iPhone prices in Japan surge past 120,000 yen for cheapest model

Apple raised prices on all iPhone models sold in Japan on September 9, making the cheapest model, the iPhone 17e, cost 124,800 yen, exceeding 120,000 yen for the first time. The iPhone 17e rose from 107,800 to 124,800 yen for the 256GB model, while the iPhone 17 increased from 142,800 to 159,800 yen. The iPhone Air's 1TB model jumped 47,000 yen to 294,800 yen. This is Japan's second price hike this year, but unlike July's yen-driven adjustment, US prices also rose by $100 this time. Social media users expressed frustration, with comments like "too expensive for ordinary people" and "can't buy an iPhone anymore." Analysts suggest consumers may shift toward used devices, carrier return programs, or cheaper Android alternatives, potentially lengthening replacement cycles.