For those who’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 collection on the similar time this yr. So, if you happen to can wait a pair extra months, you may both rating the newest system 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. As an illustration, the iPhone 14 Professional fashions launched Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max debuted the Action button, and the iPhone 16 collection added the Camera Control button and Apple Intelligence throughout the total lineup, somewhat than on simply the Professional fashions.
In line with leaks and studies, the iPhone 17 lineup, which Apple technically has but to verify, might have a contemporary digital camera setup and new color options and, maybe most notably, might 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-announced iOS 26, which options Apple’s largest software program design shakeup in over a decade.
You may take a look at our iPhone 17 rumor roundup for extra on what could 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, primarily based on rumors, that the iPhone 17 lineup will usually observe that mould.
However even with extra reasonable modifications, now’s not a very good 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 slightly longer, you possibly can snag that flashy new system when it drops, doubtless in September, primarily based on earlier iPhone launches.
For those who purchase a brand new iPhone 16 now, you may most likely pay full worth for one thing that in just some months’ time will technically be outdated (the tough actuality of the annual cellphone launch cycle). And even if you happen to get a very good deal via your service now, if you happen to stick it out only a bit longer, you 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 might no less than enable you verify whether or not going with the latest system 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 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 large unknown is whether or not tariffs will affect the price of the iPhone 17, which might sway your buying selections. Whereas smartphones and computer systems have been given an exemption from President Donald Trump’s extra intensive tariffs, he lately mentioned Apple will nonetheless should pay a 25% tariff on iPhones made outside the US. This may virtually actually result in a worth 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 worth 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 may take a look at extra of his ideas here.)
So, is it nonetheless value ready for the iPhone 17? It relies upon. For those who have been already planning on buying a brand new iPhone and may’t wait for much longer, I can perceive panic-buying now. However keep in mind you may nonetheless doubtless pay full worth for an iPhone 16 mannequin that shall be value much less the second the iPhone 17 drops. So, you could be coughing up extra for an iPhone 17, however no less than you may get extra bang on your buck.
So, when’s the most effective 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 and lure in enterprise with ample trade-in offers and promotions. And once more, even when you do not need the newest and best iPhone, you possibly can no less than snag an older model at a reduction proper after the iPhone 17 drops.
Typically, we suggest upgrading to a brand new cellphone in case your current one is greater than two generations outdated. You may sometimes wring extra life out of your system, 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 effectively see what contemporary capabilities Apple’s bought up its sleeve.
