Apple is deviating from its usual strategy by not releasing a standard iPhone 18 this fall. Instead, only the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone Ultra are expected, with a lower-cost iPhone 18 model slated for spring 2027. This shift, coupled with potential price increases for upcoming models, raises the question of whether to buy the iPhone 17 now or wait.

Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max could see price hikes of $100 to $300, and the standard iPhone 18 might also be more expensive. Additionally, Apple may increase prices on the current iPhone 17 lineup before the iPhone 18 launch. Trading in an older iPhone now would also yield a higher value than waiting for the iPhone 18 release. Some reports indicate potential quality downgrades in the iPhone 18, such as a less bright screen and cheaper A20 chips.

Feature-wise, the iPhone 18 might include an A20 chip, a camera upgrade to 24MP, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a C2 modem. However, RAM remains uncertain, with a possibility of 9GB, which would exclude certain iOS 27 features like advanced Siri customization. The iPhone 17 is still recommended as a strong option, offering a good balance of features and price, making it a significant upgrade for users coming from older models.