For those who’re able to improve your iPhone, you would possibly need to anticipate just a bit longer.
Apple on Tuesday sent out invites for its annual fall occasion, throughout which it sometimes unveils the subsequent iPhone. The keynote is slated for Sept. 9, which implies we may see the iPhone 17 sequence in only a matter of weeks. So if you happen to cling tight, you’ll be able to both rating the most recent gadget or get a reduction on earlier fashions.
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Newer iPhones have a tendency to incorporate digital camera and processor upgrades, in addition to new options to make them extra engaging. 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, somewhat than on simply the Professional fashions.
In line with leaks and stories, the iPhone 17 lineup, which Apple technically has but to substantiate, may have a recent digital camera setup and new color options and, maybe most notably, may embody a slimmer version of the iPhone to compete with related choices like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. It will doubtless arrive with the just lately introduced iOS 26, which options Apple’s greatest software program design shakeup in over a decade.
You’ll be able to try our iPhone 17 rumor roundup for extra on what may be coming within the fall.
Will ready for the iPhone 17 be value it?
Total, 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 usually comply with that mildew.
However even with extra reasonable modifications, now’s not a great time to purchase a brand new iPhone, if you happen to can assist it. We’re only a couple weeks away from the anticipated launch of Apple’s subsequent smartphone. So if you happen to maintain on slightly longer, you’ll be able to snag that flashy new gadget when it drops, doubtless in September, based mostly on earlier iPhone launches.
For those who purchase a brand new iPhone 16 now, you may in all probability pay full value for one thing that in only a few weeks’ time will technically be outdated (the tough actuality of the annual cellphone launch cycle). And even if you happen to get a great deal by means of your service now, if you happen to stick it out only a bit longer, you would 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 may at the very least make it easier to verify 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 would possibly as effectively 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 have the ability to inform.
However what about tariffs?
One massive unknown is whether or not tariffs will affect the price of the iPhone 17, which may sway your buying choices. Whereas smartphones and computer systems had been given an exemption from President Donald Trump’s extra intensive tariffs, he just lately stated Apple will nonetheless should pay a 25% tariff on iPhones made outside the US. This may virtually 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. For those who had 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 may nonetheless doubtless pay full value for an iPhone 16 mannequin that might be value much less the second the iPhone 17 drops. So, you may be coughing up extra for an iPhone 17, however at the very least you may get extra bang to your buck.
So, when’s one of the best time to purchase a brand new iPhone?
There’s not essentially a “finest” time to purchase a brand new iPhone, since costs are fairly constant all year long, however the fall is an attractive choice. That is when Apple introduces its newest slate of iPhones, and when carriers are keen to draw new prospects with plentiful trade-in offers and promotions. And once more, even when you do not need the most recent 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.
Generally, we suggest upgrading to a brand new cellphone in case your current one is greater than two generations outdated. You’ll be able to sometimes wring extra life out of your gadget, however if you wish to keep on prime of the most recent options like Apple Intelligence, leveling up is the best way to go. And with only a couple extra weeks left earlier than the anticipated drop of the iPhone 17, you would possibly as effectively see what recent capabilities Apple has up its sleeve.
