In case you’re able to improve your iPhone, you may wish to cling tight.
Apple’s fall occasion is taking place on Tuesday, throughout which it is anticipated to debut the iPhone 17 lineup. So in the event you wait only a bit longer, you may both rating the most recent machine or get a reduction on earlier fashions.
Preorders for brand new iPhones sometimes open up the Friday after they’re introduced, that means you may doubtless be capable of place an order for the iPhone 17 beginning Sept. 12. The telephones normally ship per week later.
Watch this: Hey, Apple: Steal These S25 Edge Options for a Skinny iPhone
Newer iPhones have a tendency to incorporate digicam and processor upgrades, in addition to new options to make them extra engaging. As an example, the iPhone 14 Professional fashions launched Dynamic Island, the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max debuted the Motion button and the iPhone 16 collection added the Digicam Management button and Apple Intelligence throughout the total lineup, somewhat than on simply the Professional fashions.
In keeping with leaks and reviews, the iPhone 17 lineup, which Apple technically has but to substantiate, might have a recent digicam setup and new shade choices and, maybe most notably, might embody a slimmer model of the iPhone to compete with comparable choices akin to Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge. It’s going to doubtless arrive with the just lately introduced iOS 26, which options Apple’s largest 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 well-liked Google supply.
Will ready for the iPhone 17 be value it?
Total, iPhone upgrades previously a number of years have been comparatively modest. And it is doubtless, based mostly on rumors, that the iPhone 17 lineup will typically observe that mould.
However even with extra reasonable modifications, now’s not a superb time to purchase a brand new iPhone, in the event you might help it. We’re only a couple days away from the anticipated launch of Apple’s subsequent smartphone. So in the event you maintain on a little bit longer, you may snag that flashy new machine when it drops.
In case you purchase a brand new iPhone 16 now, you may in all probability pay full worth for one thing that in just some days’ time will technically be outdated (the tough actuality of the annual cellphone launch cycle). And even in the event you get a superb deal via your service now, in the event you stick it out only a bit longer, you might 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 at the very least enable you verify whether or not going with the latest machine or an older one just like the iPhone 16 or 15 is value it. In spite of everything, if the variations are minimal, you may as nicely save a few hundred {dollars} by selecting a earlier mannequin. And chances are high — if the iPhone 17 is something just like the final a number of iPhones — nobody will even be capable of inform.
However what about tariffs?
One large unknown is whether or not tariffs will have an effect on the value of the iPhone 17, which might sway your buying selections. Whereas smartphones and computer systems had been given an exemption from President Donald Trump’s extra in depth tariffs, he just lately mentioned Apple will nonetheless need to pay a 25% tariff on iPhones made outdoors the US. This could nearly definitely result in a worth hike.
However even with out tariffs, the iPhone is due for a markup, in keeping with 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’ll be able to try extra of his ideas right here.)
So, is it nonetheless value ready for the iPhone 17? It relies upon. In case 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 doubtless pay full worth for an iPhone 16 mannequin that might be value much less the second the iPhone 17 drops. So, you is likely to be coughing up extra for an iPhone 17, however at the very least you may get extra bang on your buck.
So, when’s the very 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 don’t need the most recent and best iPhone, you may at the very least 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 present one is greater than two generations outdated. You’ll be able to sometimes wring extra life out of your machine, however if you wish to keep on high 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 nicely see what recent capabilities Apple has up its sleeve.