Fresh supply-chain chatter suggests that Apple has instructed suppliers to increase iPhone 17 production following stronger-than-expected pre-orders.
Per the report from The Information, Apple asked at least two partners to lift daily output of the standard iPhone 17 by 30% following launch-weekend demand.
That suggests the entry model is outpacing early expectations – and may be nibbling at sales of the pricier Pro phones this cycle.
Why is the base model hot this year?
The iPhone 17 starts at $799/£799, undercutting the super-thin iPhone Air by $200/£200 and iPhone 17 Pro by $300/£300.
Importantly, Apple has moved “Pro” staples down the range: ProMotion 120Hz and Always-On now come standard, narrowing the spec gap without the Pro price. That value play is likely driving upgrade interest among buyers who skipped recent cycles.
With the iPhone 17 Plus missing from the range, the base model has also seen its screen size increase slightly to 6.3 inches. This is the same size as the base Pro, and genuinely does make a big difference in day-to-day. For many, this is the perfect iPhone size – big enough to enjoy games and media, but small enough to fit comfortably in a pocket.
If you’re weighing the lineup, the best iPhone guide and broader best phones roundup lay out which models make the most sense by budget and features.
Before launch, Apple reportedly split production roughly 25% standard, 10% Air, and 65% Pro/Pro Max, reflecting historic demand patterns.
Opinion
This news really isn’t surprising. This feels like a year where the base iPhone 17 is basically ‘Pro’ in everything but name. The majority of the issues I have had with previous base iPhones have been resolved.
The addition of the 120Hz, Always-On ProMotion display is the big one. If Apple keeps meaningful upgrades flowing to the standard iPhone, plenty of buyers will bank the savings and skip Pro – although Apple likely hopes that doesn’t happen.
