Analyst Claims Apple to Implement Price Increase for iPhone 17 Series, but Storage Upgrades May Justify the Cost

Rumors regarding potential price increases for Apple’s latest iPhone series are once again making headlines. While Apple has historically managed to maintain stable starting prices for its devices, various market pressures suggest this trend may not continue. A notable analyst has indicated that the upcoming iPhone 17 series is likely to see a price hike later this year, reflecting the company’s challenges in the current geopolitical climate. To mitigate customer backlash, Apple may consider offering upgraded storage options as a rationale for the increased costs. It’s crucial for Apple to strategize carefully as competition in the smartphone market remains fierce.

Impact of Tariffs on iPhone Pricing

According to a recent research note from analyst Jeff Pu at investment firm GF Securities, there is an expectation that the iPhone 17 lineup will come at a higher price compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 16. Although typically specific figures accompany such predictions, this time, no concrete details were disclosed beyond the fact that consumers looking to upgrade will need to prepare for elevated prices. Previous reports hinted at a potential $50 increase, although it’s important to note that not every model in the lineup will necessarily be impacted equally.

Interestingly, the iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to kick off with a base storage option of 256GB, mirroring the specifications of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This move may serve as a justification for the anticipated price increase. Last year, when the iPhone 15 Pro Max was unveiled, Apple retired the 128GB model in favor of a 256GB starting point, which came with a price tag of $1, 199—a departure from the previous $1, 099. Though this adjustment surprised some consumers, the increase in storage capacity helped mitigate concerns.

While Apple may navigate this pricing strategy for another generation, success hinges on raising the base storage across the entire iPhone 17 spectrum. Since the details regarding the specific models that will incur price increases remain vague, predictions regarding the extent of this upcoming price shift are speculative. However, it is conceivable that the new series could see a starting price around $849. For continual updates on this topic, we encourage our readers to stay tuned for further developments.

Source & Images