iPhone 17 Pro to Get Bigger Storage Bump Amid Rising Costs, Apple's USB-C Port and External SSD Option Makes Higher Storage Irrelevant to Some Buyers

Apple is expected to increase the starting storage of the iPhone 17 Pro to 256GB, while the base model and Air will start at 128GB. This change comes as Apple faces import tariffs on iPhones manufactured in China and passes on some of the costs to buyers. The move makes higher storage irrelevant to some users, as the ability to shoot directly to an external SSD was introduced in the iPhone 15 lineup, ending storage anxiety and providing a more convenient workflow.

Apple is set to introduce a significant change in the storage configuration of its upcoming iPhone 17 Pro, which could have implications for both consumers and investors. According to recent leaks and industry rumors, the base storage of the iPhone 17 Pro is expected to increase to 256GB, aligning with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air models, which are likely to start at 128GB [1][2].

This change comes at a time when Apple is facing increased import tariffs on iPhones manufactured in China. The company has historically passed on some of these additional costs to consumers through price increases. The move to higher base storage may be seen as a strategic attempt to offset these costs and justify a price hike for the Pro models.

The new configuration is expected to start at $1,049 for the iPhone 17 Pro, a $50 increase from the iPhone 16 Pro, and $1,249 for the Pro Max, also a $50 increase from the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are expected to start at $799 and $949, respectively, matching last year's prices [1].

The increase in base storage is seen as a response to the growing demand for high-capacity storage among users, especially professionals and creatives who rely on large files such as 4K/8K video, ProRAW photography, and gaming. This move could make the Pro models more future-proof and reduce the need for users to upgrade storage tiers immediately [2].

However, the ability to shoot directly to an external SSD introduced in the iPhone 15 lineup may make higher storage less relevant to some users, providing a more convenient workflow and potentially reducing the need for high-capacity internal storage [1].

The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to launch in September 2025, with exact dates to be confirmed closer to the event. The higher cost may be justified by additional hardware and software upgrades, as Apple has historically positioned storage increases alongside meaningful enhancements [1][2].

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/13/iphone-17-pro-price-increase-fewer-storage-options/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/iphone-17-pro-rumor-base-model-storage-could-double-to-a-whopping-256g/articleshow/123188405.cms