Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models later this year, but the latter is shaping up to be a little costly than the current models. We have previously covered that the smaller iPhone 17 Pro will cost $50 more than the base iPhone 16 Pro, coming in at a whopping $1,049. A tipster corroborates the price hike, but paradoxically, the base model will be a better deal than the current models.
A new leak suggests the iPhone 17 Pro may get a price increase, but doubled storage could finally resolve a major complaint about base models
According to a trusted leaker known as Instant Digital, Apple plans to increase the starting price of the smaller iPhone 17 Pro to $1,049, which is a $50 increase over the current pricing for the same model, which starts at $999. However, there is a little twist that might give you more value for the price you are paying. The new iPhone 17 Pro model will come with a standard 256GB of storage capacity, effectively doubling the base capacity compared to last year’s 128GB tier.
The move is more than just a price shift; it is a strategic upgrade, as getting a 256GB iPhone 16 Pro will cost you a hefty $1,099. If we look at the leak from this perspective, the iPhone 17 Pro actually seems cheaper, and it is comparable to the current standards. In other words, Apple could be wrapping a value play inside a price hike, which is more than welcome considering the iPhone has never played friendly with storage, especially the lower-tier base models.
The leaker has a solid track record, which means that the latest information could be a sure-fire thing, as the company did the same with the Pro Max version of the iPhone last year. We also have to take note that this is not the first time that a $50 price hike has been rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro, as it aligns with the previous claims from Jefferies. However, the investment company speculated a $50 increase for the entire lineup, except for the base version.
Other than pricing, the shift also caters to user expectations, as apps, videos, and AI features grow more storage-hungry, and 128GB is quickly losing its appeal. Moreover, offering 256GB as the default storage capacity is Apple’s way of future-proofing the devices, a move that could be beneficial in the years to come.
You should take the news with a grain of salt though, as Apple is yet to announce the device next month, potentially on September 9. Do you think the higher price tag is justified with upgraded base storage?
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