Apple’s iPhone 17 series is currently available at its September 2025 price of $799, while the iPhone 18 Pro models and a foldable device are expected to launch in September 2026.

Analysts anticipate price increases of about $200 for the Pro models and a starting price above $2,000 for the foldable, prompting some consumers to consider purchasing the iPhone 17 now.

Apple has adopted a split‑launch strategy that introduces the Pro and foldable models in the fall, with standard and mid‑range versions slated for release in spring 2027.

Leaks suggest the base iPhone 18 may feature a reduced display and chip specification and could share components with the lower‑priced iPhone 18e, potentially limiting support for upcoming iOS 27 features.

Trade‑in values for existing iPhones are currently high, indicating that upgrading now could provide greater resale value than waiting for the new models.

Supply chain reports indicate Apple has reduced iPhone 17 production by 15 percent and temporarily halted about one‑third of assembly lines due to increased component costs.

In the second quarter of 2026, total smartphone shipments in China declined 4.3 percent to roughly 66 million units, while Apple’s iPhone shipments rose 24.4 percent, representing the largest year‑over‑year increase for the brand in that market.

Industry analysts note that rumors of a hole‑punch camera and a 24‑megapixel under‑display camera for the iPhone 18 Pro have diminished, and that a fully crease‑free folding screen appears unlikely in the near term.

Whether the iPhone 17 will remain the most cost‑effective option after the iPhone 18 launch is still under discussion.