Apple Might Skip the iPhone 18 This Year — Is the iPhone 17 Still Worth Buying?

Apple appears set to make a major change to its traditional iPhone launch strategy this year, with reports suggesting the standard iPhone 18 could be delayed until 2027.

Instead of releasing the entire iPhone 18 lineup together, Apple is expected to introduce its iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max alongside a rumored foldable iPhone in September 2026. The regular iPhone 18 could arrive several months later.

iPhone 18 Could Be Delayed Until 2027

Apple is reportedly preparing to split its iPhone releases into two phases.

The premium models are expected to debut at Apple’s September event, while the standard iPhone 18 may not arrive until spring 2027. Reports also suggest the successor to the iPhone Air could follow a similar delayed schedule.

Apple has officially scheduled its next major iPhone event for September 9, 2026, although the company has not confirmed the names of the devices that will be announced.

Should You Buy the iPhone 17?

For consumers who want a standard iPhone, the potential delay could make the iPhone 17 a more attractive option.

The iPhone 17 already offers Apple’s A19 chip, a 120Hz display, improved cameras and Apple Intelligence support. It also starts with 256GB of storage, giving buyers more storage than previous base models.

Current iPhone 17 deals could make the decision even easier. Retailers and carriers are already offering discounts and trade-in promotions ahead of Apple’s next launch.

When Should You Wait?

If you’re specifically interested in the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max or Apple’s rumored first foldable iPhone, waiting for the September event makes sense.

The upcoming premium models are expected to introduce more significant hardware changes, while the foldable iPhone could represent Apple’s biggest change to the iPhone lineup in years.

However, if you simply want a reliable new iPhone and don’t need the latest Pro features, buying an iPhone 17 — particularly at a discounted price — could be a sensible choice.

iPhone 17 vs iPhone 18: What We Know

Bottom Line

The rumored change to Apple’s release schedule could make 2026 an unusual year for the iPhone. Rather than replacing the iPhone 17 with a standard iPhone 18 this September, Apple may focus its initial launch on its premium models and a new foldable device.

For anyone who needs a phone now, the iPhone 17 remains a strong option, especially if a good deal is available. But if you’re interested in Apple’s newest technology, particularly the rumored foldable iPhone or iPhone 18 Pro, waiting until September could be worthwhile.