Over time, Apple has maintained relatively modest price increases for the iPhone. The initial iPhone in 2007 was priced at $499, while the base model of the 2024 iPhone 16 reached $799, primarily due to standard inflation.
This year, though, tariffs might influence the prices of the iPhone 17. Since President Donald Trump enacted his stringent tariff policy, the tech industry has been closely monitoring Apple. The iPhone is predominantly produced in China and India, regions where Trump has imposed significant tariffs, leading to worries among Apple users about possible price increases for the forthcoming iPhone 17.
These worries are warranted.
President Trump has explicitly referred to the iPhone and Apple CEO Tim Cook concerning the company’s overseas production. Trump previously threatened Apple with a 25 percent tariff unless it initiated iPhone manufacturing in the U.S.
Subsequently, Cook appeared to persuade Trump to exempt Apple from the 100 percent semiconductor import tariff after the company’s announcement of a $100 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing. To sweeten the arrangement, Cook even personally delivered a gold and glass award to the president.
Uncertainty has been a significant consequence of Trump’s tariffs. Companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have raised prices this year due to “market conditions.” As the launch event for the iPhone 17 approaches, all eyes are on Apple.
What will the cost of the iPhone 17 be?
With Apple already shielded from major tariffs from China and the recent improved rapport between Cook and Trump, Apple enthusiasts are hopeful that iPhone pricing will remain steady.
Nevertheless, rumors indicate a slight price increase, which may not necessarily be related to tariffs. Chinese leaker Instant Digital has claimed that the iPhone 17 Pro will be priced $50 higher due to enhanced base storage, now commencing at 256GB instead of 128GB. An investor note from JP Morgan leaked to AppleInsider corroborates this rumor. The note also allegedly stated that the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Plus, and iPhone 17 Pro Max could retain the same prices as the iPhone 16 ($799), iPhone 16 Plus ($899), and iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199).
All in all, this is positive news for Apple consumers.
What about the anticipated iPhone 17 Air? JP Morgan analysts mentioned that the ultra-slim iPhone debuting this year might cost between $899 and $949, akin to the iPhone 16 Plus, give or take $50.
If these forecasts prove accurate, Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup will largely sidestep price increases related to tariffs. Last month, Apple reported an unexpectedly strong quarter despite tariff-related threats.
It won’t be long before the official prices are disclosed. Apple’s iPhone launch event is set for Sept. 9, where we anticipate the complete iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watches, and potentially the next generation of AirPods Pro earbuds.