After the presentation of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, buyers of the standard models faced an unusual dilemma. For the first time, Apple is not releasing the base iPhone 18 at the same time as the Pro versions: the regular iPhone 18 is expected only in spring 2027.

So those who planned to upgrade their smartphone this fall have to choose between the already available iPhone 17 and waiting about another six months. Moreover, the usual price drop for the previous model after the release of a new iPhone may not happen — Apple has already raised the price of the iPhone 17 to $899.

Buying now may be the better deal

Usually, after a new generation is released, previous models get cheaper. This time, the situation is the opposite: Apple raised iPhone 17 prices by $100, and it now starts at $899.

So waiting for the iPhone 18 will not necessarily bring a financial benefit. Moreover, if Apple raises prices again, buying the iPhone 17 now may turn out to be cheaper than buying in spring 2027.

This is especially relevant for those buying a smartphone outright, without installment payments. If you pay on credit, the difference will be less noticeable, since the extra costs will be spread over 12–24 months.

There is another argument in favor of buying now — trading in your old smartphone. After a new generation comes out, Apple usually lowers the estimated value of previous models, so your old iPhone may be worth more in trade-in right now.

The iPhone 18 may not offer a better balance of price and features

For now, this is only based on rumors, but they do not all seem favorable to the future iPhone 18.

Apple is reportedly considering using a cheaper display with lower brightness, as well as a version of the A20 processor with fewer GPU cores. In addition, some components may be borrowed from the more affordable iPhone 18e.

If these assumptions are confirmed, the gap between the regular iPhone 18 and the more expensive models will become smaller, while the smartphone itself may turn out to be a less attractive deal than the iPhone 17.

What will change in the iPhone 18

At the same time, the future model does have several potentially interesting upgrades.

The main one could be the new A20 processor, which is expected to be manufactured on a 2 nm process. This should provide improvements in performance and energy efficiency.

There are also several other possible changes:

  • RAM may increase from 8 GB to 9 GB or 12 GB;

  • the front camera may get a 24 MP sensor instead of 18 MP;

  • Dynamic Island may become smaller;

  • the smartphone may get Apple’s new C2 modem with faster and more stable connectivity.

However, it is still unclear how many of these changes will actually appear in the final device.

The RAM question is especially important. According to some leaks, the iPhone 18 will get 12 GB, while according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it will get only 9 GB. This also matters in terms of new iOS 27 features: some Siri capabilities, including more expressive voices and improved dictation, require 12 GB of RAM.

At the same time, the iPhone 17 also has 8 GB and does not support these features. So waiting for the iPhone 18 specifically for the new iOS 27 capabilities only makes sense if Apple really installs 12 GB of RAM.

The iPhone 17 already offers a lot of what the Pro does

Despite the upcoming release of the next generation, the iPhone 17 remains a fairly strong option. In MacRumors’ current buying guide, it is recommended for most buyers thanks to its combination of features, performance, and price.

The regular iPhone 17 has a 120 Hz display with Always-On, the same main and ultra-wide cameras as the iPhone 17 Pro, and a display of the same size. In terms of performance, it also does not lag too far behind the Pro model.

The main limitations are the lack of a telephoto lens, less RAM, a less durable body, and a smaller battery.

So for an iPhone 13, 14, or 15 owner, upgrading to the iPhone 17 will still be a noticeable improvement. And if the specific potential advantages of the iPhone 18 are not particularly important to you, there is no strong reason to wait.

So, buy now or wait?

It makes sense to buy the iPhone 17 now if you need a new smartphone this fall, especially if price and trading in your old iPhone matter to you. Besides, the current price is already known, while the future price of the iPhone 18 is still unknown.

Waiting for the iPhone 18 makes sense if your current smartphone fully satisfies you and you are ready to wait until spring 2027 for a potentially newer processor, an improved front camera, a new modem, and possibly 12 GB of RAM.

The main argument against waiting is that the iPhone 18 may turn out to be more expensive than expected while also getting some hardware compromises. So right now there is no guaranteed scenario where you “wait six months and get a more modern iPhone for the same or a lower price.”