Apple has raised prices across its iPhone lineup, starting at $799 for the base model, despite receiving tariff relief from President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Apple has officially increased the prices of its iPhone models, with the new lineup beginning at $799 for the entry-level version. This announcement came during the company’s highly anticipated annual event, where CEO Tim Cook showcased the latest innovations with a polished presentation.
Despite receiving tariff relief from President Donald Trump earlier this year, Apple has opted to raise prices across its iPhone lineup. The new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air is priced at $999, while the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and the Pro Max reaches a staggering $1,199. The entry-level iPhone 17, which serves as the new baseline model, begins at $799.
Apple has framed these price increases as a reflection of its commitment to breakthrough innovation. The company highlighted the iPhone Air’s sleek redesign, the powerful A19 chip, and significant camera upgrades. However, the message was clear: the tariff relief did not translate into savings for consumers. Instead, Apple is reinforcing its premium identity, indicating that cutting-edge technology comes with a higher price tag.
The iPhone 17 Air is being marketed as a game-changer, measuring just 5.6mm in thickness and weighing approximately 165 grams, making it the slimmest iPhone to date. The design incorporates recycled aluminum, glass, and titanium, ensuring durability while reducing weight. Apple has also enhanced the frame’s resilience with new drop-test algorithms to withstand daily use.
One of the standout features of the Air is its silicon anode battery technology, which enables a smaller device without compromising power. While Apple promised “all-day battery life,” it did not specify an exact duration, raising some questions among consumers. To address potential battery concerns, Apple introduced a new low-profile MagSafe battery accessory, claiming that together with the iPhone 17 Air, it can provide up to 40 hours of video playback.
In terms of camera capabilities, the iPhone 17 Air boasts a new ultra-wide 48MP fusion camera system, enhancing detail and low-light performance. The display now features a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate, improving scrolling and animations. Additionally, the peak brightness has been increased to 3,000 nits, making it easier to view the screen in direct sunlight. The Air also includes a Ceramic Shield 2 coating, which Apple claims offers better scratch and drop resistance than previous models.
The iPhone 17 Pro introduces a striking unibody design, utilizing laser-welded vapor chamber cooling to maintain performance under heavy use. The back features a ceramic shield finish, while the front is equipped with an upgraded seven-layer coating that reduces glare in various lighting conditions. At the heart of the Pro is the new A19 Bionic chip, built on a 3nm architecture, paired with a 16-core Neural Engine for enhanced speed and efficiency.
Apple has also made significant improvements to the Pro’s camera system, which includes a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, along with ProRes support for high-quality video recording. The Pro model is available in new finishes, including deep blue, cosmic orange, and silver, and starts at $1,099 with 256GB of storage.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is positioned as the ultimate model, sharing the same design and features as the Pro but with a larger display. It also runs on the A19 Bionic chip and promises the best battery life of any iPhone to date, making it ideal for heavy users. The Pro Max is priced at $1,199 with 256GB of storage, marking the highest entry point for an iPhone yet.
The standard iPhone 17 rounds out the lineup, now serving as Apple’s new baseline model. It starts at $799 with 256GB of storage and incorporates many features from the Pro models, including a thinner profile and an upgraded camera system with a 48MP main sensor.
In addition to the iPhone announcements, Apple refreshed its wearables and audio lineup. The third-generation AirPods Pro, priced at $249, feature foam-infused ear tips for a more secure fit and extend listening time to up to eight hours on a single charge. Notably, the new AirPods Pro also include heart rate sensing capabilities, turning them into another health-tracking accessory within Apple’s ecosystem.
The Apple Watch Series 11 continues the company’s focus on health technology, introducing monitoring for hypertension and sleep apnea, although FDA clearance for some features is still pending. The watch also includes a Sleep Score feature and is built with 100% recycled materials, starting at around $399.
Apple’s event showcased a range of accessories designed to complement the new iPhones, including a low-profile MagSafe battery pack and various protective cases. These accessories are positioned as essential components of the iPhone experience, emphasizing the blend of technology and personal style.
Overall, Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup represents a significant step forward in innovation, combining sleek design with powerful features. The company continues to balance style, functionality, and user experience, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Source: Original article