Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup—including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max—launched in September with some notable upgrades and one bold change: Apple dropped the 128GB model entirely, making 256GB the new base storage.
While this was accompanied by a relatively small price jump of ₹3,000 over the iPhone 16, new reports suggest a much bigger price hike may be on the horizon for Indian customers.
So, what’s driving the price up? Let’s break it all down.
Demand
According to well-known tipster Yogesh Brar, Apple is facing strong demand for the iPhone 17 series, and stocks are reportedly running low. This high demand, coupled with global pricing pressures, could be one of the key reasons behind the expected hike.
The base variant of the iPhone 17 with 256GB storage currently retails around ₹82,900–₹83,900. But if Brar’s prediction holds true, Apple may raise the price by ₹7,000, making the new expected price ₹89,900. Likewise, the 512GB variant could jump from its current pricing to ₹1,09,900.
| Variant | Current Price (Approx) | Expected Price (Approx) | Price Hike |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256GB | ₹82,900 | ₹89,900 | ₹7,000 |
| 512GB | ₹1,02,900 | ₹1,09,900 | ₹7,000 |
This would bring the base iPhone 17 model dangerously close to the iPhone Air, which is currently available at ₹1,12,900 during Black Friday sales. That means the pricing difference between the regular iPhone and the premium iPhone Air could shrink to less than ₹3,000.
Industry
The potential hike isn’t entirely surprising. Several smartphone makers have recently increased prices due to the rising cost of hardware components. Here’s a look at how other brands have raised prices this year:
| Smartphone Model | Price Increase Over Predecessor |
|---|---|
| iQOO 15 | ₹18,000 |
| Realme GT 8 Pro | ₹13,000 |
| Oppo Find X9 | ₹5,000 |
| OnePlus 15 | ₹3,000 |
So Apple may just be following the industry trend. However, since Apple’s pricing often sets the tone for the premium smartphone segment, this hike could impact market expectations.
Discounts
The good news? According to Brar, Apple may offer bank discounts to cushion the blow of the price hike. This could include cashback offers on select credit cards (like HDFC) or no-cost EMI plans. These offers have helped many customers manage iPhone costs in the past, and they might come in handy if the iPhone 17 sees an official increase.
However, no exact discount or offer details have been leaked yet.
Status
As of now, Apple has not confirmed any price hikes. The company has remained silent on pricing speculation, and all reports are based on leaks and tipster predictions. That means buyers still have some time before the new pricing takes effect—if it does at all.
It’s also worth noting that the tipster hasn’t shared any information about the pricing of iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone Air, or iPhone 17 Pro Max—so those models could either remain unchanged or follow a similar hike pattern later.
For now, the smart move would be to keep an eye on Apple’s official website, check with nearby retail outlets, and act fast if you’re planning to grab the iPhone 17 at its current price.
The iPhone 17 lineup has undoubtedly impressed with its performance and upgrades, but the potential price hike could make it slightly less attractive for buyers looking for value. If Apple does go ahead with the ₹7,000 increase, it could narrow the gap between the standard iPhone and higher-end models like the iPhone Air—making it a tougher decision for customers.
Until Apple makes it official, it’s a waiting game. But if you’re already planning to buy the iPhone 17, this might be the right time to do it—before the price goes up.
FAQs
Is iPhone 17 price increasing in India?
Yes, reports suggest a ₹7,000 hike is likely for base models.
What is the new base variant of iPhone 17?
Apple has made 256GB the new base storage option.
Why is Apple raising iPhone 17 prices?
Due to high demand and increased hardware component costs.
Will Apple offer any discounts?
Bank offers and cashback may be available to offset costs.
Has Apple confirmed the price hike?
No, Apple has not officially confirmed the increase yet.
