The iPhone 17 is expected to launch in September 2025, and while fans are excited for the next-gen features, there’s another side to the story: the price.
Thanks to a surge in U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, analysts are warning that Apple’s newest iPhone could come with a hefty price hike—possibly hundreds of dollars more than previous models. Here’s what you need to know about why prices could rise, how much more you might pay, and what Apple is doing about it.
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What’s
Causing iPhone Prices to Spike?
The U.S. government recently imposed up to
145% in tariffs on electronics imported from China. Since a large portion
of iPhones are still assembled there, these import taxes could cost Apple
billions.
While tariffs are technically paid by
companies (not foreign governments), those costs often trickle down to
consumers—that means you.
What Will
the iPhone 17 Cost? Here’s What Experts Say
Let’s break down what major analysts are
predicting for iPhone 17 pricing based on these new tariffs:
Rosenblatt
Securities
- Up to 43% price increase possible.
- iPhone 17 (base model): $1,142 (from $799).
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (1TB): $2,300 (from $1,599).
UBS
Investment Research
- Tariffs on Chinese-made iPhones could raise prices by $800.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,999 if made in China.
- Devices made in India may only rise by $45.
Counterpoint
Research
- Predicts a 30% average increase.
- Base model: $1,039, Pro Max: $2,079.
CFRA
Research
- Suggests a smaller 5–10% increase.
- Base model: $879, Pro Max: $1,759.
Morgan
Stanley
- Estimates 17–18% hikes.
- Base model: $935–$943, Pro Max: $1,871–$1,887.
Bank of
America
- Projects a 9% increase.
- Base model: $870, iPhone 17 Pro: $1,089.
Wedbush
Securities
- Warns prices could soar up to $3,500 if Apple shifts
production to the U.S.
- More realistic prediction: 40–50% increase, with Pro Max
potentially hitting $2,399.
Can Apple
Avoid These Increases?
Apple isn’t likely to sit back and do nothing.
Here's how they might respond:
- Absorbing Costs:
Apple has massive margins and may choose to absorb some of the tariffs to
keep prices lower.
- Diversifying Production:
Apple now makes 14% of iPhones in India and some in Vietnam—but these
countries still face 26% and 46% tariffs, respectively.
- Lobbying for Exemptions:
Apple has successfully lobbied in the past to get temporary tariff relief.
It may try again.
- Delaying Price Hikes: Many
believe Apple will wait until the iPhone 17 launch to adjust
pricing, instead of raising prices on current models.
Will Buyers
Still Pay?
Apple’s customer loyalty is legendary.
According to analysts, some users won’t hesitate to pay a bit more. But sharp
jumps—especially on premium models—could lead to slower sales in an already
cooling smartphone market.
The company is likely to raise prices gradually,
starting with the higher-end models and keeping entry-level phones relatively
affordable (at least for now).
Estimated
Price Ranges for iPhone 17 Models
|
Model |
Expected Starting Price |
Potential High Price |
|
iPhone 17 (Base) |
$799 → $870–$1,142 |
+43% |
|
iPhone 17 Pro |
$999 → $1,089–$1,500 |
+50% |
|
iPhone 17 Pro Max |
$1,599 → $1,759–$2,399 |
+50% |
|
iPhone 17 Air (Rumored) |
~$900+ |
$1,000–$1,300+ |
Final
Thoughts
While worst-case scenarios like a $3,500
iPhone seem far-fetched, most experts agree: prices will go up. Expect
somewhere between a 9% and 30% increase, especially on Pro and Max
models.
Apple has options—production shifts, lobbying,
and pricing strategies—but consumers should still prepare for higher costs
this fall.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your
iPhone, it might be smart to buy sooner rather than later—or at least
start saving now.
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