[m463]

well, also apple has been inflating the price for phones since forever.

the iphone launched at $499

EDIT: hmm.. I guess iphone 1 was $499 or $599 and that required a 2-year AT&T contract. Don't know what the actual price was.

I do know the top iphone 17 pro max is $1,999.

but it does have 2tb of storage, which is amazing in a different way.

[ascagnel_]

The first iPhone launched without a carrier subsidy.

When the iPhone 4 launched on Verizon in 2011, you could either spend $200 and get locked into a 2-year contract, $300 and get locked into a 1-year contract, or buy the thing outright for $650. Since you didn't get a discount for bringing your own phone to Verizon, it was more cost-effective to get the subsidized phone.

[ptmcc]

$499 2007 dollars when the first iPhone launched is about $820 in 2026 dollars

The basic iPhone 17 starts at $799

The 17e is only $599

If anything the iPhone is getting cheaper in real terms, not more expensive

[m463]

of course you're right, but phones have been getting more expensive.

They have also become more capable and it seems having a more capable phone has really benefited people.

also: by your numbers that means $1,999 in 2026 would have been $3200 in 2007.