Thinking about upgrading your phone? Hold that thought! Our expert weighs in on whether the iPhone 16’s price will tumble when the iPhone 17 makes its grand entrance. Will the rumored iPhone 16e throw a wrench in the works, or will savvy shoppers snag incredible deals? Find out the best time to buy your next Apple device!
The highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 17 is expected to significantly influence the pricing of its predecessor, the iPhone 16, a common pattern observed in Apple’s historical product cycles.
Drawing upon years of experience covering Apple’s annual announcements, a consistent trend emerges: the previous generation iPhone often receives a substantial price reduction. This strategic move positions the older model as a more accessible alternative for consumers, particularly those seeking premium features without the latest flagship price tag.
My informed prediction suggests the iPhone 16 will likely see a reduction of approximately $100 / £100 / AU$150 from its original launch price. This adjustment, while not monumental, makes a compelling case for potential buyers, especially given that current tech rumors for the iPhone 17 launch don’t indicate a revolutionary generational upgrade.
A potential wildcard in this pricing landscape is the rumored iPhone 16e. Should this more affordable variant replace the standard iPhone and its Plus counterpart, it could introduce a new dynamic, potentially offering an even more budget-friendly option and further complicating the price positioning of the existing iPhone 16 price drop.
Despite its lack of a 120Hz display, the current iPhone 16 remains a robust and high-performing device, fully capable of handling Apple Intelligence features and most demanding smartphone tasks within Apple’s cohesive ecosystem. For many users, it represents an excellent value proposition, especially when considering the anticipated Apple predictions regarding its continued availability.
Beyond Apple’s official channels, third-party retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Currys are almost guaranteed to offer significant smartphone deals on iPhone 16 Pro models and other variants. These retailers will be keen to clear their existing stock to make way for newer models, making the post-launch period an opportune time for consumers.
Therefore, prospective buyers should mark their calendars for late September and the extended Black Friday period, which now spans several weeks. Expect a flurry of attractive deals on all iPhone 16 models sold outside of Apple’s direct channels as the Holiday season approaches, offering prime opportunities for savings.
The overarching advice remains: patience is key. Waiting until after the next iPhone event concludes will undoubtedly present opportunities to secure a cheaper older iPhone, even if the newest models don’t align with individual needs or preferences. This strategy is consistently borne out by past market trends, validating these tech predictions.
