iPhone 17 Pro to Launch with 256GB Base Storage — But Expect a Price Hike

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 17 Pro may finally address storage complaints by offering 256GB as the default, doubling what users currently get. It’s a welcome upgrade—but it’ll likely come with a higher price tag, hinting at a shift in how Apple balances features with cost.

What’s Changing
For years, Apple’s Pro models started with 128GB—forcing many to pay extra for more space. That could change with the iPhone 17 Pro. Rumours suggest the base model will now begin at 256GB, placing it closer in line with the more expensive Pro Max tier.

The Price Trade-Off
That upgrade won’t be free. Analysts expect a $50 hike across the iPhone 17 lineup to offset inflation and rising production costs. So, while storage doubles, the extra cost may temper the appeal—especially for buyers in markets like India, where higher prices hit budgets harder.

Why It Matters Even in Small Cities
In Tier 2 and 3 Indian cities, feature leaps like this spark strong reactions. Some users will welcome the storage boost—especially content creators and commuters who rely on music, video, and heavy apps offline. Others watching their budgets may see it as a double-edged sword: better value, but still pricier than before.

Conclusion
Apple’s move to onboard 256GB storage as standard is a nod to real-world user needs—finally. But with that comes an expected price bump, which complicates matters for aspirational buyers. In the end, it’s a balancing act between delivering thoughtful upgrades and keeping them accessible.