If you’ve managed to hold off buying the iPhone 16 for almost a year, now’s not the time to give in. 
In just a few weeks, Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup – and even if the changes aren’t revolutionary, they’re worth waiting for.
While the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are stealing headlines with rumors of a 48MP telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and improved cooling, the regular iPhone 17 is set to get its own big upgrades. The most notable? A 24MP front-facing camera, doubling the resolution of the iPhone 16’s selfie shooter, along with a bump in RAM from 8GB to 12GB, making it better prepared for the growing wave of AI-driven features.
Perhaps the most exciting upgrade for everyday use is the expected addition of ProMotion to the base iPhone 17 – Apple’s adaptive refresh rate technology. After years of being stuck with a 60Hz display on the non-Pro models, this could finally make scrolling and animations feel dramatically smoother.
Of course, not everyone will notice a world of difference. For casual users, selfies from 12MP and 24MP cameras may look similar unless you zoom in, and the speed boost from more RAM may be subtle. Many buyers are swayed by the ‘new and shiny’ factor – and Apple knows it. Still, for those who care about future-proofing and smoother visuals, waiting makes sense.
The one reason to buy the iPhone 16 right now? You desperately need a phone or stumble upon an irresistible deal. And even then, holding out with a backup device for a month could be the smarter play. Once the iPhone 17 launches, the 16 might become a more attractive buy for budget-conscious shoppers through refurbished or slightly discounted offers – though Apple isn’t known for dramatic price cuts.
Bottom line: if you can wait, wait. The iPhone 17’s upgrades may not transform the experience overnight, but they’re just enough to make the iPhone 16 feel like last year’s news within days of the new release.