Every new Apple launch sparks the same global debate: how fast can people actually afford the latest iPhone? The $1,099 price tag might look universal, but the true cost varies wildly depending on wages and living standards. In some countries the iPhone is an easy pickup, in others it becomes a long-term goal.
In Switzerland and the US, owning the iPhone 17 Pro takes only a few workdays. A Swiss worker needs about three days to secure the price, while an American needs four. With strong wages, the phone feels like a luxury item that’s still accessible, more of a quick purchase than a financial burden.
In Canada it takes roughly five workdays to buy the device, while in France the number rises slightly to six. The phone is affordable, but not without a little sacrifice. For a French consumer, it might mean delaying other expenses, while in Canada it can be justified as a balanced lifestyle investment.
In the UK the iPhone requires about seven days of work, and in Singapore eight. Different economies, yet the result is similar: the phone is within reach, though not an instant buy. In both countries, the purchase tends to be a thought-out decision, part of careful budgeting rather than an impulse.
Lower wages stretch the timeline. In Poland, the iPhone equals 17 workdays, in Thailand 61, and in Brazil a striking 77. The gap between global pricing and local incomes makes the phone a serious financial commitment, demanding planning and sometimes sacrifice.
In Saudi Arabia and Dubai, stronger wages keep the waiting time shorter about 7 to 10 workdays depending on the sector. Here the iPhone isn’t just a gadget, it’s a status symbol that reflects modern lifestyle. Easy availability, installment plans, and telecom offers make it much simpler to own compared to many parts of the world.
In the end, one global price tells different stories. For some, the iPhone 17 Pro is a quick luxury. For others, it’s a long journey. What matters most isn’t the sticker price it’s the purchasing power behind it.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.