In the event you’re able to improve your iPhone, you may need to hold tight.
Apple’s fall occasion is happening on Tuesday, throughout which it is anticipated to debut the iPhone 17 lineup. So in case you wait only a bit longer, you possibly can both rating the most recent gadget or get a reduction on earlier fashions.
Preorders for brand spanking new iPhones usually open up the Friday after they’re introduced, that means you may possible have the ability to place an order for the iPhone 17 beginning Sept. 12. The telephones often ship every week later.
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Newer iPhones have a tendency to incorporate digicam 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, relatively than on simply the Professional fashions.
In accordance with leaks and studies, the iPhone 17 lineup, which Apple technically has but to verify, may have a recent digicam setup and new color options and, maybe most notably, may embrace a slimmer version of the iPhone to compete with related choices reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. It’s going to possible arrive with the lately introduced iOS 26, which options Apple’s greatest software program design shakeup in additional than a decade.
You’ll be able to try our iPhone 17 rumor roundup for extra on what is likely to be coming within the fall.
Do not miss any of our unbiased tech content material and lab-based evaluations. Add CNET as a most popular Google supply.
Will ready for the iPhone 17 be price it?
Total, iPhone upgrades prior to now a number of years have been comparatively modest. And it is possible, primarily based on rumors, that the iPhone 17 lineup will typically comply with that mildew.
However even with extra reasonable adjustments, now’s not a great time to purchase a brand new iPhone, in case you can assist it. We’re only a couple days away from the anticipated launch of Apple’s subsequent smartphone. So in case you maintain on somewhat longer, you possibly can snag that flashy new gadget when it drops.
In the event you purchase a brand new iPhone 16 now, you may in all probability pay full value for one thing that in only a few days’ time will technically be outdated (the tough actuality of the annual telephone launch cycle). And even in case you get a great deal by way of your provider now, in case you stick it out only a bit longer, you possibly can probably 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 not less than allow you to affirm whether or not going with the most recent gadget or an older one just like the iPhone 16 or 15 is price it. In any case, if the variations are minimal, you may 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 have an effect on the value 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 lately mentioned Apple will nonetheless must pay a 25% tariff on iPhones made outside the US. This might virtually actually result in a value hike.
However even with out tariffs, the iPhone is due for a markup, based on 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 price ready for the iPhone 17? It relies upon. In the event you 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 possible pay full value for an iPhone 16 mannequin that might be price much less the second the iPhone 17 drops. So, you is likely to be coughing up extra for an iPhone 17, however not less than you may get extra bang on your buck.
So, when’s one of the best time to purchase a brand new iPhone?
There’s not essentially a “greatest” time to purchase a brand new iPhone, as a result of 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 clients with considerable trade-in offers and promotions. And once more, even when you do not need the most recent and biggest iPhone, you possibly can not less than snag an older model at a reduction proper after the iPhone 17 drops.
Normally, we advocate upgrading to a brand new telephone in case your current one is greater than two generations outdated. You’ll be able to usually 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 way in which to go. And with only a couple extra days left earlier than the anticipated drop of the iPhone 17, you may as effectively see what recent capabilities Apple has up its sleeve.
