iPhone 17 Pro to see sharp price increase, new iPhone 17 Air surprises with price and design

Analytics firm TrendForce has released a forecast that shocked Apple fans: flagship iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will be significantly more expensive than their predecessors. At the same time, a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air will replace the iPhone 16 Plus, offering a fresh take on design and functionality. The details were reported by MacRumors, while the entire lineup is expected to be unveiled on September 9, 2025, at Apple’s “Awe dropping” event.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Higher Prices, More Storage

According to the TrendForce report, Apple will raise the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max by $200. The increase is tied to boosting the base storage from 128 GB in the iPhone 16 Pro to 256 GB.

• iPhone 17 Pro:
• Base price: $1,199 (vs. $999 for iPhone 16 Pro).
• 512 GB: $1,399, $100 more than its predecessor.
• 1 TB: $1,599, also $100 more.
• iPhone 17 Pro Max:
• Base price: $1,299.
• 1 TB: $1,699 (vs. $1,599 for iPhone 16 Pro Max).

While the larger storage justifies part of the increase, for many users this will still be a painful hit to their wallets. TrendForce predicts that the Pro models will remain the main sales driver despite the higher prices, thanks to new features and improved performance.

iPhone 17 Air: The Ultra-Thin Newcomer

Apple is preparing a surprise in the form of the iPhone 17 Air — an ultra-thin model that will replace the iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup. This new device is positioned as a stylish and lightweight option with an emphasis on design. According to TrendForce, pricing for the iPhone 17 Air will be:

• 256 GB: $1,099.
• 512 GB: $1,299.
• 1 TB: $1,499.

The iPhone 17 Air will serve as a middle ground between the base model and the Pro versions, offering a premium design and likely new features such as an improved display or camera system, though without the top-tier performance of the Pro models.

Base iPhone 17: Stable Pricing

Unlike the flagships, the standard iPhone 17 will retain the same price as the iPhone 16 — $799 (65,000 rubles) for the 128 GB version. This keeps it as the most affordable option for those who don’t need maximum performance or large storage capacity.

What Can Buyers Expect?

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9, 2025, with sales potentially starting on September 19. In addition to increased storage and higher prices, the new series will likely include:

• Improved processors (A19 chip for the base model, A19 Pro for Pro versions).
• New camera features, including advanced AI-powered algorithms.
• A refreshed design, particularly for the iPhone 17 Air, which is set to be Apple’s thinnest smartphone yet.

TrendForce forecasts that shipments of the iPhone 17 series will grow by 3.5% compared to the iPhone 16 series, signaling strong demand despite price hikes.

Why Are iPhones Getting More Expensive?

The price increases for the Pro and Air models may be due to several factors:

• Larger storage: switching to 256 GB in base configurations requires more expensive components.
• Inflation and costs: chip, display, and component production is getting more expensive due to global economic conditions.
• New technologies: AI features, enhanced cameras, and improved displays raise manufacturing costs.

For Russian buyers, the price increase will feel particularly sharp due to exchange rate fluctuations, making the new iPhones less accessible.

In Brief

The iPhone 17 lineup promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years, thanks to the debut of the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air and larger storage in Pro models. However, the $200 price hike for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as the high starting price of the iPhone 17 Air ($1,099), may discourage some buyers. The base iPhone 17, still priced at $799, will remain the most affordable option. The September 9 event will reveal all the details, and Apple fans are eagerly waiting to see what surprises the company has in store this time.