Revealing the expected price increase of the upcoming iPhone 17 series

After much speculation, Apple appears to be preparing to make a move that analysts have long predicted: increase the price of the upcoming iPhone 17 series. According to the latest report from the US investment and financial services firm Jefferies, the iPhone 17 series, including the all-new iPhone 17 Air, could be at least $50 more expensive than its predecessor. This is a minimal increase, not including other uncertainties that are having a strong impact on the global supply chain.

The report stressed that the $50 increase is likely just the beginning, reflecting in part Apple's efforts to offset escalating manufacturing costs due to the impact of trade tariffs, rising component prices and disruptions in production.

While this isn't the first time Apple has faced cost pressures, given the increasingly competitive smartphone market and increasingly unpredictable trade policies, this price increase is more than just a routine adjustment.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 16 series launched last year didn’t see a price increase, despite the massive changes in the global semiconductor and shipping industries. Apple has been trying to maintain stable prices for years, in order to retain consumers in an increasingly saturated market.

However, as many analysts say, this cannot last forever. Rising raw material costs, manufacturing wages and transportation costs make the strategy of holding prices steady no longer viable.

Part of the reason is geopolitical tensions, especially the trade policies that the US government applies to China. Although Apple has tried to reduce its dependence on China by gradually shifting production lines to India and Vietnam, this is not fast enough to help the company avoid the impact of new tariff barriers.

President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Apple for not manufacturing iPhones in the US, has expressed his displeasure with these moves and even threatened to impose more restrictions if Apple continues to manufacture outside the US.

Meanwhile, Apple’s biggest rival in the high-end phone segment, Samsung, is in a different position. With a globally dispersed production network and an early exit from China, Samsung has largely avoided the impact of US tax policies.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra - Samsung's current top-of-the-line model - costs significantly more than the iPhone 15 Pro Max, giving Apple more room to adjust prices without worrying about being seen as the "most expensive on the market". This makes the $50 increase more palatable in the eyes of consumers, at least in the short term.

However, the report from Jefferies warns that this price increase may just be a stepping stone. Next year, when Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18, which may include its first foldable iPhone, the price will likely be much higher. Advanced technologies such as foldable screens, super-durable hinge systems, and maintaining performance and battery life on a foldable device are inherently expensive and difficult to deploy at scale.

In addition to the price factor, some initial responses to the supposed design of the iPhone 17 Pro also show skepticism. Although it has not been officially launched, many users have shown that they are not excited about the new design style, saying that it does not bring enough difference compared to previous generations. If this is combined with the higher price, the iPhone 17 may become one of Apple's most controversial product lines in recent years.

However, Apple has also proven time and again that it can beat the pessimistic forecasts. Despite being criticized for its lack of innovation or high prices, its quarterly revenue has consistently hit records. So the question is not whether the iPhone 17 will sell well, but how much consumers will be willing to pay for the improvements Apple brings this time.