Close Menu
GeekBlog

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Texans vs. Rams Livestream: How to Watch NFL Week 1 Online Today

    September 7, 2025

    Your electronics could be quietly draining energy – this gadget prevents that

    September 7, 2025

    How to watch the US Open men’s final for *FREE* – Stream from anywhere

    September 7, 2025
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads
    GeekBlog
    • Home
    • Mobile
    • Reviews
    • Tech News
    • Deals & Offers
    • Gadgets
      • How-To Guides
    • Laptops & PCs
      • AI & Software
    • Blog
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    GeekBlog
    Home»Tech News»Buy the iPhone 16 or wait for iPhone 17? My advice after years of phone reviews
    Tech News

    Buy the iPhone 16 or wait for iPhone 17? My advice after years of phone reviews

    Michael ComaousBy Michael ComaousSeptember 7, 2025No Comments6 Mins Read0 Views
    Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Copy Link
    Buy the iPhone 16 or wait for iPhone 17? My advice after years of phone reviews
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email Copy Link

    Kerry Wan/ZDNET

    Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.


    Like clockwork, a new iPhone has made its way through the rumor mill in August, and users are beginning to wonder if they should buy what’s currently available or wait until fall to see how things play out.

    Based on past trends, there’s a good chance Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 series next Tuesday. So, should you pick up an iPhone 16 from your local Apple store today or play the long (but not that long) game? 

    Also: Apple iPhone 17 event live blog: The biggest announcements we’re expecting on Sept. 9

    Having tested every major smartphone release over the past several years and helped numerous family and friends overcome this exact dilemma, here’s the decision tree I use that works every single time.

    1. Do you need a new phone right now?

    Will this one simple trick help save your smartphone's battery?

    Elyse Betters Picaro/ZDNET

    Pretty simple, right? If you’re currently using a handset that’s severely damaged or defected in a way that prevents it from completing your daily tasks, then it’s time to buy a new phone right now.

    I’ve had friends say that they’d be willing to power through another month with a heavily cracked iPhone if it meant they could just buy the next-generation model. However, that doesn’t take into consideration the fact that Apple typically sells its newest iPhones weeks (if not longer) after they’re officially unveiled to the public.

    Also: You can download iOS 26 public beta right now – how to install (and which iPhones support it)

    So, what’s expected to be a week’s wait time can easily become a month or more, depending on which configuration and model you buy. That’s to say, if you need a new phone today, don’t wait — buy one ASAP.

    2. How much are you looking to spend?

    iPhones lined at at Apple Park Visitors Center store

    Jason Hiner/ZDNET

    Every new iPhone launch has a big unknown: pricing. So, your current (and expected) budget should also be considered as you decide which model to buy. Apple’s done a commendable job stabilizing iPhone prices over the years, with the base model typically starting at $799, the Pro at $999, and the Pro Max at $1,199, so most people would assume the iPhone 17 series will cost about the same.

    But there are a few more variables factoring into this year’s iPhone launch. First, Apple is expected to release a new iPhone 17 Air (or Slim) model that features a thinner and lighter design than the standard variant. If it follows Samsung’s price strategy with its ultra-thin Galaxy S25 Edge, we can be looking at an iPhone that’s priced just below the Pro models.

    Also: Should you buy a refurbished iPhone 15 from Apple? Only if these factors matter to you

    Ongoing tariff and trade talks have also led market analysts to believe that Apple will raise the price of iPhones starting this September. According to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, the iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max may see a $50 price increase, or a 4-5% bump from last year, in order to offset the cost of new components and exports. Here’s a snapshot comparison to the iPhone 16 series.

    iPhone 16 prices

    iPhone 17 prices (expected)

    Standard

    $799

    $799

    Air/Slim

    –

    $949

    Pro

    $999

    $1,049

    Pro Max

    $1,199

    $1,249


    If the potential price increase gives you pause, then it may make more financial sense to buy an older iPhone model like the 16 or 15, or even the new but accessible iPhone 16e (starting at $599). Apple typically reduces the price of the last-generation iPhone model by $100 when a new one is released, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to buy the iPhone 16 for as low as $699 later this month — should you choose to wait things out.

    Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before installing iOS 26 public beta)

    Lastly, while carriers and retailers typically offer aggressive trade-in and buy-one-get-one deals when a new phone is released, these deals are not without their catches and fine print. 

    Most “free phone” offers by major carriers usually come in exchange for locking into a long-term contract or upgrading to a pricier data plan. That’s not to say that the deals aren’t worth it; for the right customer, they can really net you a new iPhone without much extra work. Just remember to do your due diligence before agreeing to anything.

