Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Sep 4
Apple Buyers Urged to Wait 1 Week for iPhone 18 as Prices May Rise $150-$250
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Sep 4

Apple Buyers Urged to Wait 1 Week for iPhone 18 as Prices May Rise $150-$250

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Sep 4

Summary

  • Next Wednesday’s Apple launch is the key cutoff: buyers whose current phones still work are advised to wait for full iPhone 18 details before choosing.
  • A broken or unusable device changes the math, because early iPhone 18 supply could be tight amid a RAM crunch and some models may take months to arrive.
  • Price is the biggest reason to buy now: after iPhone 17 prices already rose $100, analysts expect iPhone 18 models to cost $150 to $250 more, with Pro versions starting around $1,250 and $1,500.
  • Rumored upgrades include a 35% smaller Dynamic Island, larger batteries, variable-aperture cameras, an A20 Pro chip and a foldable iPhone Ultra that could top $2,000.
  • For budget buyers, that outlook makes the current lineup—especially lower-cost options like the $599 iPhone 17e—look more attractive before another round of increases.

Insights

With component costs driving iPhone 18 prices to record highs, is Apple's upcoming flagship truly worth the massive financial leap?
If standard iPhone 18 models are delayed until 2027, will budget-conscious buyers be forced into purchasing older devices this fall?
Could the heavily rumored foldable iPhone Ultra finally debut next week, or will supply chain woes delay Apple's biggest innovation?