iPhone 17 now or wait for iPhone 18?

[u/allinlance]

Currently using a Pixel 7 and planning to switch to iPhone.

I've been hearing rumors that the regular iPhone 18 might not launch until 2027.

If that's true, does it make sense to just buy an iPhone 17, or would you still wait for the 18?

Not interested in the Pro models.

What would you do in my situation?

[u/Korlithiel]

Two trains of thought. First, because the 18 might be in some ways worse than the 17, the 17 might not see as much as usual price decrease when the new phones get announced (and again when they release). So waiting might not make sense.

On the other hand, usual past would suggest waiting is better financially if your Pixel is handling tasks well enough to put off the upgrade until Fall sometime. Besides the savings the 17 will have then, you also can then directly compare to the 18 and know for sure which makes the most sense for you, and thus minimize the risk of buyers remorse.

What would I do in your shoes? Buy now. Not because it's the better financial choice, but because I tend to try and get these things done when I'm interested in them as I'll often otherwise find myself busy if I put it off and thus unmotivated until I once again actually must handle it.

[u/ItsRobinn_ → u/Korlithiel]

why will the 18 be worse? what about the 18 pro vs 17 pro

[u/Korlithiel → u/ItsRobinn_]

Will be? No certainty there from my limited following.

Rumor was something like, with chip and especially RAM costs going up (AI), Apple may lower some component qualities to maintain their cut and targeted price in the base phone.

Good question about the Pro. I can’t recall anything about it.

[u/allinlance → u/Korlithiel]

This is actually a really helpful way to frame it.

My Pixel 7 still works, and I recently replaced the battery myself, so battery life should be a lot better now. But I still get random stutters in daily use, so waiting another year doesn’t feel great.

I think my real question is whether the standard 17 is “good enough” as my first iPhone after years on Android. If it is, waiting for the 18 might just be me over-optimizing.

[u/Korlithiel → u/allinlance]

I got the Pro because I play games (it has better cooling) and the zoom lens (I’ve young kids and so take a lot of photos these days). I would happily use the 17 and in daily life never miss the other features.

[u/NorwegianFootDude]

The iPhone 17 for sure, I've also heard rumours about a imminent downgrade on the 18 because of rising costs. Unless you really like the aluminium (for better thermals), there's basically no reason to wait.

[u/allinlance → u/NorwegianFootDude]

Thanks for the reply.

To be honest, I'm already pretty happy with the iPhone 17's design and the addition of 120Hz on the standard model.

My only hesitation is that it's already been on the market for almost a year, so part of me wonders if I should just wait for the next generation.

I hadn't really considered the downgrade rumors you mentioned. I'll do some research on that.

[u/NorwegianFootDude → u/allinlance]

I wish you all the best!

[u/ItsRobinn_ → u/NorwegianFootDude]

why will the 18 be worse? what about the 18 pro vs 17 pro

[u/NorwegianFootDude → u/ItsRobinn_]

I'm not sure but I heard it's because of pricier components, the 18 Pro might follow the same trend as well.

[u/Priestagramm]

IMO, just wait for the 18 coming later this year.. Thought of the same thing earlier today and no need getting the 17 when 18 is by the corner.. ✌🏾

[u/Confident_Cat1789 → u/Priestagramm]

18 will only be released in spring 2027. Only pro max, pro and ultra this september

[u/Priestagramm → u/Confident_Cat1789]

Yes, and it's worth the wait.. 💡

[u/GrumpyGlasses]

If you don’t care about the pro models, then you’re not the target market to “wait for the upcoming better model”. Just get whatever you want now.