Apple is set to launch its highly anticipated iPhone 17 series next week, generating significant excitement among fans. A critical consideration for Indian consumers is the potential pricing of these new devices. Recent updates on tax structures and fluctuating currency values have fueled speculation. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has implemented a simplified two-tier system featuring slabs of 5 percent and 18 percent; however, smartphones remain categorized under the 18 percent slab. Consequently, there will be no tax relief for iPhone 17 buyers, similar to the current tax rate on laptops. In essence, the GST revision does not alter the pricing of Apple’s forthcoming smartphones. Nevertheless, analysts caution that various economic factors may still influence prices.
Faisal Kawoosa, Chief Analyst and Founder of Techarc, suggests that Indian consumers might encounter at least one model priced higher than before. He estimates that the base iPhone 17 could start at approximately Rs 86,000, citing a nearly 5 percent decline in the rupee against the US dollar in 2025, which may compel Apple to adjust its launch pricing in India. However, market analysts propose that Apple might refrain from implementing a significant increase on the entry-level model. Given that leaks indicate that the base iPhone 17 will not feature substantial hardware changes compared to the iPhone 16, there remains a possibility that its Indian price could stay at Rs 79,900, consistent with last year’s pricing.
On the global stage, JPMorgan’s reports suggest that Apple may adopt a conservative pricing strategy in the US. The base iPhone 17 is anticipated to launch at $799, mirroring the iPhone 16’s initial price. The new iPhone 17 Air, which replaces the Plus variant, is projected to be priced between $899 and $949, recalling that the iPhone 16 Plus started at $899. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro may see a $100 increase, reaching $1,099, while the premium iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to remain at $1,199. If Apple adheres to its typical conversion model for the Indian market, the pricing structure may appear familiar.
The iPhone 16 was launched at Rs 79,900, the Plus at Rs 89,900, the Pro at Rs 1,19,900, and the Pro Max at Rs 1,44,900. Based on leaked US pricing, the iPhone 17 may again start around Rs 79,900, the Air could be close to Rs 89,900 or slightly more, and the Pro may approach Rs 1,30,000. The Pro Max is likely to remain unchanged at roughly Rs 1,44,900. This year, the spotlight is on the iPhone 17 Air, rumored to be the slimmest iPhone Apple has ever produced. Despite its potentially higher production costs due to a sleeker design, analysts believe Apple may price it similarly to the previous Plus model to attract more consumers.
For Indian customers, the final pricing remains uncertain. While GST modifications offer no relief, currency fluctuations and Apple’s global strategy could still impact the ultimate pricing. Current trends suggest that the Pro model is most likely to see a price increase, while other versions may remain within last year’s price ranges, making the iPhone 17 lineup accessible to India’s premium smartphone market.