    3. Do the rumored iPhone 17 features excite you?

    iOS 26 camera app

    Kerry Wan/ZDNET

    While none of these rumored features have been confirmed or made official by Apple, they give us a glimpse of the next iPhone’s potential. Here’s a list of expected changes this year, pulled from industry experts, supply chain analysts, and more.

    • The iPhone 17 Air will feature the thinnest and lightest design, with a new display size, a titanium frame, and a revamped camera bar.
    • Apple will likely replace the iPhone 17 Plus with the iPhone 17 Air, as consumers have shown the least interest in the former model.
    • The iPhone 17 may adopt a smaller “metalens” technology that allows the Face ID sensor and Dynamic Island module to take up less space on the display. This also allows Apple to shrink the phone’s bezels and increase the screen size to 6.3 inches.
    • Only the iPhone 17 Pro models will have a new scratch-resistant, antireflective display panel. Like Apple’s nanotexture offerings for MacBooks and iPads, it may come at an extra cost.
    • The iPhone 17 Pro models will feature a new 48-megapixel telephoto camera that can capture at 8x optical zoom (up from 5x).

    Also: iPhone 17 Rumors: Latest News and Leaks – CNET

    The expected color options are:

    • iPhone 17: Black, White, Steel Gray, Green, Purple, and Light Blue
    • iPhone 17 Air: Black, White, Light Blue, and Light Gold
    • iPhone 17 Pro: Black, White, Gray, Dark Blue, and Orange
    • iPhone 17 Pro Max: Black, White, Gray, Dark Blue, and Orange

    Bottom line: Buy now or wait?

    If you need a new phone immediately and cannot wait up to a month, you should buy an iPhone 16 (or other existing model) right now. The iPhone 16’s current features, including an A18 chip that can power Apple Intelligence tools, Action Button, Camera Control, and Wi-Fi 7 support, will remain relevant for years to come, so you’re not missing out on much by opting for last year’s model. There’s also a good chance that you’ll find a deal or price drop on the iPhone 16 today.

    Also: We tested iOS 26 on the iPhone 16 Pro – these 5 features make the update worthwhile

    If you’re in less of a hurry, wait until next Tuesday to see what Apple has to offer with the iPhone 17 series. Perhaps the iPhone 17 Aiir/Slim model will appeal to you more than expected, or Apple introduces a camera feature that solves one of your biggest pain points. Just be prepared for anything to happen, including a higher price across the board — or none at all.

    advice Buy iPhone Phone Reviews wait Years
    Follow on Google News Follow on Flipboard
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Telegram Email Copy Link
    Previous ArticleUgreen NASync DH4300 Plus review
    Next Article Warner Bros., DC Comics and More Sue Midjourney, Says AI Firm ‘Thinks It Is Above the Law’
    Michael Comaous
    • Website

    Related Posts

    7 Mins Read

    Texans vs. Rams Livestream: How to Watch NFL Week 1 Online Today

    4 Mins Read

    Your electronics could be quietly draining energy – this gadget prevents that

    4 Mins Read

    How to watch the US Open men’s final for *FREE* – Stream from anywhere

    2 Mins Read

    How to Add WIRED as a Preferred Source on Google (2025)

    2 Mins Read

    Porsche’s insanely clever hybrid engine comes to the 911 Turbo S

    2 Mins Read

    Porsche and Audi’s EVs can now recharge on any Tesla Supercharger in North America

    Top Posts

    8BitDo Pro 3 review: better specs, more customization, minor faults

    August 8, 202519 Views

    Grok rolls out AI video creator for X with bonus “spicy” mode

    August 7, 202513 Views

    WIRED Roundup: ChatGPT Goes Full Demon Mode

    August 2, 202512 Views
    Stay In Touch
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • TikTok
    • WhatsApp
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Latest Reviews

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest tech news from FooBar about tech, design and biz.

    Most Popular

    8BitDo Pro 3 review: better specs, more customization, minor faults

    August 8, 202519 Views

    Grok rolls out AI video creator for X with bonus “spicy” mode

    August 7, 202513 Views

    WIRED Roundup: ChatGPT Goes Full Demon Mode

    August 2, 202512 Views
    Our Picks

    Texans vs. Rams Livestream: How to Watch NFL Week 1 Online Today

    September 7, 2025

    Your electronics could be quietly draining energy – this gadget prevents that

    September 7, 2025

    How to watch the US Open men’s final for *FREE* – Stream from anywhere

    September 7, 2025

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest Threads
    • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms and Conditions
    © 2025 geekblog. Designed by Pro.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.