How Much Will the iPhone 17 Cost? Here’s What Could Make It More Expensive

The iPhone 17 hasn’t even been announced yet, but let’s be real — we’re all wondering how much it’s going to cost. If you’ve been holding out for the next big thing from Apple, you might want to brace yourself — because there’s a good chance it’s going to cost more than what you’re used to paying.

Why? It’s not just about upgraded cameras or a thinner body. A lot is going on behind the scenes that could push prices up, and not all of it is in Apple’s hands.

Let’s break it down and take a closer look at why the iPhone 17 could come with a bigger price tag than expected.

Tariffs Could Be a Game-Changer

Regarding Apple 17 pricing, one of the main unknowns. Tariffs. Former President Donald Trump has once again floated the idea of hitting Apple with a 25% tariff on any iPhones made outside the US— and guess what? Still, most of them are manufactured in China or India.

Right now, there’s already a 10% tariff on phones coming from India, and a 30% one on those from China. But if current pauses expire this summer — and there’s a good chance they might — those numbers could skyrocket to 26% for India and a jaw-dropping 145% for China. Yikes.

Even though Apple is moving some production to India to dodge those higher Chinese tariffs, they’re still walking a tightrope. And let’s be honest — if Apple’s costs go up, you better believe we’ll feel it at checkout.

Here’s a rough idea of what that could mean:

iPhone 16 currently starts at \$799.

With a 26% India tariff, that could go up to \$1,107

 If the phone’s made in China and tariffs jump to 145%? You’re looking at a potential \$2,153

Now, to be clear, these are just estimates. But they give you a pretty good idea of how big an impact tariffs can have.

Trump Wants Apple to Build iPhones in the US — But That’s Not So Simple

Trump’s been very vocal about wanting Apple to bring iPhone production to the US. But experts say that’s just not realistic, especially in the short term. Labor and production costs here are way higher. Some estimates say an American-made iPhone could cost as much as $3,500. Can you imagine?

That means Apple’s probably going to continue making devices abroad, but those hefty tariffs could still sneak into the final price.

Apple Might Raise Prices Anyhow

The truth is that Apple might still raise the price of the iPhone 17 even if there were absolutely no taxes.  Why is it?  Since they changed the price of the base model five years ago, every new version usually has improved features, including greater power, better cameras, and sleeker looks.

Experts and past patterns suggest that Apple often increases prices every five years or so, usually by $50 to $150. Based on that trend and the current $799 price for the iPhone 16, we could find the iPhone 17 arriving anywhere between $850 and $950 for the basic model, even without taxes.

What About the Air iPhone 17?

 A new model, supposedly ultra-thin and futuristic, the iPhone 17 Air, has generated a lot of excitement.  Early leaks indicated it would be more costly than the Pro models, but a new Bloomberg analysis indicates it might hover around $900, which is roughly equivalent to the iPhone 16 Plus.

 Still, that figure might increase quickly if tariffs strike Apple boxes with expensive features.

How Might the Economy Tip the Scales

 Not overlooked are events occurring in the larger economy.  Though interest rates are high and the Federal Reserve is exercising caution, inflation is still a concern. If things take a turn for the worse, supply chains could be disrupted again, leading to fewer iPhones available, which means higher prices.

On the flip side, if a recession hits or people start tightening their wallets, Apple might hesitate to raise prices just to stay competitive. But don’t hold your breath — Apple knows there are millions of loyal fans ready to pay for the latest and greatest.

Will Older iPhones Get More Expensive, Too?

Thinking of saving money by grabbing an older model instead? That might work — but only for a while.

If the iPhone 17 launches at a higher price, demand for last year’s models might spike, which could drive their prices up, too. The good news? If you already own an older iPhone, its trade-in value could rise, helping you cut costs on an upgrade.

So, if you’re planning to switch, now might be a good time to check trade-in values or sell your old phone before prices fluctuate.

Sneaky Ways Apple Could Charge More

Apple has various means to offset growing expenses, even if they want to maintain the base price of the iPhone 17 constant.  Consider all the services Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV+, and more offer. According to supply chain experts, we’re likely to see small increases in these subscriptions before we notice price jumps on the iPhone itself.

The strategy? Spread out the costs so it feels like less of a hit. It’s smart — and it works.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

Here’s what we know:

• The iPhone 17 will likely cost more than the iPhone 16 even without tariffs.
• If tariffs increase, especially on Chinese-made phones, prices could skyrocket.
• The economy, production shifts, and added features all play a role.
• Your best move? Stay informed, trade in smart, and watch for deals.

Until Apple officially drops the iPhone 17 this fall, all we can do is make educated guesses. But one thing’s for sure — it’s going to be one of the most talked-about tech launches of the year.

For more interesting news, follow our social media accounts