Apple is to release an iPhone model that costs $1,999. It's the most expensive model yet and raises questions about how sustainable such pricing is.

The model in question is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, specifically the version with a 2-terabyte storage option. That's more than some desktop computer hard drives. It's only the addition of this size storage that increases the price from last year's equivalent models, with the lower capacity versions still starting at "only" $1,199.

Indeed, much of the specs remain the same, with the main differences being cosmetic with new colors (who hasn't wanted a "Cosmic Orange" handset?), and increased resolution on the telephoto and selfie cameras. There's also a promise of around 15-20% longer battery life. (Source: mashable.com)

Security Beefed Up

There's also some security changes to the hardware, though this is for the full iPhone 17 range. These include "Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE)", a hardware feature that's designed to spot and block and attempts to exploit out-of-bounds errors.

That's where a hacker is able to effectively "leak out" of one part of the memory and access another. In turn they can then view or alter code from another operation or app. Cybersecurity experts say this measure will be particularly useful for people who use their phone to manage cryptocurrency.

The near-$2,000 pricing isn't the only price rise. The Air model (specifically designed for thinness) is now up $999. The basic iPhone, which is technically the entry level model, remains at $799.

Further Rises May Be Inevitable

Perhaps surprisingly, the price rises are less than some analysts had expected. Apple doesn't appear to have fully adjusted the prices to take account of possible tariffs on goods imported from China. However, with those changes still on the books, and with alternatives such as switching production to the US also having costs, it seems breaking the $2,000 barrier is inevitable. Indeed, some high-end Android handsets already exceed that price. (Source: bloomberg.com)

Apple clearly thinks there's a market for such pricing, having argued that in terms of value its handsets should be thought of more as a tiny computer than a phone.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you think people will pay $2,000 for a phone? Is a phone good value compared to other consumer tech? Is it scary to think of people walking round with something so expensive in their purse, pocket or hands?