Apple’s iPhone 17 series is out, and with it come a bunch of new models — the standard iPhone 17, the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air, the iPhone 17 Pro and the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Alongside tech specs and design upgrades, people everywhere are asking: how much will I be paying?
This post dives into what you’ll spend, what you get, and whether it’s good value.
What’s the Starting Price Globally
Here are the headline prices for the iPhone 17 lineup in major markets (base 256 GB versions):
| Model | US Price | Other Key Markets |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (256GB) | US$ 799 | UK £799 / EU €959 / AU$1,399 |
| iPhone Air (256GB) | US$ 999 | UK £979 / EU €1,159 / AU$1,649 |
| iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) | US$ 1,099 | UK £1,099 / EU €1,299 / AU$1,849 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) | US$ 1,199 | UK £1,199 / EU €1,429 / AU$1,999 |
Higher storage, special colours, or Pro Max variants with extra features will cost more.
One good thing to note: the standard iPhone 17 now starts with 256 GB, which is already more than many base models in past years. So even though the price might look similar to previous models, you’re getting more storage.
Price in India & Local Variants
- iPhone 17 (256GB) — ₹82,900
- iPhone 17 Air (256GB) — ₹1,19,900
- iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) — ₹1,34,900
- iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) — ₹1,49,900
Higher-storage variants cost significantly more (512 GB, 1 TB). You’ll also find bank EMI or cashback offers, trade-in deals, and authorised retailer discounts in India which can reduce the effective cost.
Why Prices Vary Around the World
- Import Duties & Taxes: Many countries (including India) charge significant import duties, GST, or VAT.
- Currency Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in USD to INR, EUR, GBP, etc., can push the price up.
- Retailer Margins & Distribution Costs: Shipping, logistics, warranty support, and after-sales service add to cost.
- Local Regulations / Compliance Costs: Environmental, safety or telecom testing may require different parts or processes.
- Storage Variant Premium: Going from 256 GB to 512 GB or 1 TB adds a steep markup due to Apple’s storage pricing tiers.
Is It Worth the Price?
✅ What You Get
- More storage in the base model – 256 GB is generous; you don’t need to upgrade immediately.
- Upgraded features – better displays, cameras and performance, especially in Pro models. Great for video, gaming or creative work.
- Resale & Longevity – Apple supports iPhones with software updates for many years, so they hold value longer.
🚫 What Might Not Justify It
- Light users (calls, social media) may not need Pro/Pro Max features.
- The price jump between variants is steep unless you really need the extra storage or camera optics.
- Some cheaper Android phones may offer comparable specs for less, though with trade-offs in software updates or ecosystem.
Tips to Reduce Your Cost
- Trade-in deals: Apple and Indian retailers take old phones for credit.
- Bank card/cashback offers: Check seasonal or festival offers.
- EMI plans: Spread the cost without paying extra interest during promos.
- Cloud storage: Stick to 256 GB and use iCloud or Google Drive instead of paying for 512 GB/1 TB.
- Cross-border buying: Only if warranty coverage is clear and taxes are understood.
Bottom Line
The iPhone 17 starts at a premium price globally, and in India the base price is similarly high. You’re getting more base storage than before, which softens the cost a bit, but the higher-storage and Pro/Pro Max models push the price even higher.
For power users — gaming, content creation, long usage — the extra cost might be worth it. For average users, a more modest model may hit a better sweet spot.