Apple's iPhone has long been associated with premium pricing and a reluctance to offer discounts shortly after launch.

However, recent promotions on the iPhone 17 Pro suggest a possible shift in this strategy. Both Apple and electronics

retailer Vijay Sales are currently offering deals on the latest flagship device, presenting a potentially opportune

moment for consumers to upgrade.

Specifically, Apple is providing an instant cashback of Rs 5,000 for purchases made using eligible American Express,

Axis Bank, or ICICI Bank cards. This offer is available both online and in Apple stores. Furthermore, Apple's Trade-In

program allows customers to receive up to Rs 64,000 off the new iPhone by trading in an older model. The final trade-in

value depends on the specific model and its condition. In addition, Apple is bundling three months of free access to its

subscription services: Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade.

Vijay Sales is also offering discounts, with up to Rs 5,000 off through select bank cards, including ICICI, SBI, and

IDFC First Bank. Depending on the card used, customers may also be eligible for no-cost EMI options, which allows the

cost of the phone to be split into interest-free monthly payments.

But is the iPhone 17 Pro worth the investment, even with these discounts? The device boasts a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR

OLED display with 120Hz ProMotion. The ProMotion technology allows the display to dynamically adjust its refresh rate up

to 120 times per second, resulting in smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness. This is particularly noticeable

when playing graphically intensive games or navigating through content-rich websites. The iPhone 17 Pro is powered by

the A19 Pro chip. This processor is designed for efficiency and performance. It also includes an improved thermal design

using a vapor chamber, which helps to dissipate heat and prevent the phone from overheating during demanding tasks.

The camera system on the iPhone 17 Pro includes a triple 48-megapixel rear setup. A key upgrade is the telephoto lens,

now offering 4X optical zoom and 8X optical-quality zoom. Optical zoom uses the lens itself to magnify the image,

resulting in sharper images compared to digital zoom, which simply crops and enlarges the picture. Video recording

remains a strength, with Pro-level controls and ProRes support, a video format that offers more flexibility in

post-production editing. The front-facing camera has also been upgraded to 18-megapixels.

Finally, Apple has improved battery life and introduced faster charging capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro supports 40W

fast charging and 25W wireless charging.

The presence of these deals raises questions about the factors influencing Apple's pricing decisions. Increased

competition in the premium smartphone market, fluctuating component costs, or a strategic effort to broaden the iPhone's

appeal could all be contributing factors. Regardless of the underlying reasons, the current discounts present an

opportunity for consumers seeking a high-end smartphone experience. While the iPhone 17 Pro remains a significant

investment, these deals make it a more accessible option for those who value performance, camera capabilities, and

long-term software support.