iPhone 17 Price Hikes: Why Apple’s Next iPhones Will Cost You More

If you’re planning to upgrade to an iPhone 17 this year, get ready to spend more than ever before. But why now? And by how much? Here’s what’s really driving Apple’s latest price increases.

How Much More Will iPhone 17 Models Cost?

Here’s what’s currently expected for iPhone 17 pricing in 2025:

• iPhone 17 Air: From $899 / £899 (replacing the iPhone Plus model)
• iPhone 17 Pro: Starting around $1,199 / £1,199 — up at least $100 from iPhone 16 Pro pricing
• iPhone 17 Pro Max / Ultra: Starting around $1,399 / £1,399 — potentially even higher depending on storage

While the iPhone 17 Air holds the same base price as the outgoing iPhone 16 Plus, the real increases are happening at the Pro and Ultra levels.

Why iPhone 17 Prices Are Increasing

Here are the three main reasons driving these price hikes:

1. Expensive New Design Materials

Apple isn’t just reusing the same chassis from last year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the iPhone 17 Pro and Ultra models will use more premium materials like titanium and new composite glass.

• Titanium frames: Lighter, stronger, but more expensive than stainless steel
• Ultra-thin chassis: Engineering a 5.5mm thin device (like the new iPhone 17 Air) adds extra cost due to production complexity

✅ Pro Tip: If you want premium design without Pro-level pricing, the standard iPhone 17 or 17 Air might still hit the sweet spot. Explore our recommendations here: Best Flagship Phones Guide

2. Apple Intelligence (AI) Features

Apple introduced its new Apple Intelligence AI platform at WWDC. It brings features like:

• Live language translation
• Smarter Siri responses
• Advanced photo and video editing tools
• On-device personalisation features

Running all this requires new, faster chips and more advanced on-device processing — especially in Pro models. Those hardware upgrades cost Apple more to build, and as usual, those costs get passed on to you.

3. Tariffs And Global Trade Tensions

One of the less glamorous but very real factors is trade policy. In May 2025, former President Donald Trump floated a proposal for a 25% tariff on all iPhones made outside the US.

Even though Apple has been shifting some production to India, a large share of iPhones still come from China. If these tariffs get enforced:

• Apple would likely raise prices globally, not just in the US
• Other brands, like Samsung, could also face similar price pressures

Bottom Line: The Trump tariff threat is making Apple preemptively adjust its pricing models, even before any laws take effect.

Will Apple’s iPhone Prices Keep Rising Every Year?

Honestly, yes. Over the past five years, iPhone prices have trended upward — especially for Pro and Ultra models.

• In 2017, iPhone X broke $1,000 for the first time.
• By 2024, iPhone 16 Pro Max already reached $1,299+ in many markets.
• Now with iPhone 17, Pro models could hit $1,400–$1,500 depending on configuration.

Apple’s strategy is clear: keep offering premium features and design, while positioning its most expensive models as luxury devices. The standard iPhone 17 and Air models will still exist for “mainstream” buyers, but even those won’t be cheap.