So that you’re able to buy your subsequent iPhone. You may take one in all two routes: Purchase an iPhone 16 proper now, or wait somewhat longer and get Apple’s subsequent model, which is predicted to make its debut in simply over a month. What is the more sensible choice?
With the anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 in September, it could possibly be a good idea to hang tight and both buy the brand new telephone or get the iPhone 16 at a reduced worth. Apple nonetheless hasn’t confirmed the existence of the iPhone 17, and we haven’t any official specs or options, however here is the way it may evaluate to the iPhone 16, in keeping with rumors and hypothesis.
iPhone 16 vs. iPhone 17: Key rumored specs in contrast
We nonetheless haven’t any confirmed particulars concerning the iPhone 17, however that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning and purported leaks from making the rounds. Hypothesis extends throughout the whole iPhone 17 lineup, from the Pro models to what could possibly be a thinner “Air” version (which can be Apple’s reply to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge). However I will deal with the baseline iPhone 17.
Display variations
One of the vital extremely anticipated adjustments could possibly be that the iPhone 17 provides a 120Hz show, which might be very welcome. Presently, solely the iPhone Pro fashions have that higher refresh rate, whereas the baseline and Plus fashions are stuck with a 60Hz display. Bumping that refresh fee may additionally immediate Apple to deliver the always-on display to the baseline mannequin, making it simpler to rapidly look on the time and your notifications with out waking your show.
There’s been some back-and-forth on whether or not the iPhone 17 could have a scratch-resistant, antireflective display. However the latest reviews recommend that function will solely be available on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, not the baseline iPhone 17 (or the Air). So there might not be main discrepancies between the iPhone 16 and 17 on that entrance.
Digital camera variations
It is attainable the iPhone 17’s selfie digicam will get a bump to 24 megapixels, as a substitute of the present 12 megapixels discovered within the iPhone 16’s front-facing shooter. Megapixels aren’t the one figuring out issue for good-quality images, however whether it is an improve, that might make taking selfies or capturing movies for social media on the front-facing digicam much less of a compromise.
There’s additionally been some dialog concerning the digicam bump on Apple’s upcoming iPhone lineup. It is seemingly that solely the Professional fashions’ cameras might be nestled in a brand new, bigger panel that stretches horizontally throughout the again of the telephone (maybe evoking the “Geordi Visor” on the Google Pixel 9) and that the baseline will preserve an identical digicam association to the iPhone 16. Solely time will inform.
Design variations
Rumors recommend that just like the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 could have an aluminum body. (In actual fact, it is attainable that’ll be the case for the whole lineup, other than the iPhone 17 Air, which may have a titanium body to make it lighter.)
There have additionally been reviews that the iPhone 17 will use a brand new compact “metalens” technology for the proximity sensor, which may reduce the size of the Face ID sensor and the Dynamic Island. That would give barely extra actual property to the highest of the 17’s show.
Processor and RAM
One key aspect that might stay unchanged throughout each telephones is the processor. The iPhone 17 is rumored to pack an A18 chip, similar to the iPhone 16.
With Apple’s plans to broaden its Apple Intelligence suite of AI capabilities, it is attainable the iPhone 17 lineup may include 12GB of RAM, as a substitute of the present 8GB — or at the least a part of it may.
In April, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated the iPhone 17 Air and Professional fashions would sport 12GB of RAM however that Apple was nonetheless deciding whether or not to equip the baseline mannequin with that increased quantity too. In Could, analyst Jeff Pu famous the baseline would remain at 8GB. We’ll have to attend to see what Apple in the end decides.
Talking of Apple Intelligence, a brand new AI-powered Adaptive Power function arriving with iOS 26 will help preserve battery by making “small efficiency changes,” like “permitting some actions to take somewhat longer,” in keeping with Apple. The following iPhone is predicted to reach with the upcoming working system onboard, however you will additionally have the ability to obtain iOS 26 on the iPhone 16, as well as some older iPhones, as soon as it turns into accessible publicly. That ought to assist to stretch your battery life on both system.
Coloration choices
What’s on the within could also be most necessary, however individuals additionally wish to know what enjoyable colours the iPhone 17 may sport. Rumors suggest the upcoming system may are available in black, blue, silver, purple and inexperienced.
For comparability, the iPhone 16 is accessible in black, white, pink, teal and ultramarine.
All the things we predict we all know concerning the iPhone 17 remains to be simply hypothesis, so we’ll should see what Apple unveils this fall.
Do you have to purchase an iPhone 16 now or await the iPhone 17?
In case you’re in determined want of a brand new telephone and may’t wait any longer, who am I to cease you? However if you happen to can dangle tight till September, when Apple is predicted to announce the iPhone 17, you may both rating the flashy new system or get a reduction on the iPhone 16. (In earlier years, the corporate dropped the value on older fashions by round $100.)
It is seemingly the adjustments between the iPhone 16 and 17 might be comparatively modest. Apple tends to debut newer options on its Professional fashions earlier than finally rolling them out throughout the total lineup, prefer it did with the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Professional and Professional Max and the Action button on the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. So any shiny new capabilities will seemingly land on its extra premium telephones first, such because the rumored antireflective show and redesigned cameras on the iPhone 17 Professional fashions.
However maybe the most important adjustments may arrive subsequent 12 months with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, for which Apple is reportedly “making ready a serious shake-up” of the telephone’s design, in keeping with Bloomberg. That features a (long-rumored) foldable version and a “daring new Professional mannequin that makes extra in depth use of glass.” The iPhone 17 might not even be introduced but, but it surely’s by no means too early to be wanting even additional forward.
