iPhone 17 Pro Models May See $100 Price Hike Due to Increased Storage

In the lead-up to the autumn new product launch event, an investment bank on Wall Street released a research report on September 2nd, revealing key highlights and price expectations for the iPhone 17 series.

The report predicts that, with the exception of the Pro models, the starting prices for the iPhone 17 standard version and Pro Max version are expected to remain unchanged. The Pro models, however, may see a price increase of 100 dollars due to a doubling of the base storage capacity from 128GB to 256GB. This move effectively cancels out the lower storage option, resulting in a price increase for users purchasing the same storage capacity. Nevertheless, this strategy breaks the eight-year tradition of the Pro models starting at 999 dollars.

One of the standout features of the iPhone 17 series is the introduction of a new ultra-thin model, the iPhone 17 Air. This model is designed to replace the previous "Plus" versions, which had received mixed market feedback. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to have a thickness of only 5.5 millimeters, making it the thinnest iPhone to date, and a weight of approximately 145 grams, comparable to the iPhone 13 Mini. Despite its slim design, the iPhone 17 Air is rumored to feature a 6.6-inch ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 12GB of memory, aligning it with the Pro models in terms of specifications. However, to achieve this slim profile, the device may compromise on certain features, such as using a single 48-megapixel rear camera and having a smaller battery capacity of approximately 2,800 mAh.

The initial production plan for the iPhone 17 Air is estimated to be between 10 million and 15 million units, indicating a cautious approach. However, analysts believe that if the ultra-thin design successfully attracts an unexpected consumer base, the iPhone 17 Air has the potential to be a surprise hit for this product cycle.

Pricing remains a critical concern for consumers. The report suggests that, aside from the Pro models, the prices for the iPhone 17 series are expected to remain stable. The Pro models' price increase is not a straightforward hike but rather a result of doubling the base storage capacity. This move effectively cancels out the lower storage option, resulting in a price increase for users purchasing the same storage capacity. Nevertheless, this strategy breaks the eight-year tradition of the Pro models starting at 999 dollars.

The report emphasizes the significance of the China market in determining iPhone sales. The China market is highly sensitive to pricing, and the availability of smartphone subsidies plays a crucial role in influencing demand. Currently, smartphones priced below 6000 yuan (approximately 840 dollars) are eligible for discounts and subsidies from certain platforms or operators. The estimated starting price of the iPhone 17 Air is 899 dollars, which exceeds this threshold. The report suggests that if the Air model's price can be lowered to around 800 dollars, making it eligible for subsidies, it could significantly boost sales in the China market and inject new momentum into an otherwise lackluster sales outlook.