No Regular iPhone 18 This Fall, and iPhone 17 Prices Are Rising: What to Buy Now

For the first time since Apple began selling standard and Pro iPhone models in parallel, there will be no entry-level iPhone this September. According to MacRumors, Apple does not plan to release a regular iPhone 18 this fall and will only launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable iPhone Ultra. The lower-cost iPhone 18 is now expected to arrive in spring 2027.

The lineup change comes alongside anticipated price increases. Analysts expect the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to cost $100 to $300 more than their predecessors, and the regular iPhone 18 could also be pricier when it eventually launches. TrendForce suggests Apple may even raise the price of the existing iPhone 17 once the new Pro models are announced, with increases hitting older devices already on sale.

This unusual situation leaves buyers with a tricky decision. Those who were planning to get a standard iPhone have no new model to wait for this year — the next one is more than a year away. If you need a phone now, the iPhone 17 remains the only current non-Pro option, and buying it before the fall price hike could save you money. Apple already increased prices on Macs and iPads in June, so similar moves for iPhones look increasingly likely.

For those eyeing the Pro models, the calculus is different. Waiting until September gives you access to the latest cameras, displays, and the new foldable iPhone Ultra, but you will likely pay a premium of $100 to $300 over current prices. If those features matter more than cost, waiting is the obvious choice — just be prepared for a higher bill.

There is also the question of timing. If Apple follows the TrendForce forecast and raises iPhone 17 prices after the September announcement, delaying your purchase of a current model could cost you. Buying now locks in today's price, which may be the last chance to get a new iPhone without the upcoming increase.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to priorities. Budget-conscious buyers should seriously consider purchasing an iPhone 17 now, before prices go up and before the lineup shrinks further. Enthusiasts who want the latest Pro features or the new foldable form factor have a clear reason to wait, provided they are comfortable with the expected price jump. Official pricing and availability will be confirmed at the September event, but the overall trend is already clear: iPhones are getting more expensive, and the standard model is becoming a rarity.