iPhone 16 sale to go live this week, but should you wait for iPhone 17

The new iPhone 16 series will be available in-store and on every retail website, starting from September 20. The pre-booking has already begun for the new Apple smartphone. The iPhone 16 lineup includes 4 devices: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max. The series is the first one to be equipped with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence. Even before this iPhone could hit the global market, the rumours around the next in-line, iPhone 17, have been building up. But will it bring a bigger change? Based on the rumours, iPhone 17 is expected to bring bigger upgrades over the iPhone 16. For starters, the iPhone 17 series is speculated to do away with the Plus models. Does that mean you should wait for the iPhone 17? Let’s dive deeper into the details.
Apple fully unveiled the iPhone 16 series on September 9, this year. Now, while we compare these two devices, it is important to remember that Apple has not uttered a word about the iPhone 17. This discussion is purely based on the rumours and leaks online. One of the major reasons why I think waiting for iPhone 17 is worth it, lies in the processor.
Design and aesthetics: One of the most talked about revamps for the iPhone 16 series was its design. The iPhone 16 base models feature a new look, a change from the last few years. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus sport a vertical camera, housed in a capsule module on the back panel. But Apple has not changed the way Pro models look, even for the iPhone 16 series. Based on the rumours, the iPhone 17 Pro models are also going to look the same.

(Credit: X/@MajinBuOfficial)

In the latest leak, a tipster @MajinBuOfficial, shared a tentative image of the iPhone 17 Pro models, which looks to follow the same three-camera system. It also shows that Apple will continue to play the colour game with iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 Pro could play with a few new colours: Titanium Blue metallic, Titanium Purple and Titanium Green.
Moreover, the iPhone 17 series is also anticipated to bring a new variant, replacing the Plus — iPhone 17 Air or Slim. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new model, named the iPhone 17 Slim, is likely to launch in the second half of 2025. This model is said to focus on aesthetics and physical appeal over powerful hardware specifications. The ultra-slim form factor is likely to be a major selling point, appealing to consumers who prioritise sleek and stylish devices.

(Credit: X/@Applesclubs)

Display: Next year’s iPhone 17 is rumoured to be getting a size boost to 6.27 inches, mirroring the 16 Pro model, while the iPhone 17 Air variant may undergo a significant redesign, potentially featuring updated dimensions that will differentiate it from previous models.
For comparison, the iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch display, while the iPhone 16 Plus offers a larger 6.7-inch screen. The Pro model comes with a 6.3-inch display and the Pro Max boasts a massive 6.9-inch screen.
Processor: One major reason, I think, the reason why you should wait for iPhone 17 lies here. Right now, the iPhone 16 series is powered by the powerful A18 chip, Apple’s latest so far. But with the entrance of the iPhone 17, the processor is also expected to upgrade. The 2025 Pro models are anticipated to be the first iPhones to incorporate Apple’s custom-designed Wi-Fi 7 chip.
The A18 chipset is designed to work with Apple’s AI– Apple Intelligence. Previously, during WWDC 2024, Apple indicated that Apple Intelligence would come in-built to the iPhone 16 series. However, it turned out that Apple Intelligence is running rate and will come in the iOS 18.1 update, scheduled in October. This means that the AI features, including Genmoji, Writing tools, Siri overhaul, ChatGPT and all other features have been delayed. Not just that, the company is likely to stretch the updates till 2025.
It looks like iPhone 16 buyers will have to keep updating their devices to stay up to date. But here is the catch. Since the iPhone 17 series is expected to arrive in September 2025, we can assume that it will come with all Apple Intelligence features.
Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air is said to pack a better performance attributed to the A19 chipset it will come with, along with the Apple-designed 5G modem.
Camera: The iPhone 17 might bring a major change to the camera system, unlike the iPhone 16 series. It’s going from 12-megapixel to 24-megapixel and will surely have new software features to take advantage of that boost.
The new iPhone 17 Air’s rear camera will be all new. In a bold design move, Apple is said to be replacing the familiar top-left corner multi-camera array with a single, high-powered camera placed at the top-center of the iPhone’s rear.
Overall, the iPhone 17 series is likely to bring several changes over the current iPhone 16 series. The speculations are that the iPhone 17 will have full access to Apple Intelligence updates, updated camera system, new design and a brand-new model. But, it is also true that whoever buys the iPhone 16 model, will get a great offer via Apple trade-in next year. So, if you are looking for an instant update, the iPhone 16 series promises to deliver an advanced experience, with iOS 18 and the upcoming Apple Intelligence.