5 Reasons to Buy the iPhone 17 Now Instead of Waiting for iPhone 18 - MacRumors

What the report says

MacRumors, in a July 23 article by Tim Hardwick, argues that buyers considering an upgrade from an iPhone 16 or older model may have reasons to choose an iPhone 17 now rather than wait for Apple’s next lineup. The site notes that the iPhone 18 Pro models and Apple’s first foldable iPhone are expected to be introduced in less than two months, but says the usual incentive to wait is complicated by rumored pricing and launch changes.

The report cites analyst expectations that the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could begin at $1,299 and $1,399, respectively, while a foldable model could cost more than $2,000. MacRumors links those possible increases to higher memory and storage costs and notes that Apple has already raised iPhone prices in Japan. By contrast, the iPhone 17 is described as still available in the U.S. and other markets from its original $799 starting price.

MacRumors also points to Apple’s expected split-release schedule, under which only the Pro models and foldable would arrive in September, while the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 would come later, reportedly in spring 2027. The article further says some claims about the base iPhone 18 suggest possible specification cuts, though those reports remain unconfirmed.

The broader takeaway is that waiting may not guarantee lower prices or major upgrades. MacRumors emphasizes that trade-in values for older iPhones often fall after a new generation is announced, making timing a financial consideration for customers who do not specifically want the foldable or the newest Pro model.