Apple iPhone 17 series may launch at a starting price of Rs 86,000: Report

Apple's iPhone 17 series could launch in India at Rs 86,000, as per Techarc's report, marking a jump from last year's iPhone 16 base price of Rs 79,900

Apple’s iPhone 17 series could launch in India with a price hike. According to a report by Techarc, the base model of the iPhone 17 series is expected to be priced at Rs 86,000 onwards, a significant hike compared to the Rs 79,900 launch price of the iPhone 16 last year. As per the report, the price estimation is based on the US dollar-Rupee exchange rate and Apple’s annual average rate of increasing iPhone prices.

iPhone 17 series: Expected pricing

The Techarc report highlights a correlation between iPhone launch prices in India and the dollar-to-rupee exchange rate. Since the introduction of the third-generation iPhone, launch prices have increased at an annual rate of 7.6 per cent, while the rupee has depreciated against the dollar at an average annual rate of 5.2 per cent. 

 

  Although Apple is expected to release the iPhone 17 series as a “Made in India” lineup right from launch, Techarc states that key components will still be imported. This means fluctuations in the dollar-rupee exchange rate will continue to impact production costs. In 2025 alone, the rupee has depreciated by about 5 per cent compared to last year, which could potentially push launch prices even higher than Rs 86,000

iPhone 17 series: What to expect

Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup is expected to once again feature four models, but with a notable shift. Instead of the familiar Plus variant, the company may introduce a brand-new ultra-thin model, reportedly called the iPhone 17 Air. Alongside this, the rest of the lineup is tipped to bring several key upgrades. 

  iPhone 17: The standard model is expected to receive some of the most significant improvements in years, including a ProMotion LTPO display with a 120Hz refresh rate, an upgraded front-facing camera, and Apple’s new A19 chip.

 

iPhone 17 Air: This new entry could become Apple’s slimmest iPhone yet, measuring just 5.5mm in thickness. Rumoured specifications include a single 48MP rear camera, 2,800mAh battery, eSIM-only connectivity, and the A19 chip at its core.

 

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max: The Pro models are said to feature a refreshed hybrid aluminium–glass design, a reworked rear camera bar, and major imaging enhancements such as a new 48MP telephoto lens and an improved front camera. Other expected upgrades include larger batteries, support for reverse wireless charging, and the more powerful A19 Pro chip.