Max Headroom 
For the first time since Apple started selling standard and “Pro” iPhones, we’re not going to get an entry-level iPhone model this fall. Apple doesn’t plan to release an iPhone 18 in September, and will only launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra. The lower-cost iPhone 18 won’t come out until spring 2027.
With prices rumored to be going up in the fall, does it make sense to buy an iPhone 17 now, or wait for the iPhone 18?
Price Increases
Apple raised the prices of Macs and iPads in June, but iPhones remain untouched so far. We’re expecting the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to be $100 to $300 more expensive, and the iPhone 18 could also be pricier.
TrendForce suggests Apple could charge more for the iPhone 17 when it introduces new iPhone 18 Pro models, with price increases hitting even existing iPhone models. If that’s the case, there won’t be a monetary benefit to waiting to buy a prior-generation iPhone like there usually is. Depending on how much prices go up, you could save some cash if you buy now, especially if you’re buying outright. Pricing on the iPhone 17 starts at $799.
With a payment plan, you’ll still save money, but a few dollars per month over a 12-month to 24-month period won’t hit as hard.
Trade-Ins
If you’re planning to trade in an older iPhone, it’ll be worth more now than it will be when the iPhone 18 Pro models come out. Trade-in prices for older iPhones drop with every new iPhone launch.
Quality Might Go Down
From what we’ve heard of iPhone 18 rumors, Apple could be implementing cost-cutting measures that drop quality in some areas. Apple might use a cheaper screen that’s not as bright, and lower-quality A20 chips with fewer GPU cores. Apple is said to be using components from the low-cost iPhone 18e for the iPhone 18, narrowing the gap between the two devices. If that’s the case, it won’t be as good a value as the iPhone 17 because it will share fewer features with Apple’s more expensive iPhones.
iOS 27 Features
There are mixed rumors about the iPhone 18’s RAM situation. Two rumors say it will get 12GB, but analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple is only going to up it to 9GB. With 9GB RAM, the iPhone 18 won’t support the iOS 27 Siri voice customization and dictation features, which require 12GB RAM. The iPhone 17 doesn’t have 12GB RAM and doesn’t get those features either, so there is no iOS 27 benefit to waiting unless Apple opts for 12GB RAM.
iPhone 18 Upgrades
The iPhone 18 is on hold until spring 2027, but we’ve still heard rumors about what to expect. Some of these features might be worth holding out for, depending on what you want in an iPhone.
- A20 chip – The A20 chip will be built on Apple’s 2nm process, likely bringing CPU speed and efficiency improvements.
- RAM – The iPhone 17 has 8GB RAM, and the iPhone 18 is rumored to get either 9GB or 12GB. 9GB isn’t much of an increase, and it won’t support the Siri Expressive Voices or dictation improvements in iOS 27, but 12GB would.
- Front camera – There could be a 24-megapixel selfie cam instead of an 18-megapixel camera, but that’s still up in the air.
- Smaller Dynamic Island – The iPhone 18 is rumored to be getting the same smaller Dynamic Island Apple is bringing to the iPhone 18 Pro models.
- Modem – Apple will likely use its C2 modem in the iPhone 18 for faster, more reliable connectivity.
The iPhone 17 Is Still Good
The iPhone 17 is the iPhone that we recommend for most people in our 2026 iPhone Buyer’s Guide. It has the best mix of premium features, performance, and price, with only a handful of features reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro models.
It has the same 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and Always-On display, the same Wide and Ultra Wide cameras, a chip that’s not too much slower, and the same size display as the iPhone 17 Pro. It lacks a Telephoto camera, has less RAM, uses a less durable chassis, and has a smaller battery, but that’s about it.
If you’re coming from an older iPhone like the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone 15, the iPhone 17 is going to be a major upgrade, and there’s little reason to wait if you don’t care about the features rumored for the iPhone 18. Cost and timing are the two main reasons you might want to buy now instead of waiting.
We don’t know what iPhone 17 and iPhone 18 pricing will look like in spring 2027, and roughly six months is a long additional wait if you were expecting to get a new phone in September.
This article, “Should You Buy an iPhone 17 Now or Wait for iPhone 18?” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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