iPhone 17 Pro Max price leak hints at trouble for iPhone 16 market in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Apple’s next flagship, the iPhone 17 Pro Max, is shaping up to be a double-edged sword for smartphone buyers in Pakistan. Fresh leaks suggest the device could launch at the same starting price as its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, sending ripples through the existing market.

Price pressure on iPhone 16 Pro Max

According to industry reports, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to start from $1,199, which converts to roughly Rs337,800 before duties and taxes. That is the exact starting price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the US. If Apple holds this pricing, distributors and mobile dealers in Pakistan may be forced to slash prices of existing iPhone 16 Pro Max stock. Not just new models, even used or box-opened iPhone 16 Pro Max units could see a sharp drop in demand.

Currently, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is listed for as high as Rs470,000 on Pakistani online marketplaces. If the leaks are accurate, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could arrive in the country for around Rs500,000 and climb up to Rs770,000 for the top 1TB variant, depending on taxes and PTA approval charges.

A closer look at the iPhone 17 lineup

The leaks indicate that while the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max will maintain their existing US prices, the iPhone 17 Pro may see a $100 bump, breaking an eight-year streak of starting at $999. However, that increase comes with 256GB storage as the base option, doubling what last year’s Pro model offered.

Another notable addition is the iPhone 17 Air, which is set to replace the iPhone 16 Plus. Slimmer and sleeker, it could debut as Apple’s thinnest iPhone ever at just 5.5mm thick.

Rumoured features of the iPhone 17 Pro Max

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is tipped to pack Apple’s most advanced camera system yet, with three 48MP sensors covering Wide, Ultra Wide, and a Tetraprism Telephoto lens. The phone may even push into 8K video recording, making it a powerhouse for content creators.

Pakistan’s local mobile phone production doubles in July

On the hardware side, the device is expected to feature Apple’s A19 Pro chipset built on TSMC’s 3nm process, along with 12GB RAM for the first time. It could also introduce an aluminium frame, replacing the titanium used in recent Pro models. A 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion is likely to remain part of the package.

Countdown to Apple’s ‘Awe Dropping’ event

Apple is set to host its big launch event on September 9, where the iPhone 17 series will take centre stage. Alongside the new iPhones, Apple is expected to announce Apple Watch Series 11, Watch Ultra 3, AirPods Pro 3, and possibly a new HomePod with display.

For Pakistani buyers, however, the spotlight remains firmly on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. If Apple truly holds the same US pricing, the arrival of the new model could reshape iPhone 16 Pro Max demand in one stroke.

Read next: Why everyone is talking about PUBG Mobile Version 4.0’s ghostly twist?