Why Apple Might Want You To Skip The IPhone 17 (And Buy The IPhone 16 Instead)

iPhone 17 might come with a surprise—but not the kind you’re hoping for. According to analyst Jeff Pu, the standard iPhone 17 will reportedly run on the same A18 chip as the iPhone 16. That means no major bump in speed or power for the base model.

So, what does this mean for you?

If you’re using an iPhone 15 or planning to buy your first iPhone, this probably won’t matter much. But if you’re already on iPhone 16 and thinking about jumping to the 17, you might want to hit pause. If there’s no performance boost, is it really worth the upgrade?

Let’s break it down.
Only the standard iPhone 17 is expected to stick with the A18. The premium models—iPhone 17 Air, Pro, and Pro Max—are tipped to get A19 and A19 Pro chips, along with 12GB RAM. That’s a clear leap forward for power users. But the regular 17? It’s basically the same engine under a slightly shinier hood.

Sure, Apple will throw in some new tech. The entire iPhone 17 series is rumored to debut “metalens” technology—basically a smaller Face ID sensor. This allows for a tighter Dynamic Island design and a sleeker front display. It’s cleaner. Nicer. More screen. But let’s be honest: is a smaller notch really worth a whole new phone?

Also Read How Fast Will Apple’s New MagSafe Chargers Really Charge the iPhone 17?

If you’re not chasing the bleeding edge and just want a solid phone, the iPhone 16 suddenly looks like a smart move. It’s cheaper. It’s fast. And it’s now officially just as powerful as the regular iPhone 17. You get 8GB RAM, A18 chip, and that new-ish design Apple introduced last year.

This also highlights a growing pattern with Apple. They’re clearly pushing the “Pro” models further ahead, while keeping the base models just “good enough.” It’s clever—but also a little frustrating. It’s like buying the same burger for more money just because the wrapper looks new.

To sum up: