Will the iPhone 17's price drop when the iPhone 18 launches? The answer is more complicated than usual this year

Date:
Sun, 06 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Description:
This isn't a typical year for iPhones, so will Apple drop prices like usual, or will you be stuck with high charges?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Generally, the launch of a new iPhone means a drop in price for the old one, but this isnt a typical year
for iPhones not only is Apple expected to finally launch its long-rumored foldable phone, but thanks to out-of-control memory prices, its costing more for companies to build handsets.

On top of that, were actually not expecting to see a base iPhone 18 model
this year, with that device reportedly landing in March or April instead. So at Apples September 9 launch you might only be able to choose from an iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, or iPhone 18 Ultra. Typically, its only the standard model that gets a price drop so when the iPhone 18 finally does launch (likely next year), the iPhone 17 may well drop in price. But Id guess the launch of the Pro series this month probably wont trigger a price drop, since the iPhone 17 will probably remain the latest standard model for a
while longer. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

In fact, the rising price of memory could mean Apple wont drop the price of the iPhone 17 even when the iPhone 18 does finally launch. Instead, it might decide to sell the iPhone 18 at a new, higher price and keep the iPhone 17 at its current one.

But I doubt that. If the iPhone 18 doesnt land until early 2027, then the iPhone 17 will be well over a year old by that point and definitely due a price drop though, at that point, Apple might instead choose to discontinue it altogether, especially as the cheaper iPhone 18e might land then too. You may like MacBook price rises could be far worse than iPhone 18 Pro, analysts predict iPhone trade-in values could drop 30% after next launch 5 biggest iPhone 18 rumors rated what to really expect at next week's Apple event

Regardless, this could be a rare year where there are no price drops, as my prediction is that, as usual, Apple will discontinue the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max when the iPhone 18 Pro series lands, rather than dropping their prices.

As noted above, the iPhone 17 may get a price reduction when the iPhone 18 lands, but that feels up in the air at the moment, and probably wont happen this year. If it does happen, Apple typically knocks $100 / 100/ AU$150 off the price, which would take the starting price of the iPhone 17 from $799 / 799 / AU$1,399 to $699 / 699 / AU$1,249. But Id think youll be waiting until next year for that reduction, if it happens at all. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Limited options Apple will probably discontinue the iPhone 17 Pro (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) So your options after the September 9 launch are likely to be either one of the new models at a (probably) higher price than existing iPhones, or an iPhone 17, iPhone 17e , or iPhone Air at their current prices.

Its not impossible that Apple will drop some of these prices, or even keep
the iPhone 17 Pro series around, but I doubt it.

If youre desperate for a cheaper phone, though, you might not be totally out of luck, as while Im not expecting Apple to drop any prices this year, third-party sellers might drop the prices of discontinued models to make way for the new ones. What to read next Apple's price hikes prove that more expensive iPhones are all but inevitable iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra
colors here's all the latest leaks Apple's iPhone Ultra could increase
average foldable phone prices by 18%

So in other words, if Apple discontinues the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max like it usually does when new Pro models land the likes of Amazon and Best Buy might drop the sticker price on them until they sell out.

Pre-owned handsets are also likely to fall in price , so if you dont mind buying a used phone, you may be able to find a real bargain.

As such, if youre in the market for an iPhone upgrade but dont want any of
the upcoming models, Id still recommend waiting until theyre announced before buying anything, even though there probably wont be any official price drops this year. Just dont wait too long after September 9 to buy, or stores might run out of new units. Today's best iPhone deals Contract Deals Sim Free gift Apple iPhone 17 24 months Unlimited mins Unlimited texts 25GB data 25 upfront 33.99 /mth View at Mobiles.co.uk See all prices voucher gift Apple iPhone 17e 48 months Unlimited mins 5GB data 30 upfront 42.43 /mth View at EE See all prices voucher gift Apple iPhone 17 Pro 48 months Unlimited mins 5GB data 30 upfront 55.97 /mth View at EE See all prices voucher gift Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 48 months Unlimited mins 5GB data 30 upfront 49.22 /mth View at EE See
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