As the festive shopping season begins, many tech enthusiasts may be attracted by the attractive offers on the iPhone 16 series, which are now available at reduced prices on leading e-commerce platforms. However, with Apple preparing to launch its next-generation iPhone 17 lineup in a matter of weeks, it may be advisable to put the brakes on this purchase.
According to noted Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple may hold its next big event between September 8-10, during which the iPhone 17 series is likely to be launched. The upcoming models are expected to feature several meaningful improvements – so much so that even the heavily discounted iPhone 16 will start to look outdated.One of the most anticipated improvements could be the addition of a 120Hz ProMotion display to the non-Pro models for the first time. The feature is currently reserved for the high-end Pro variants, but it ensures smoother scrolling and better responsiveness. Analyst Ross Young hints that this long-awaited upgrade could finally become standard across the entire iPhone 17 lineup. If this is true, the base model could also benefit from always-on display functionality.
Talking about camera performance, the iPhone 17 is expected to have tremendous performance. Industry expert Jeff Pu suggests a significant jump in the front camera resolution, which will increase from 12 megapixels to 24 megapixels. This would mean a better selfie and FaceTime or video call experience, making it a step ahead of the iPhone 16 in imaging capabilities. Meanwhile, the Pro model could get a redesigned camera bump and other optical improvements, although details about it are yet to be known.
In terms of performance, Apple is also rumored to introduce the A19 chip as well as wider memory. Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the Pro and Air variants could come with up to 12GB of RAM, while the base model could also get a bump up to 8GB. These hardware upgrades will be particularly relevant as Apple continues to expand its Apple Intelligence AI suite in iOS 26, adding smart features like adaptive power management and more personalized system interactions.
Another interesting twist in this year’s launch could be the launch of an all-new model – the iPhone 17 Air. This device is expected to replace the Plus variant and is rumoured to be Apple’s slimmest iPhone ever, offering a sleek form factor without compromising on performance. However, the iPhone 16 isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the iPhone 17 could be even better value once it hits the market. Apple usually reduces the prices of older models when a new series is launched, and reports suggest the price could be reduced by around ₹10,000. Combine this with upcoming clearances and festive discounts, the iPhone 16 could become a great budget-friendly option.
As a result, while the iPhone 16 is a solid smartphone, waiting a few more weeks could provide better value – either through access to features on the next-generation iPhone 17 or a deeper discount on an older model. The final decision depends on your interest in and readiness for Apple’s latest technology.
