Manila, Philippines — The Apple iPhone 17 series officially launched in the Philippines this week, with prices starting at ₱79,990 for the iPhone 17 Pro (128GB) and going beyond ₱100,000 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max (1TB), according to Apple PH’s store listings and local tech reports (Apple, Technobaboy, ManilaShaker).

The iPhone 17 Pro lineup introduces Apple’s latest A19 Pro chip, a new 48MP main camera with support for 8K video recording, and 8x optical zoom exclusive to the Pro Max variant (Technobaboy). It also features a titanium design, upgraded ProMotion display, and enhanced battery life.

While Apple touts the devices as its “most advanced iPhones yet,” the steep pricing sparked heated discussions online. Filipino users compared the models to Android flagships with similar specs at nearly half the cost. Others defended Apple’s ecosystem and resale value, saying the higher price is justified.

Local carriers are offering installment options and trade-in promos to ease adoption. Reports from PinoyTechnoGuide and TopGear PH note that demand remains high among professionals, content creators, and long-time Apple users despite the price debates (PinoyTechnoGuide, TopGear PH).

The iPhone 17’s rollout highlights Apple’s push into AI-driven personalization, which the company says will make the device a more intelligent hub for daily life (Apple).