- Russian luxury brand Caviar unveils a limited-edition iPhone 17 Pro, priced from ₹1,89,99,000, with a fragment of Steve Jobs' iconic black turtleneck embedded in the back panel.
- The collection features three distinct models: the "Founder," "Titanium Black," and "Golden Edition," each with a unique, ornate design that dramatically alters the iPhone's standard aesthetic and ergonomics.
- This is a pure luxury collectible focused on exclusivity and symbolism, with no changes to the underlying iPhone 17 Pro's core performance, display, or battery specifications.
Tech luxury usually means a pricier metal or more storage. Caviar, a Russian luxury outfit, just chucked that playbook out the window. Its new iPhone 17 Pro doesn't have a better chip. Instead, it's got a scrap of fabric from Steve Jobs' famous black turtleneck stuck inside. That's the whole point.
Caviar iPhone 17 Pro "Steve Jobs Edition" Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A-series chip (standard iPhone 17 Pro) |
| RAM & Storage | Based on underlying iPhone 17 Pro variant |
| Display | Standard iPhone 17 Pro display |
| Unique Feature | Embedded fragment of Steve Jobs' turtleneck |
| Build Material | Precious metals (Gold, Titanium), leather, composite |
| Price (Starting) | ₹1,89,99,000 (approx. $227,000) |
| Availability | Extremely Limited, via Caviar Global |
Design & Build: From Tool to Relic
Apple's design is all about clean lines. Caviar's is about putting a relic on display. The company strips a standard iPhone 17 Pro and slabs on a new, heavy-duty body. The "Founder" model is the star. Caviar says a raised titanium Apple logo on the back acts as a physical seal, locking in the authenticated piece of Jobs' sweater. It's not a sticker. It's a museum exhibit.
The other models follow the same logic, just with different treasures. The "Golden Edition" is made from 750 rose gold and covered in engravings, while the "Titanium Black" uses black PVD titanium with a striped finish. The result? You're holding a brick. These phones are thicker, heavier, and feel nothing like the sleek device Apple sells. They're not tools. They're artifacts.
What's New & Key Features: The Turtleneck as a Core Component
Let's be clear: the only new feature here is the turtleneck fragment. For a certain type of collector, that's everything. It's a direct, physical link to the Apple creation myth. No other phone has it. That's the entire sales pitch.
The rest is just expensive packaging. Solid gold, titanium, and fine leather are the key specs. The "Founder" edition's back is a complex, multi-layered composite that probably requires hand assembly. Don't look for a better camera or longer battery life. You won't find it. The luxury is in the materials and the story, not the silicon.
Performance & Hardware: The Unchanged Foundation
Here's the part that isn't a mystery. Caviar doesn't touch the phone's guts. The Apple A-series chip, the RAM, storage, camera sensors, and battery are all exactly as Apple designed them. Any review of the standard iPhone 17 Pro's speed or screen quality applies directly to this two-crore-rupee version.
Using it will feel the same, with one massive asterisk: the huge, ornate case. That fancy back might not work on a Qi charger. The extra bulk changes how it sits in your hand. You aren't buying this for ergonomics. You're buying it for bragging rights. The metal body could even help with heat dissipation, but that's just a lucky accident of its lavish construction.
India Pricing, Availability, and Considerations
You won't find this at your local store. The Caviar iPhone 17 Pro is an ultra-luxury item with tiny production numbers, sold through Caviar's own channels. The price starts at about ₹1,89,99,000 (around $227,000). Amazon and Croma won't be carrying it.
If you're in India and want one, you'd order from Caviar's global site. That means international shipping, hefty customs duties, and a logistical headache for something this valuable. Forget about bank discounts or EMI offers. The warranty is another puzzle, likely split between Caviar for the shell and Apple for the phone inside. This isn't a tech purchase. It's an acquisition.
Caviar iPhone 17 Pro vs. A Standard Luxury Smartphone
Philosophy of Luxury
This comparison shows two completely different ideas. A normal luxury phone, like a Galaxy S25 Ultra, is about peak performance. The best screen. The fastest chip. The luxury is in the experience.
The Caviar phone couldn't care less about that. Its luxury is in the object itself. The story. The materials. You're paying for a piece of history and some hand-engraved gold, not for a faster app launch. For anyone who actually uses their phone, the standard model is the obvious choice. The Caviar is for someone who collects stories, not specs.
Real-World Use Cases
The Collector & Connoisseur
This is the only real use case. It's a trophy. It belongs in a display case or brought out at a private gathering to tell a story. Its job isn't to run apps. Its job is to signify that you own a piece of tech legend.
Everyday Use: A Significant Compromise
Try using this every day and you'll hate it. It's too heavy. The gold will scratch if you look at it wrong. And the constant fear of damaging a ₹1.9 crore object would ruin the experience of checking your email. For actual daily use, a regular iPhone 17 Pro is not just better, it's in a different universe of practicality.
The Verdict
This Caviar iPhone is a piece of art for an audience of about twelve people. It's a must-buy only if your net worth is measured in yachts and you need the ultimate Apple relic. For everyone else, it's a curiosity. A fascinating, absurd one. If you want great tech and a status symbol, buy the normal phone and a Rolex. You'll have money left over for a car.
Sources
- gizmochina.com
- news.am
- caviar.global