iPhone 17 Pro price and storage rumor

Apple's iPhone 17 Pro could start at 1,049 dollars with 256GB base storage signaling a shift in price and storage strategy.

iPhone 17 Pro Starts at 1,049 Dollars with 256GB Base Storage

New rumors place the iPhone 17 Pro at a starting price of 1,049 dollars with 256GB of base storage. The claim comes from Instant Digital on Weibo, a widely followed account with about 1.5 million followers. If true, the base model would move up from 128GB at 999 dollars and bring the 256GB option closer in price to the iPhone 16 Pro Max which starts at 1,199 dollars for 256GB. The report also suggests Apple could replace the 128GB base with 256GB while keeping higher storage options up to 1TB.

Industry trackers say price increases across the iPhone 17 lineup by about 50 dollars are being considered due to higher component costs and tariffs tied to China. The Wall Street Journal has reported similar price considerations, and Jefferies has noted the shift in pricing. Apple is rumored to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup on September 9 with a possible release around September 19. Until Apple confirms, readers should treat this as a rumor rather than a verified plan.

Moving the base storage to 256GB changes how shoppers evaluate value. It signals a strategic pivot toward more inclusive memory at a modest price delta, but only if the public perceives the upgrade as meaningful. Rumors from leaks are not a guarantee, and time will reveal whether Apple sticks to the plan.

For investors and retailers, the shift tests the balance between margins and clarity. A cleaner entry point could simplify buying decisions, yet price sensitivity remains high in smartphones. The outcome will depend on how well Apple communicates the value of storage alongside the total features of the iPhone 17 Pro lineup.

Highlights

As Apple weighs cost against value, the next official word will reveal how much storage truly matters to buyers.