Chinese leaker Fixed Focus Digital said on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Aug. 7 that Apple could raise the 17’s price as early as Monday, tech site AppleInsider reported.
The 17, which debuted in late 2025 with a starting price of US$799, was the world’s best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of 2026, according to market research firm Counterpoint Research’s Global Handset Model Sales Tracker.
The leaker did not say whether the increase was certain but claimed more confidently that Apple had abandoned plans to boost production capacity on some manufacturing lines from 15% to 30%.
While Weibo-based leakers have a mixed record on Apple rumors, Fixed Focus Digital has accurately predicted details in the past, including the name of the 16e.
The iPhone 17 (L) and 17 Pro Max. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung
Apple raised prices for Macs, iPads and most other devices in June, citing higher memory and storage costs, but left iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, the Studio Display and accessories unchanged. Industry speculation has largely focused on the 18 Pro models as the next likely targets for price increases.
The U.S. tech giant is expected to unveil the 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max and its first foldable iPhone next month, while the standard 18 and budget 18e are reportedly scheduled for release in spring 2027.
If the launch timeline proves accurate, the 17 will remain Apple’s mainstream smartphone for several more months, potentially giving the company reason to adjust its pricing before the broader 18 lineup becomes available, according to MacRumors.