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Buying the iPhone 17 is one of those tempting upgrades that feels almost inevitable if you’re a fan of sleek tech and crisp design. Every fall, Apple drops a new device and suddenly the phone in your hand feels just a little too old. But let’s pause the excitement for a second and talk about what kind of income makes sense before dropping money on this new iPhone.
The expected base price for the iPhone 17 is somewhere between $799 and $899, depending on the model. If you’re eyeing the Pro or Pro Max versions, you’re looking at $1,099 to $1,499. Add taxes, and you’re easily over $1,200-$1,600 all in. It’s a big purchase, and unless your money situation is solid, it can quietly mess up your financial flow.
Here’s the thing: just because you can buy something doesn’t mean you should, especially if it comes at the cost of your peace of mind. A good rule to follow is the 1% guideline: don’t spend more than 1% of your annual income on a luxury gadget. That means you need to earn at least $120,000 a year to afford a $1,200 phone. Sounds extreme, right? But the point isn’t to shame, it’s to protect you from spending way out of proportion to your financial reality.
If you’re earning around $5,000 a month after taxes, and your essentials, savings, and debt are taken care of, then buying the iPhone 17 won’t be a big deal. But if your monthly income is closer to $3,000 and you’re still juggling rent, student loans, or credit card debt, this purchase can quietly push you into stress you don’t need.
There are ways to make it work, though. Trading in your old iPhone, using a zero-interest instalment plan, or waiting for the refurbished models to show up can make the cost feel more manageable. Just don’t trick yourself into thinking you need it immediately. Wanting something doesn’t mean it’s the right time.
Because let’s be honest, part of what we crave with a new iPhone is the feeling. The dopamine. The upgrade. And that’s okay. But the best kind of purchase is one you can make without anxiety after, without touching your emergency savings, and without regretting it three weeks later.
So if you’re already financially steady and the iPhone 17 fits into your life like a bonus, go for it. But if buying it would require stretching, waiting a little longer might feel better than owning it too soon.