Apple Raises Prices. Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Apple just raised prices on Macs, iPads, and accessories, and the iPhone 18 may be next. Here's why we think now is a smart time to buy the current iPhone 17 instead of waiting.

Apple recently increased prices across several products, including Macs, iPads, and accessories. Many of the increases were linked to higher component costs, especially memory and storage, which have become much more expensive due to growing demand from AI hardware. Depending on the device, prices increased by roughly 17% to 25%, which was more than many people expected. Surprisingly, iPhone prices have remained unchanged so far, even as the cost of building them continues to rise.

Looking ahead, many analysts expect the upcoming iPhone 18 lineup to become more expensive. Some reports suggest the Pro models could increase by $100 to as much as $300, depending on storage configuration and final pricing. Higher memory prices, more advanced camera systems, and new AI hardware are all contributing to these expectations. While nothing is official until Apple announces the phones, there is growing evidence that this year's iPhones may see their largest price increase in several generations.

Because of that, we actually recommend buying the current iPhone 17 lineup, even though it's later in the product cycle. Normally we suggest waiting if a new iPhone is only a few months away. This year is different. The iPhone 17 already offers excellent cameras, strong battery life, Apple Intelligence support, and years of software updates. If the iPhone 18 launches at a noticeably higher price, the iPhone 17 could become one of the best values Apple has offered in years, especially if retailers begin discounting current models.

As always, the best time to upgrade depends on your needs. If your current iPhone is working well, waiting is never a bad option. However, if you're already planning to upgrade this year, we think the iPhone 17 is the smarter purchase for most people. It delivers nearly everything most users need today while avoiding the possibility of paying significantly more for the next generation.