In case you’re able to improve your iPhone, you may need to wait only a bit longer.
Apple tends to unveil its new telephones in September, because it did final yr with the iPhone 16 lineup. It is anticipated to launch the iPhone 17 sequence on the identical time this yr. So, if you happen to can wait a pair extra months, you will both rating the newest gadget or get a reduction on earlier fashions.
Watch this: Hey, Apple: Steal These S25 Edge Options for a Skinny iPhone
Newer iPhones have a tendency to incorporate digital camera and processor upgrades, in addition to new options to make them extra attractive. For example, the iPhone 14 Professional fashions launched Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max debuted the Action button, and the iPhone 16 sequence added the Camera Control button and Apple Intelligence throughout the total lineup, quite than on simply the Professional fashions.
In accordance with leaks and reviews, the iPhone 17 lineup, which Apple technically has but to substantiate, might have a recent digital camera setup and new color options and, maybe most notably, might embrace a slimmer version of the iPhone to compete with comparable choices like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. It will doubtless arrive with the just-announced iOS 26, which options Apple’s largest software program design shakeup in over a decade.
You’ll be able to try our iPhone 17 rumor roundup for extra on what is perhaps coming within the fall.
Will ready for the iPhone 17 be value it?
General, iPhone upgrades over the past a number of years have been comparatively modest. And it is doubtless, based mostly on rumors, that the iPhone 17 lineup will typically observe that mould.
However even with extra average adjustments, now’s not time to purchase a brand new iPhone, if you happen to may help it. We’re nearly 4 months away from the anticipated launch of Apple’s subsequent smartphone. So if you happen to maintain on somewhat longer, you’ll be able to snag that flashy new gadget when it drops, doubtless in September, based mostly on earlier iPhone launches.
In case you purchase a brand new iPhone 16 now, you will in all probability pay full value for one thing that in just some months’ time will technically be outdated (the cruel actuality of the annual telephone launch cycle). And even if you happen to get deal by your provider now, if you happen to stick it out only a bit longer, you might doubtlessly get an much more profitable deal as soon as the iPhone 17 drops and carriers ramp up their promotions.
If something, ready to see what the iPhone 17 has in retailer might at the very least show you how to affirm whether or not going with the latest gadget or an older one just like the iPhone 16 or 15 is value it. In any case, if the variations are minimal, you may as nicely save a few hundred {dollars} by selecting a earlier mannequin. And likelihood is — if the iPhone 17 is something just like the final a number of iPhones — nobody will even be capable of inform.
However what about tariffs?
One huge unknown is whether or not tariffs will affect the price of the iPhone 17, which might sway your buying choices. Whereas smartphones and computer systems have been given an exemption from President Donald Trump’s extra intensive tariffs, he just lately mentioned Apple will nonetheless should pay a 25% tariff on iPhones made outside the US. This is able to nearly definitely result in a value hike.
However even with out tariffs, the iPhone is due for a markup, in line with CNET’s Patrick Holland. “The iPhone hasn’t had a value hike in 5 years and is due for one,” he writes. “Traditionally, that is the longest stretch of time the corporate has gone with out a rise.” (You’ll be able to try extra of his ideas here.)
So, is it nonetheless value ready for the iPhone 17? It relies upon. In case you have been already planning on buying a brand new iPhone and might’t wait for much longer, I can perceive panic-buying now. However keep in mind you will nonetheless doubtless pay full value for an iPhone 16 mannequin that might be value much less the second the iPhone 17 drops. So, you is perhaps coughing up extra for an iPhone 17, however at the very least you will get extra bang on your buck.
So, when’s the perfect time to purchase a brand new iPhone?
There’s not essentially a “greatest” time to purchase a brand new iPhone, since costs are fairly constant all year long, however the fall is an attractive possibility. That is when Apple introduces its newest slate of iPhones, and when carriers are keen to draw new prospects and lure in enterprise with plentiful trade-in offers and promotions. And once more, even when you do not need the newest and biggest iPhone, you’ll be able to at the very least snag an older model at a reduction proper after the iPhone 17 drops.
On the whole, we advocate upgrading to a brand new telephone in case your present one is greater than two generations previous. You’ll be able to usually wring extra life out of your gadget, however if you wish to keep on high of the newest options like Apple Intelligence, leveling up is the best way to go. And with just some extra months left earlier than the anticipated drop of the iPhone 17, you may as nicely see what recent capabilities Apple’s bought up its sleeve.
