iPhone 17 Pro to start at $1,049 with 256GB storage; Air model eyed

Industry speculation surrounding Apple’s next iPhone lineup points to a pricing and storage shift with the iPhone 17 Pro, along with a new ultra-thin model expected to accompany the four-strong family. The prevailing rumors contend that the iPhone 17 Pro will start at 1,049 in the United States, up from 999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, but with a crucial change: the base model would begin at 256GB of storage, effectively doubling the entry-level capacity while introducing a modest 50 increase in price. The broader lineup is often described as facing a similar price adjustment driven by higher component costs and tariffs, with some analysts suggesting this would be offset, at least in perception, by a more generous base storage offering across the Pro line.

The storage shift is a notable feature of the chatter around the iPhone 17 Pro. If the rumors prove accurate, Apple would discontinue the 128GB entry tier for the Pro and align the base storage with the Pro Max at 256GB. This would represent a strategic simplification of the lineup and could alter customers’ upgrade calculations, as many iPhone buyers currently opt for higher storage configurations. In tandem with the price move,...