Honestly, trying to figure out Apple's pricing is like chasing a moving target. You walk into a store thinking you’ve got a handle on the budget, and then you realize that "starting at" price doesn't include the extra storage you definitely need or the tax that’s about to hit your receipt.
If you’re looking at how much are new iphones right now, the landscape has shifted significantly since the iPhone 17 lineup dropped. We aren't just talking about a single phone anymore; it’s a tiered ecosystem ranging from the budget-conscious 16e to the ultra-thin "Air" and the beastly Pro Max.
The Current Menu: Breaking Down the iPhone 17 Pricing
The big news this year was the iPhone 17 Air. It's super thin, looks incredible, but it’ll cost you. Apple positioned it right between the standard model and the Pro, which kind of complicates the "which one should I buy?" math.
Here is what the official Apple Store sticker prices look like for the base storage models:
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- iPhone 17e: $599. It’s the entry point. Basically, the soul of an SE but with a more modern face.
- iPhone 17: $799. The "default" choice for most people.
- iPhone 17 Air: $999. You’re paying for the engineering feat of how skinny it is.
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099. This one finally starts at 256GB of storage, which is a big win.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199. The big screen, the big battery, and the big price tag.
The Storage Tax is Real
Don't let those "from" prices fool you. If you’re a person who takes 4K videos of your dog or downloads every app under the sun, 128GB on the standard iPhone 17 (which is still the base for that model) is going to feel tight very quickly. Jumping to 256GB usually tacks on an extra $100. If you go all the way to 1TB on a Pro Max? You’re looking at nearly $1,600 before you even buy a case.
Why the Pro Model Pricing Might Actually Be Fairer Now
For years, the Pro started at 128GB. It felt stingy.
With the iPhone 17 Pro, Apple bumped that base to 256GB. While the $1,099 price point looks like a $100 increase from the old days of the iPhone 15 Pro, it’s technically the same price the 256GB tier used to cost. It's a "forced upgrade" in a way, but at least you aren't paying more for the same storage.
If you do a lot of heavy lifting—gaming, ProRAW photography, or just keeping 500 tabs open—the Pro is where you live. The A19 Pro chip is a monster, but the real cost isn't just the hardware; it's the fact that you'll probably want AppleCare+ for a device that expensive. That adds another $199 or a monthly subscription to your "how much is this actually costing me?" tally.
Looking for a Deal? The Older Models Still Kick
Buying the latest and greatest isn't always the smartest move. Apple still officially sells the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, and they’ve seen a nice price cut.
Right now, an iPhone 16 starts at $699.
Is it worth saving $100 to get last year’s tech? Kinda. The iPhone 16 is still fully compatible with Apple Intelligence, so you aren't missing out on the AI features that Apple is pushing so hard. However, the iPhone 17 has a much better front-facing camera (24MP vs 12MP on the older ones) and more durable glass. If you drop your phone a lot, that extra $100 for the 17 might save you a $300 screen repair later.
The Pre-Owned and Refurbished Market
If you really want to see the numbers drop, check out the refurbished section.
An iPhone 14 in good condition is hovering around $260 to $300 on sites like Back Market. It won’t do the fancy AI tricks, but it’ll text, call, and take great photos for a fraction of the cost of a "new" phone.
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The Carrier "Free" Phone Trap
You've seen the ads. "Get the iPhone 17 Pro for free!"
There is always a "but."
Usually, that "free" phone requires you to be on a top-tier unlimited plan. If you’re already paying for Verizon’s Ultimate or AT&T’s Premium plan, great! Use the trade-in credit. But if you’re currently on a $30/month prepaid plan and you switch to a $90/month plan just to get a "free" phone, you’re actually paying $2,160 extra over a 36-month contract.
That is the most expensive "free" phone you'll ever buy.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Purchase
Before you tap "Buy" on the Apple Store app, do these three things:
- Check your storage usage: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. If you’re using less than 100GB, don't pay the $100 premium for a higher tier.
- Evaluate your trade-in: Apple’s trade-in values are "okay," but you can often get $50-$100 more selling it privately or through a dedicated buy-back site.
- Wait for the Spring: If you’re looking at the budget end, rumors about the iPhone 17e and potential SE updates usually solidify around February or March. Buying a base model in January is often bad timing.
Price isn't just about the number on the tag. It's about how long the phone lasts and how much it costs to keep it running. Whether you're dropping $599 or $1,199, make sure the specs actually match how you use your device every day.