You’ve seen the headlines. Every year, right around the time the first frost hits or the leaves start turning, the same rumors start swirling like clockwork. "Apple is finally raising prices!"
Well, it actually happened. Sort of.
If you are currently sitting there with a cracked iPhone 13 or 14 and wondering how much is the iphone 17 going to cost before you commit to a 36-month payment plan, the answer isn't a single number. It’s a bit of a mess.
Honestly, the 2025/2026 cycle changed the math for everyone. Gone are the days when you could just count on a flat $799 or $999. With the death of the "Plus" model and the birth of the ultra-thin Air, Apple basically reshuffled the entire deck.
The Base Model Stays Put (Mostly)
Let’s start with the good news. If you just want the "standard" experience, the iPhone 17 stuck to its guns at $799.
✨ Don't miss: Don't Make Me Think: Why Steve Krug’s Common Sense UX Still Rules the Web
Apple knows that $800 is a psychological barrier for a lot of people. They kept the entry price the same, but there’s a catch you should know about. While the price didn’t move, the hardware did. You’re finally getting that 120Hz ProMotion display on the base model. About time, right?
But don't get too excited. The base storage is still hovering at 128GB for the cheapest version. If you’re like me and take way too many 4K videos of your dog, you’re basically forced to jump to the 256GB tier, which bumps you up to $899.
Why the iPhone 17 Air Changed the Game
This is where things get weird. Apple killed the Plus model. It’s gone. In its place, we got the iPhone 17 Air (or the "Slim," depending on who you ask).
It’s thin. Like, "I might accidentally snap this in my back pocket" thin.
Because of that radical new design, Apple didn't just match the old Plus pricing. They bumped it. Most retailers are listing the iPhone 17 Air starting at $999.
- iPhone 17 Air (256GB): $999
- iPhone 17 Air (512GB): $1,199
- iPhone 17 Air (1TB): $1,399
It’s a "style" tax. You’re paying for the engineering it took to cram a battery and an A19 chip into a 5.5mm frame.
The Pro Price Hike: Not Just a Rumor Anymore
For years, the Pro started at $999. That streak is officially dead.
The iPhone 17 Pro now starts at $1,099.
Before you throw your hands up, look at the storage. Apple finally ditched the 128GB floor for the Pro. Since the base model is now 256GB, the "starting" price looks higher, but it’s actually the same price the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro launched at.
👉 See also: Stoll Explained: Why This Knitting Tech Is Actually Everywhere
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the real heavy hitter. It’s staying at $1,199 for the 256GB base, which makes it the "stable" pick if you were already used to the Pro Max pricing.
The Real-World Breakdown
- iPhone 17: $799 (128GB) / $899 (256GB)
- iPhone 17 Air: $999 (256GB)
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099 (256GB)
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199 (256GB)
What About Trade-ins and Carrier Deals?
Nobody actually pays full price. If you do, you're doing it wrong.
Right now, in early 2026, we’re seeing some aggressive moves from Verizon and T-Mobile. Because the iPhone 17 Air was such a experimental departure, carriers are trying to get it into people's hands.
If you have a Pro model from the last two years, you can basically get a standard 17 for free with a trade-in, or get about $800 to $1,000 off the Pro Max.
Why is it more expensive in some places?
If you're reading this from India or Europe, I’m sorry. The numbers above are U.S. MSRP.
In India, for instance, the iPhone 17 Pro launched at a staggering Rs 1,34,900. Even with the recent Republic Day sales bringing it down toward Rs 85,700 with exchange bonuses, it’s a massive investment.
The "Apple Tax" is real, and it’s largely driven by import duties and local taxes that don't affect the U.S. market as much.
Is it worth the jump?
Look, if you’re on an iPhone 15, probably not. The 17 is great, but the jump from 15 to 17 isn't life-changing unless you really want that slim "Air" design.
👉 See also: Late Night Snapchat Hacks That Actually Change How You Use The App
However, if you're on a 12 or 13? The move to the A19 chip and the 120Hz screen across the whole lineup makes the $799 entry price feel a lot more justified than it did last year.
Your Next Steps:
- Check your current storage usage. If you’re using more than 100GB, don't even look at the $799 base model; your "real" starting price is $899.
- Wait for the February/March "lull." Retailers like Amazon and Walmart often drop prices by $50-$100 once the initial launch hype dies down.
- Evaluate the Air carefully. It’s the coolest looking phone Apple has made in a decade, but the battery is smaller than the Pro Max. Decide if you value "thin" over "long-lasting."