Adding up how much every major iPhone 17 part really costs and it's a lot less than the device markets for
Published on Oct 05, 2025 at 8:16 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Oct 02, 2025 at 2:41 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s newest flagship, but a teardown shows this Apple iPhone costs about $408 to build while selling for $1,199.
The A19 Pro chip, display, and camera system make up the bulk of the expense.
Smaller parts like the enclosure, battery, and storage add relatively little.
The difference between raw parts and retail price might come as a shock, but there is good reason for it.
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iPhone 17 parts and pricing
A breakdown of the iPhone 17 Pro Max estimates the bill of materials at $408.13.
The enclosure is $20.79, the battery $4.10, the 256GB storage $20.59, and the memory $21.80.
More expensive components include the A19 Pro chip at $90.85, the 5G modem at $90, the camera module at $80, and the display at $80.
These account for most of the iPhone cost.
The A-series processor is designed specifically for the iPhone 17 and works directly with iOS.
The camera hardware is tuned for Apple’s software systems, and the display is produced to precise standards.
Each part is tailored for the device rather than taken from generic suppliers.
The price gap explained
The difference between the $408 parts bill and the $1,199 retail figure does not mean pure profit.
Apple invests a significant amount of money to design chips, improve cameras, and refine iOS.
Those costs are spread across every Apple iPhone release.
Global production, quality control, and shipping logistics also add to the total.
Apple’s marketing, retail stores, and customer service are additional factors.
None of these appear in a teardown but they are part of what the company builds into the retail cost.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max also plays a role in Apple’s wider business model.
The device is central to services, accessories, and other hardware.
This approach keeps revenue consistent and funds new product development.
Future iPhones are expected to follow the same structure.
The parts may account for only a fraction of the total, but the final number reflects research, production, and support systems.
The iPhone 17 shows how Apple turns a $408 list of parts into a $1,199 device.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
