ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Apple is getting ready to launch the iPhone 18 series.
- The iPhone 17 remains a strong device.
- Key considerations are costs and features.
It’s that time of year: Apple has begun teasing its September event. Antsy fans and consumers are guessing what will be new with the upcoming iPhones, and my dad just texted me asking if it makes any sense to pick up an iPhone 17 at the mall this weekend.
Also: I used my iPhone 17 Pro without a case for a year – here’s how it looks now
I responded with two words: it depends. While most people should absolutely wait until Apple unveils the details of the expected iPhone 18 series next week before pulling the trigger, there are a few reasons to buy an existing device, like the iPhone 17 series, as soon as today.
I’ve tested every major iPhone release over the past several years, and here’s my tried-and-true decision tree for buying handsets in the fall, including questions you should ask yourself about pricing, longevity, and more.
1. Does your current phone work?
Every year, the iPhone camera gets bigger and better (left to right: iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro).
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
No matter how old your current iPhone is, the first question you should ask yourself is whether it’s still usable. By that, I mean if the display flickers now and then, or the battery is draining faster than you remember, consider waiting it out until next week before buying an iPhone 17 or even iPhone 18.
If your phone is unusable right now, like my dad’s iPhone 14 with a broken digitizer, buy an iPhone 17 (or even an older and cheaper model) and you’ll be well off. While it’s easy to think you can push through a few more weeks with a damaged or defective device, you should remember it can take many months for something as new as the iPhone 18 to arrive at your door.
Also: Apple’s September event: A foldable iPhone and 3 other surprises we expect
With the global RAM crisis and the possibility of Apple delaying the release of the base iPhone 18 next year, the models the company launches this month will likely be in high demand and in short supply at the beginning.
On that note, if Apple opens up preorders next Friday (as it typically does during event weeks) and does ship units as early as mid to late September, you may fall into a very unique window where you can buy an iPhone 17 now, see how you like it, and then consider returning it to buy an iPhone 18 instead later on.
Just know that Apple has a 14-day return window for iPhones. Big retailers like Best Buy and Amazon may offer a longer duration, up to 90 days.
2. What’s your budget?
While Apple kept its iPhone pricing fairly consistent for most of the past decade, last year felt like a warning for how things would likely change in 2026. With the iPhone 17 series, prices went up $100 across the board. Apple justified this jump with higher base storage.
So what happens when the general cost of parts and materials, especially RAM and memory, is significantly more expensive this year? Under Tim Cook’s leadership, Apple has already confirmed that price increases are unavoidable. Earlier this year, Apple raised Mac and iPad prices by up to $300.
Also: Apple confirms price increases are coming – how much will it cost you?
According to tech research firms, TrendForce and TechInsights, the iPhone 18 series may see price increases of $150 to $250, putting popular models like the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in the $1,250 and $1,500 starting range, respectively.
That begs the question: how much are you willing to spend right now? For most people, buying last year’s iPhone feels more appropriate than ever. Even if you buy a new iPhone 17 Pro Max from Apple, this may be the last time you can buy one at its current retail price.
Those on a budget should also consider Apple’s less-expensive options, such as the iPhone 17e. I tested the device earlier this year and found the latest improvements, such as the addition of MagSafe, an A19 chipset, and double the storage, very welcome at the $599 price point.
That’s to say, if you’re budget-conscious right now, your best bet may be to buy an iPhone before it gets more expensive.
3. Do the rumored iPhone 18 features excite you?
If you can wait until next Wednesday, Apple will probably deliver a compelling presentation on the iPhone 18 series and ultimately convince you to buy the latest and greatest. Here’s a roundup of some of the most exciting features and news we’re expecting to see at the event next week:
- The iPhone 18 Pro models will feature larger batteries, possibly tapping into silicon-carbon material for denser yet thinner power packs.
- Apple may upgrade the Pro models’ cameras with variable-aperture capabilities, allowing them to adaptively cover parts of the lenses to control light and depth of field.
- The Dynamic Island may get its first design refresh since its introduction in 2022, with a 35% smaller size.
- An A20 Pro chipset will replace the current-generation processor, bringing improved battery and AI workflow efficiency, and better power management.
- A new foldable variant, expected to be named iPhone Ultra, may launch alongside the Pro models. Its price will likely be over $2,000.
Notably, software features introduced with the latest iPhones trickle down to older models, so if Apple unveils any new iOS 27 features next week beyond those already made public, an iPhone 17 may receive them sooner or later.
The expected color options for the iPhone 18 series are:
- iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray
- iPhone Ultra: Space Gray and Silver
Bottom line: Buy now or wait?
The decision ultimately comes down to how urgently you need a new phone. If your current device is unusable, buy a replacement immediately. If it functions normally and you can shoulder the higher cost of the newer iPhone models, it’s worth waiting until next Wednesday to see exactly what value they’ll bring.
