Apple’s most recent slate answers the question buyers care about the most: What is the price of iPhone 17? The headline is clear — a new entry iPhone 17 sticks at $799 in the US — but the full story zigzags through new configurations, a brand-new iPhone Air and the top-end tiers shoving ever tougher into premium territory.
iPhone 17 and iPhone Air: U.S. price
The plain old iPhone 17 starts at $799, for 256GB of storage. If you need additional space, the 512GB edition is $999.
The new iPhone Air, a thinner and more durable model that is a step up from the base model, is priced starting at $999 for 256GB. It jumps to $1,199 for 512GB and peaks at $1,399 for 1TB.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: U.S. price
iPhone 17 Pro would first be available at 256GB for $1,099, up to $1,299 for 512GB, and to 1TB at $1,499.
iPhone 17 Pro Max: From 256GB, starting at $1,199. Storage options are picked up on $1,399 for 512GB, $1,599 for 1TB and a top tier model at $1,999 for a whopping 2TB of storage.
How the new prices fit into the lineup
Three quick takeaways: Apple holds the line at $799 to start with; the iPhone Air fills the mid-tier gap at $999; and the Pro Max extends all the way out to $1,999 for a souped-up 2TB model for users who dwell in RAW photos, 4K video and local offline libraries.
Apple’s decision to have 256GB be the base for all models reveals where usage is going. Counterpoint Research analysts have observed a gradual move toward higher storage totals as more people record 4K video, maintain large app libraries and depend on iPhones as primary photography devices. IDC has also noted improving premium segment demand, which fits nicely with Apple’s reliance on premium tiers that cater to performance-oriented buyers.
Storage advice: choosing the right tier
For most people, 256GB is plenty of storage for photos along with social apps and a normal mix of streaming and offline downloads. If you do a whole bunch of video shooting, especially 4K, 512GB. As for the pro features, such as ProRAW photos or advanced codecs, they only further whet the appetite.
Creators who use on-device editing, or stuff your computer with a mass local music and video collection will want to hit up 1TB or 2TB. Beyond headroom higher tiers help future-proof the phone as app sizes and camera features continue to explode.
Real-world pricing and deals
Sticker prices do not include state and local sales tax and carrier activation fees may apply if you purchase from a wireless company. AppleCare+ is optional, but if you want accident coverage and expedited repairs, you have to add another line item to your total.
Most U.S. purchasers don’t pay the full price outright. The firm Consumer Intelligence Research Partners has consistently found that most iPhone purchases are made with trade-ins and financing. Apple, the major carriers and big-box retailers typically offer bill credits or monthly payments that can turn an $799 phone into something like a $30–$40 purchase every month over two or three years, which comes down toward the lower price; taxes and fees extra. As ever, be sure to read the fine print — some offers may require certain plans or keep you on the carrier for the full term to get all the credits.
If you are an upgrader, investigate trade-in values early. Apple’s own program is simple and transparent, whereas carriers may offer higher headline values linked to qualifying plans. Either way, a timely trade-in can seriously cut into the price bump from 256GB to 512GB or from a regular iPhone 17 to the Air or Pro.
Bottom line: what you’ll pony up
The iPhone 17 will start at $799 for 256GB, the Air will start at $999, the 17 Pro will start at $1,099 and the 17 Pro Max will start at $1,199 and goes up to $1,999 with 2 terabytes. If you want the best value that still stays shy of four figures, then the base iPhone 17 remains the no-drama option. If you care about a slim profile or fancier materials (but don’t want to shell out for a Pro), the Air sits neatly in the middle. And if you want the very best camera and headroom, the Pro Max’s upper tiers are for you — at an appropriate price point.
