If the idea of an iPhone Pro price hike sounds familiar, it’s because similar rumors have circulated for years: predictions that the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro would all see price increases  -  none of which materialized.

A reliable leaker on China’s Weibo platform recently claimed the smaller iPhone 17 Pro, with a 6.3-inch display, will start at $1,049 in the US for 256GB of storage. By comparison, the current iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 with 128GB.

Apple has kept at least one Pro model (or equivalent) at a $999 US starting price since the iPhone X debuted in 2017. If true, the iPhone 17 Pro would end that eight-year streak.

Price history of Pro models in the US:

iPhone X: $999
iPhone XS: $999
iPhone 11 Pro: $999
iPhone 12 Pro: $999
iPhone 13 Pro: $999
iPhone 14 Pro: $999
iPhone 15 Pro: $999
iPhone 16 Pro: $999
iPhone 17 Pro: $1,049?

If Apple drops the 128GB option, some may argue this isn’t a true price hike  -  $1,049 for 256GB would actually be cheaper than today’s 256GB model. However, customers wanting a Pro at $999 or less would lose that choice.

A similar debate erupted when Apple eliminated the 128GB option for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Apple has repeatedly defied price hike rumors, year after year, earning a reputation for price stability. Still, nothing lasts forever. If the $999 era ends, factors like high tariffs and inflation in recent years may be to blame  -  though Apple is unlikely to say so publicly.

For now, the rumors remain unconfirmed. The truth will be clear in just one month.

Hai Phong