1,299 (~Rs 1,14,000) and the Pro Max at $1,499 (~Rs 1,31,450) in the US. The iPhone 17 Air, which is likely to replace the Plus variant, could debut at $999 (~Rs 87,615) – $100 more than the iPhone 16 Plus.
Meanwhile, the entry-level iPhone 17 could stick to the $799 (~Rs 79,900 in India) price tag, given its relatively minimal upgrades, such as the new A19 chip, but no major design overhaul.
What this means for you
If you’re planning to buy the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, prepare for higher pricing, possibly even in India. On the other hand, the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models may offer better value for those looking to avoid the premium cost. If you don’t need the new display or structural changes, the iPhone 16 Pro lineup could see attractive discounts, especially during the upcoming festive season sales. It could remain a smart alternative for those who don’t need the new features.
