Should you buy the iPhone 17 or wait for iPhone 18? Latest rumours and what to expect from Apple this year
by Vanessa Ricca, on Jun 8, 2026iPhone 17 or iPhone 18? That is the question. No, it's not a Shakespeare quote, but it's definitely a dilemma that millions of users are wrestling with as the next generation of iPhone draws closer. This year, though, the choice is actually much simpler than in previous years. Here's why...
iPhone 17 now or 18 later?
iPhone 18: When will it be released?
Let's start here, because the answer might surprise you: the base iPhone 18 model is NOT expected to launch in 2026. 😲
Disappointing, right? Well, the rules at Apple are changing, and according to the latest leaks, we'll have to wait until 2027 for the iPhone 18 to hit the market.
So there won't be an iPhone 18 series this year at all?
According to the most recent leaks, Apple could be about to shake up the traditional iPhone launch calendar starting with the iPhone 18 line-up. The company is reportedly planning to separate the debut of the "premium" models from the standard versions, spreading the launches across two different periods of the year.
In autumn 2026, we should see:
- iPhone 18 Pro
- iPhone 18 Pro Max
- the first ever iPhone Foldable
The more affordable models, on the other hand, would be pushed back to spring 2027. These include the standard iPhone 18, a possible iPhone 18e, and perhaps a new generation of the iPhone Air.
Is a foldable iPhone finally coming in 2026? It looks like it, and it might be called "iPhone Ultra"
One of the most anticipated announcements of 2026 is Apple's very first foldable iPhone. Several analysts believe Apple could unveil it alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, positioning it as the most exclusive and expensive device in the entire line-up. The final name is still up in the air, but a number of well-informed tech blogs suggest it could be marketed as iPhone Ultra, sitting alongside the Pro and Pro Max as Apple's new ultra-premium option.
iPhone 18 series: what's changing and what are the expected prices?
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max: features and price
Based on leaks so far, it'll be the Pro models that kick off the new generation of Apple smartphones in September 2026. iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to bring several upgrades, including a more compact Dynamic Island thanks to under-display Face ID, a new A20 Pro chip built on a 2-nanometre process, improved cameras, and better energy efficiency.
iPhone 18 Pro Max in particular could feature the largest battery Apple has ever put in a smartphone, with a capacity exceeding 5,000 mAh according to some supply chain sources.
On pricing, analysts expect Apple to keep US starting prices largely unchanged:
- iPhone 18 Pro: from $1,099 (roughly €1,249-1,299 in Italy)
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: from $1,199 (roughly €1,499 in Italy)
As always, Italian prices tend to run higher than US ones due to VAT, taxes, and distribution costs.
Foldable iPhone (or iPhone Ultra): how much could it cost?
As mentioned, multiple leaks suggest Apple is ready to launch a foldable device alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models. And the price tag would match its premium positioning. The most credible estimates point to a price above $2,000, which could translate to somewhere between €2,299 and €2,499 in Italy, depending on the configuration. If confirmed, it would be the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever launched.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max colours: is Dark Cherry on the way?
There are also some design rumours doing the rounds. According to the latest reports on MacRumors, Apple is reportedly testing four colours for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max:
- Light Blue (similar to the current Mist Blue on iPhone 17)
- Dark Gray
- Silver
- Dark Cherry, a deep red shade set to be the standout colour of the range
For the rumoured foldable iPhone Ultra, Apple might go for a more understated palette, with Silver, White, and Indigo finishes. Since these are still prototypes in development, some colours may change or be dropped before the official launch.
iPhone 17 Series or 18 Series?
One last thought: environmental impact matters
Is it really worth replacing a perfectly working smartphone just because a new one came out with a slightly different colour or a minor design tweak?
In recent years, we've started treating tech like fast fashion: always-new products, ever-shorter replacement cycles, and purchases driven more by wanting the latest thing than by any real need. But every new iPhone comes at a cost that goes beyond the price tag: it requires raw materials, energy, transportation, and industrial production.
Choosing a refurbished iPhone means opting out of that cycle. According to refurbed's own data, a refurbished device can save up to 83% of CO2 emissions compared to a new one. Because the real question isn't whether you need the latest iPhone. It's whether you really need another one to be manufactured.
👉 Want to learn more about the environmental footprint of refurbished tech vs. new tech? Take a look at our web app: Environmental Footprint Calculator
So, iPhone 17 or iPhone 18? 🤌
Back to where we started. The answer, at least for 2026, is clearer than expected: for the vast majority of users, there's no point in waiting. Apple's 2026 line-up is all in on the premium segment, with prices that few people are willing or able to pay, especially when the main upgrade boils down to a cooler colour or a slightly smaller notch. iPhone 17, especially in its refurbished version, remains the most balanced, smart, and sustainable choice of the year.
We hope this has helped you settle the dilemma we started with. If the answer is yes, you know what to do: check out the refurbished iPhone 17s available on refurbed, find the model that's right for you, and save without compromise.
