Apple fans, rejoice: despite whispers of across-the-board price hikes for the iPhone 17 family, the Pro model could actually come in cheaper than its predecessor—thanks to a generous storage boost. Here’s what we know so far and why this could represent real value for early adopters.

A Quick Recap: iPhone 16 Pro Pricing
- 128 GB iPhone 16 Pro: $999
- 256 GB iPhone 16 Pro: $1,099
When Apple launched the iPhone 16 Pro, the base configuration with 128 GB set the entry price at $999. Jumping to 256 GB—often a must for power users—added a $100 premium, pushing the total to $1,099.
The Rumor Mill: iPhone 17 Pro Pricing vs. 16 Pro
Recent financial analyses and industry whispers suggested that Apple would tack on an extra $50 for each non-base model in the iPhone 17 lineup. Specifically:
- iPhone 17 Air: +$50
- iPhone 17 Pro: +$50
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: +$50
This forecast appeared in The Wall Street Journal’s market coverage of Apple’s upcoming lineup, citing both supplier-cost pressures and new import tariffs 🔗 The Wall Street Journal. Jefferies’ capital markets team later corroborated the $50 bump in its July briefing 🔗 Jefferies.
The Silver Lining: Twice the Storage for Less
A tipster on Weibo—known as “Instant Digital”—claims that Apple will double the entry-level Pro storage from 128 GB to 256 GB without charging the $1,099 premium. Under this scenario:
| Model & Storage | Rumored Price | Last Year’s Equivalent Price |
|---|---|---|
| 256 GB iPhone 17 Pro | $1,049 | $1,099 (256 GB iPhone 16 Pro) |
If these figures hold true, the iPhone 17 Pro:
- Starts at 256 GB for $1,049
- Delivers better bang for your buck, undercutting last year’s storage-matched model by $50
Why This Matters
- Cost Efficiency: Save $50 vs. last year’s 256 GB Pro model—money that can go toward accessories, AppleCare+, or trading in your old device.
- Future-Proof Storage: With 4K video, ProRes editing, and AR apps on the rise, 256 GB is quickly becoming the new minimum.
- Market Positioning: Apple could lure more buyers into higher-margin Pro tiers by sweetening the base Pro SKU without eroding average selling price.
What to Watch For
- Official Pricing Announcement: Apple’s September keynote is the most reliable source—see Apple Newsroom for invites and livestream details 🔗 Apple Newsroom.
- Regional Variations: VAT and tariffs will affect non-U.S. markets differently; always check your local Apple Store site.
- Carrier Promotions & Trade-Ins: Carriers often subsidize the latest models heavily—factor in those deals when calculating your true out-of-pocket cost.
Bottom Line
By doubling the base Pro storage yet shaving $50 off last year’s comparable model, Apple may have struck the perfect balance between premium features and accessible pricing. If you’ve been holding out for an upgrade, the iPhone 17 Pro could finally tip the scales. Just be ready when the official numbers—and Apple’s keynote invite—land in early September.













