The latest iPhone lineup has arrived, and while the tech innovations are certainly turning heads, it's the price tags that are truly sparking conversations. This year, Apple's pushing boundaries not just in features, but also in what consumers are willing to pay for a premium mobile experience. The discussion around the iPhone 17 series is as much about the cutting-edge technology as it is about the cost of entry.

Among the four new iPhones released, the iPhone 17 Pro Max with maximum storage capacity represents the pinnacle of Apple's smartphone offerings, and correspondingly, its price point. We're not just talking about incremental increases; for the first time, an iPhone configuration is approaching the $2,000 mark, a figure that has sent ripples of disbelief and outrage through the Apple faithful and the broader tech community alike.

The specific culprit behind this price surge is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, fully loaded with a staggering 2TB of storage. This model, aimed at power users and content creators who demand ample space for their apps, videos, and photos, carries a retail price of £1,999 or $1,999. This is a significant leap, marking uncharted territory for Apple's pricing strategy.

This marks Apple's debut into the 2TB storage tier for its smartphones, a substantial increase from the previous 1TB maximum. This jump in capacity is undoubtedly attractive to users who generate or consume large amounts of data. However, the accompanying price hike has left many feeling that Apple has crossed a line.

While a storage upgrade of this magnitude naturally justifies a price adjustment, the extent of the increase has left many iPhone enthusiasts in a state of shock. The sentiment online is clear: Apple's pricing strategy is being viewed as aggressive, even excessive, in the context of the broader smartphone market.

Social media platforms have become a sounding board for consumer discontent. One user on X, formerly Twitter, exclaimed, "Out they damn minds," expressing a sentiment of disbelief at the high cost. This raw emotion reflects the perception that Apple might be overreaching with its pricing.

Another user pointed out the increasing reliance on cloud storage, questioning the necessity of such vast local storage. "2000 for an iPhone is diabolical behavior by Apple especially when you can store most large files in the Cloud," they wrote, suggesting that the value proposition of 2TB of onboard storage is diminished by the availability of affordable cloud alternatives.

Adding to the chorus of disapproval, a third user simply stated, "2k for an iphone is insane," encapsulating the general feeling of disbelief at the price. This concise critique highlights the widespread perception that the price tag is disconnected from the perceived value of the product.

Even humor has found its way into the conversation. One individual jokingly remarked, "Let me get a second loan on the house going for Tim," referring to Apple's CEO, Tim Cook. This quip underscores the feeling that purchasing the top-tier iPhone now requires a significant financial commitment, akin to taking out a loan.

It's important to remember that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is also offered in more affordable configurations with smaller storage capacities. The 256GB model starts at £1,199 or $1,199, while the 512GB and 1TB versions are priced at £1,399/$1,399 and £1,599/$1,599, respectively. These options provide alternatives for consumers who don't require the maximum storage capacity.

Beyond the Pro Max, the iPhone 17 lineup includes the standard iPhone 17, the iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone Air. This range of models offers different features and price points, catering to a wider spectrum of users with diverse needs and budgets.

The base model iPhone 17 represents the most accessible entry point into the new lineup, starting at £799 or $799. This option provides a compelling blend of performance and features without breaking the bank.

Apple also offers a trade-in program that allows customers to reduce the cost of a new iPhone by trading in eligible Apple products. Depending on the condition and model of the trade-in device, customers can receive up to £670 in credit towards their new purchase.

Let's shift our focus to another compelling device in the lineup: the iPhone Air. According to early reviews, Apple has successfully created a highly portable mobile device without compromising on key features or performance.

The iPhone Air boasts a spacious 6.6-inch screen, surpassing the display sizes of both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. This larger screen provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and productivity tasks.

To put the iPhone Air's portability into perspective, consider the reviewer's comparison to their iPhone 16 Pro Max, which weighs 227 grams. The reviewer notes a significant difference in hand feel, highlighting the iPhone Air's lighter weight.

The use of titanium in the iPhone Air's construction is particularly noteworthy. Despite being a strong and durable material, titanium contributes to the device's lightweight feel. The reviewer describes the iPhone Air as "feathery" in hand, despite its robust build.

The iPhone Air's slim frame further enhances its ergonomics and makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods. Apple's attention to detail in the design and construction of the device is evident in its overall feel and usability.

One of the most impressive aspects of the iPhone Air's design is the clever engineering that allows Apple to pack the core components into the camera bump. This strategic placement frees up space within the phone's body for a larger battery, maximizing battery life.

This innovative design not only optimizes internal space but also contributes to the iPhone Air's aesthetic appeal. The reviewer praises the engineering as "impressive" and the overall look as "great," underscoring Apple's commitment to both form and function.

In conclusion, the iPhone 17 series presents a mix of cutting-edge technology and premium pricing. While the high cost of the top-tier iPhone 17 Pro Max has drawn criticism, the lineup also offers more affordable options with compelling features and innovative designs, like the notably lightweight and cleverly engineered iPhone Air. You can read more about the iPhone Air.