Apple is expected to show some iPhone 18 models in September. Some customers wait for new iPhones to upgrade. But this year feels different. Some reports suggest iPhone 18 models may have lower quality. This is due to Apple trying to cut costs during a chip shortage. They might use parts from the "e" lineup instead of higher-end ones.
There are good reasons to skip the iPhone 18 wait. You should upgrade to the iPhone 17 now. This article explains why.
All iPhones May Cost More
A recent report from TrendForce shows the iPhone 18 Pro price could be 38% higher. This is compared to the previous model. The research firm thinks Apple might also change the iPhone 17's price. This could happen after the new Pro models launch. The iPhone 17 currently costs $799. Apple might raise this price. This helps them keep income high even with rising memory costs.
A new iPhone 18 could lower the iPhone 17 price a bit. But it's not sure if it will be cheaper than Apple's current price. In June, Apple raised prices for iPads and Macs. They even raised prices for older products like Apple TV and HomePods. Apple did not raise prices for iPhones or Apple Watches. This was at least in the US. But they might charge more for these devices. This could happen after new iPhones are announced in September.
Trade-In Values Will Drop
Apple tends to lower trade-in values for older models. This happens when new iPhones are released. This is the usual trend lately. Apple might not even release the base iPhone 18. Meanwhile, iPhone 17 prices might rise. Your current iPhone's value will drop.
If you want to upgrade now, this is the best time. You can trade in your old phone. Or use Apple's trade-in values to get an iPhone 17. Right now, Apple offers up to $720 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max. They offer at least $40 for an iPhone 8. Keeping an iPhone 16 Pro Max is better than trading it in. But maybe there are better options. For example, an iPhone 15 can get you up to $335. This seems like a fair trade-in value.
However, Apple will lower the value of some current models. This will happen once newer models are available. So, trading in a very old phone might not be the best choice.
iPhone 18 May Not Be as Good
To cut costs, Apple might lower the iPhone 18's specs. This could help them sell it at the same price as the iPhone 17. A leak from Fixed Focus Digital suggests this. They say Apple might make the iPhone 18 screen lower quality. The iPhone 18 might be more like the iPhone 18e. It would not be like the Pro phones.
Apple will likely still offer Always-On Display and ProMotion. But the screen might not be as bright as the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17's outdoor brightness is up to 3000 nits. It is unclear if Apple will add a smaller Dynamic Island. This is expected for Pro models.
Leaks also suggest Apple might lower the GPU power in the A18 chip. Apple's A19 Pro chip has six cores. The A19 chip for iPhone 17 has five cores. The A19 chip for iPhone 17e has four cores.
For the new model, Apple might lower the iPhone 18's GPU cores to four. This is the same number as the upcoming iPhone 18e. The new phone will still be better than the iPhone 17. But the older model might handle graphics a bit better.
iPhone 17 Is Still a Strong Choice
The last reason to skip the iPhone 18 is that it may not be a big upgrade. The iPhone 17 is still a great device.
The iPhone 17 looks like the iPhone 16. But the new model has double the storage. It starts at 256GB. It also has the same screen as the Pro version. It includes Always-On Display and ProMotion.
The iPhone 17 has a 120Hz refresh rate. You can keep your wallpaper always visible. It is like the Apple Watch.
The A19 chip is one of the fastest. This phone can run most Apple Intelligence features. This includes features coming with iOS 27. The iPhone 18 will not change its design. Its internal parts might have some compromises. So, it is better for customers to buy a phone already tested. This phone is approved by users and labs.
Apple recently updated the iPhone 17 models. They have a better selfie camera. They have better main lenses. They even have a bigger battery. If not for the potential price increase, the advice would be to wait for the iPhone 18. But now, the iPhone 17's current price might be the lowest you can get for a while.