iPhone 17 Pro Max price leaks reveal bigger storage while 17 Pro faces slight price hike: What you need to know

With less than a week to go before Apple’s much-anticipated “Awe-Dropping” event on 9 September, leaks are giving tech enthusiasts a clearer picture of the iPhone 17 series. The key takeaway? A subtle price increase for the iPhone 17 Pro, paired with a storage upgrade that could soften the blow.

According to a JPMorgan research note, the only model expected to see a price hike this year is the iPhone 17 Pro. Apple is dropping the baseline 128GB variant in favour of a 256GB starting option, pushing the U.S. price from $999 to $1,099, roughly Rs 1,25,000 in India. Despite the bump, the added storage makes the price increase feel less painful.

The rest of the lineup, including the iPhone 17, 17 Air, and 17 Pro Max, is expected to maintain last year’s pricing. The 17 Air, effectively replacing the “Plus” model, is anticipated to start around $899, though some predict it could reach $949.

What to Expect in India

In India, the iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) is rumoured to debut at around Rs 1,25,000. Pre-orders are expected to open on 12 September, with deliveries beginning around 19 September—perfectly timed for the festive shopping season.

Design and Hardware Upgrades

Beyond pricing, leaks suggest significant upgrades under the hood for the Pro models:

• A new A19 Pro chip, likely built on a 3nm process.
• A 6.3-inch ProMotion OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate.
• A triple 48 MP camera setup, featuring wide, ultra-wide, and periscope lenses.
• 12 GB of RAM, redesigned aluminium or titanium frame, and new colour options like copper-orange and dark blue.
• Possible reverse wireless charging and improved thermal management through vapour-chamber cooling.

Why It Matters

Apple seems to be walking a fine line, keeping price increases minimal while offering tangible upgrades. For users relying on local storage for 4K videos, gaming, or offline work, the extra space could justify the cost.

Meanwhile, the pricing stability for other models keeps them accessible, while Pro buyers may feel nudged towards the higher storage, without being priced out entirely. In short, Apple appears to be playing its cards carefully, adding value without causing sticker-shock.