iPhone 17 Could Be Costlier Than iPhone 16 By Rs 10,000: Here's What We Know So Far
iPhone 17 Price In India: Get ready to shell out more for Apple’s next big thing. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to carry higher price tags across global markets, including India, thanks to a mix of hardware upgrades, new display tech, and global supply chain challenges. With a September launch on the cards, early leaks suggest that Apple’s pricing strategy might be the boldest shift of all.
iPhone 17 India Prices Could Start At Rs 89,900
In India, the base iPhone 17 is tipped to be priced at around Rs 89,900 — an increase of Rs 10,000 over the iPhone 16’s launch price. The jump reflects more than just inflation. Multiple tipsters and reports suggest the bump is tied to Apple’s move to introduce ProMotion 120Hz displays across all models, upgraded front and rear cameras, and built-in AI features with iOS 26.
In the US, the entry-level model may launch at $899, while UAE buyers can expect prices to start around AED 3,799. With global manufacturing costs climbing and international tariffs weighing heavy, Apple appears to be recalibrating its pricing in line with its feature-rich roadmap.
Four Models, One Disappearing Act
The iPhone 17 series is expected to include four variants: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple is reportedly scrapping the “Plus” model entirely, replacing it with the new “Air” variant. The move is seen as an attempt to create clearer differentiation between models while giving buyers more distinct choices in terms of size, performance, and price.
Premium Cameras May Justify The Premium Price
Camera upgrades are also expected to play a big role in the price hike. The iPhone 17 is rumoured to feature a 24MP front camera, doubling the resolution of the previous generation. Meanwhile, the standard rear camera is likely to be a 48MP shooter.
At the top end, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could debut with triple 48MP lenses for wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto photography, alongside 8K video capture capabilities. If accurate, this would mark Apple’s first use of triple 48MP sensors on an iPhone.
ProMotion Display Across The Board
Apple’s decision to equip all four iPhone 17 models with 120Hz ProMotion displays — previously reserved for the Pro models — adds further justification for the price hike. All devices are expected to use LTPO OLED panels, enabling smoother scrolling and better battery efficiency.
While LTPO displays can support always-on functionality, it remains uncertain whether Apple will unlock that feature for all models or continue limiting it to the higher-end variants.
iPhone 17 Launch Date (Expected)
Apple is widely expected to unveil the iPhone 17 lineup in the second week of September. With Labour Day in the US falling in the first week, likely dates are September 9 (Tuesday) or September 10 (Wednesday). Pre-orders should begin later that same week, with shipments and in-store availability following soon after.
Given India’s early festive season this year, Apple may be banking on an early rollout to maximise sales momentum, despite the higher starting prices.
With revamped cameras, high-refresh-rate displays, and a new model lineup headlined by the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is clearly aiming for premium upgrades. But all of that may come at a premium cost, especially for Indian buyers. Whether consumers bite the bullet or hold off remains to be seen.
technology