The standard iPhone 17 has been the best-value iPhone Apple has offered in years, bringing previously exclusive “Pro” features such as 120Hz ProMotion technology and Always-On capabilities at a much more affordable price of $799 when activated with a carrier or $829 when bought unlocked. However, that starting price could change as soon as next week.
According to a Weibo leaker, known as “Fixed Focus Digital”, they claimed that the iPhone 17 could get a price hike as soon as August 10. It’s no secret that Apple’s been raising prices across the majority of its products. Back in June, Apple had to raise prices for Macs, iPads, Apple TVs, and even HomePods as a result of the ongoing memory crisis that led to severe shortages. However, the prices for the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, Studio Display, and other accessories remain untouched. I’d still expect at least the iPhone and Apple Watch not to be immune to the memory shortages, though. Last month, Apple had to increase prices across its iPhone lineup in Japan, and there are rumors that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro could see a $300 price hike (at least in the U.S.). Even Apple had to increase its AppleCare+ plans for Mac and iPad along with other existing services like Apple Music and Apple One.
It’s still worth mentioning that Apple is expected to debut the iPhone 18 Pro models and the anticipated “iPhone Ultra” foldable next month, so the price hikes could take effect then. However, Apple won’t announce the regular iPhone 18, the iPhone 18e, and the next-generation iPhone Air until next spring, so the iPhone 17 will continue to remain Apple’s mainstream option until then.
If the iPhone 17 does get a price hike next week, then it’s unclear whether the other iPhone models will be affected. After all, it wouldn’t make sense for the current iPhone 17 Pro models to get a price hike just a few weeks before they’ll get replaced by their successors. Until then, if you’re looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17, I’d suggest you do it now at the current price rather than later. At least you could still return it within 14 days if you don’t need it anymore.
