Don't expect an iPhone 17 discount at today's iPhone event — here's why
The iPhone 18 isn't arriving this week, and that means the future of the iPhone 17 is likely to be more expensive than we'd hoped.
This year's iPhone launch event is distinct from previous ones. Instead of unveiling a new range of iPhones, Apple has chosen to skip the non-Pro models. Consequently, the iPhone 18 is expected to arrive in early 2027, rendering the iPhone 17 as the default flagship iPhone for a while longer. This deviation from the norm disrupts the usual pattern where new iPhone releases discontinue the Pro models, and the non-Pro models receive a reduced price, usually $100 less.
The event's unconventional nature raises several questions. For instance, will the iPhone 17 receive a price reduction after the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro? Will the iPhone 16 remain in stores after the event? Apple typically does not offer significant discounts, often retaining its products at full price year-round. The annual iPhone price cut is usually the most substantial discount consumers receive, and without the iPhone 18 to take the spotlight, there's no compelling reason for Apple to offer a discount on the iPhone 17.
While a price cut might boost sales of the iPhone 17 before the holidays, it could negatively impact iPhone 18 sales once the new model debuts. Moreover, the delay of the iPhone 18 is reportedly due to Apple's strategy to encourage buyers of the more expensive Pro models. Disrupting this strategy by lowering the price of an existing phone seems counterproductive.
Moreover, the tech world has seen a year of price hikes primarily due to the soaring cost of RAM and storage components, driven by the demand from AI companies. Apple increased the prices of most of its products earlier this summer, excluding the iPhone and Apple Watch. Given that the iPhone's price hike is imminent, it's even less plausible that Apple would reduce the price of the iPhone 17.
The rising production costs of iPhones likely mean any price reduction would be counterintuitive, especially if the next model, the iPhone 18, also experiences a price hike. Thus, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the iPhone 17 is unlikely to receive a discount following the event.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
