TECH NEWS – Apple may be planning to bridge the gap between its two top models, but ultimately, users will have to pay for it.

The iPhone has long been criticized for its limited storage capacity and Apple’s refusal to include a microSD slot. On top of that, iPhones have traditionally had lower base storage, which has led to a new rumor about the entry-level models. Instead of starting at 128 GB, the iPhone 17 Pro may launch with 256 GB of storage as standard, which could mean a $50 price increase for the entire lineup.

A Chinese insider called Instant Digital on Weibo claims that the iPhone 17 Pro will come with 256 GB as standard (just like the iPhone 16 Pro Max). At the same time, Apple is expected to raise the price by $50. The iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and iPhone 16 Pro all launched with 128 GB of base storage, while only the Pro Max started with 256 GB. Thanks to this change, both Pro models would now offer the same base storage, ultimately giving users more flexibility for future updates.

The standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Air are likely to start with 128 GB, just like current models. Apple is expected to raise the iPhone 17 Pro’s base price to $1,045, with the standard iPhone 17 at $849 and the iPhone 17 Air at $949. Of course, prices will be higher in Europe due to VAT, and even higher in Hungary due to higher VAT rates. The price increase is most likely due to the ongoing rise in component costs and tariffs.

Beyond product development and cost management, this change is also meant to simplify consumer choices and highlight the advantages of picking between the Pro and Pro Max—though it could also make things more complicated. The leaker repeatedly emphasized that the iPhone 17 will be unveiled on September 9, confirming previous rumors.

Source: WCCFTech, Weibo