The next two months are probably the worst time to buy an iPhone, including used ones. This isn’t meant to discourage you from choosing an iPhone over other smartphones—that’s not the intention. Rather, if you can hold off for a couple of months, you will thank us later. The reason may not surprise you: Apple typically launches a new lineup of iPhones in September, which makes now a bad time to buy one. Don’t buy the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, or even a used iPhone 14—no matter how good the discount is. You should absolutely wait for the new iPhone, even if your current smartphone is on its last legs and you are not concerned about having a smartphone with the latest features.
Visitors walk past an Apple Store in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.(Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
The best (and worst) time to buy a new iPhone
Frankly, there’s no definitive “best” or “worst” time to buy an iPhone. Apple rarely changes its pricing structure, and in recent years, retailers have offered iPhone deals throughout the year. However, the most strategic time to buy an iPhone is when a new model is released. From September to December, if you are in the market for a new iPhone, you will find a wider selection, more deals, and a better chance of getting the colour or storage option you prefer. In fact, this is also the best time to pick up an older model or a used iPhone, as prices typically drop, especially during festive sales around Deepawali.
However, we advise you to shop for an iPhone between late July and early September. Simply put, don’t buy an iPhone right before a new model launches. Maybe you don’t care about the latest iPhone and that’s completely fine. Many people aren’t tech enthusiasts and aren’t interested in having the newest model. But as a consumer, you should always consider the basics before buying an iPhone, things like battery life and software support. Getting a four-year-old iPhone at a discount is usually a bad decision, no matter how tempting the deal may seem. Don’t get swayed by salespeople. Make an informed decision and avoid emotional traps.
The iPhone 16e, Apple’s most affordable iPhone, on display at an Apple Store. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)
Four new iPhone 17 models including a skinner iPhone
Apple launches new iPhones every September- and that’s a tradition for years. If history repeats itself in 2025, Cupertino will once again launch a new iPhone lineup in 2025, as it’s done every since 2012. This time, it’s expected to launch the iPhone 17 series.
The new iPhone lineup will come in four models: two baseline units and two premium Pro models. The newer iPhones are expected to feature a redesigned Dynamic Island interface, which might be smaller than before. New color options are also likely to be introduced.
In a notable change, the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max are expected to undergo a major redesign, particularly around the camera module. Apple is reportedly moving away from the familiar square camera bump to a distinctive aluminum camera bar that spans the width of the device. However, this redesigned camera module is not expected to appear on the standard iPhone 17 models.
All iPhone 17 models will feature an anti-reflective display that offers improved scratch resistance compared to previous generations. For the first time, the base iPhone 17 models will also get a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling, previously a feature exclusive to the Pro models.
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The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will include an upgraded 48-megapixel telephoto lens, and 8K video recording could also be coming to these high-end models. All four iPhone 17 variants will be powered by the latest A19 processor and will ship with the newly announced iOS 26, which features the new Liquid Glass design.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may receive a larger battery. The iPhone 17 Plus, previously rumoured as the iPhone 17 “Air”, could debut with a thinner design and new display dimensions. It will have a single camera lens, similar to the iPhone 16e. The front-facing “selfie” camera on all iPhone 17 models, including the 17 Plus, will be upgraded to 24 megapixels.
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