The Trump phone, which launched at a relatively affordable $499, has seen a significant price increase, now costing a hefty $749. The upgrade, although not publicly announced, was quietly implemented through a website update. With its generous 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, the phone was always going to be something of a luxury item, but the price hike makes it an even harder sell.

Given the phone's launch pricing was described as ‘introductory’ and a ‘promotional price’ by the company, it’s no surprise to see the price tag increase. When reviewed by a tech journalist in July, the T1 Phone was found wanting, with no clear reason to recommend it at the new price point. A comparably priced iPhone 17E or Galaxy S26 FE could be purchased, with the leftover cash allowing for a gold case, or an even older flagship like the iPhone 16 or Pixel 10.

The Trump phone has seen minimal updates since its launch, with just one software update moving the security patch from February 2026 to May 2026. Despite the phone's official shipping date in May, the exact number of customers who have received their devices remains unclear. Reports from the BBC suggest that some buyers still haven’t received their phones, adding to the mystery surrounding the Trump mobile's distribution.

The T1 Phone's journey from launch to price hike is a clear example of the ongoing struggle in the tech industry to keep up with the relentless march of progress, even when the person driving it is a former US President. Whether or not the Trump phone will find its niche in the market remains to be seen, but for now, it sits as a symbol of the high price of innovation.