iPhone 17 Launch on September 9: Older iPhones Set for Big Price Drops
Introduction
Apple has officially announced its "Awe Dropping" event for September 9, 2025, where the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series will be unveiled. Alongside the launch of new models, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple is expected to adjust the pricing of older iPhone models, offering significant discounts for budget-conscious buyers. This blog explores the upcoming iPhone 17 launch and highlights the older iPhone models likely to see substantial price reductions soon after the event.
The iPhone 17 Series: What to Expect
The iPhone 17 series is poised to bring notable upgrades, including larger displays, ProMotion technology across all models, and a new ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air. Rumors suggest a redesigned camera bar for the Pro and Air models, a 24MP front camera, and the powerful A19 chip for enhanced performance. The event, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST) at Apple Park, will also likely introduce new Apple Watches and possibly AirPods Pro 3. Pre-orders are expected to begin on September 12, with devices hitting stores on September 19.
While the iPhone 17 series may see a slight price hike (e.g., the base model starting at $849 instead of $799), the introduction of new models typically triggers price cuts for older iPhones, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
Older iPhones Likely to Receive Price Drops
As Apple launches the iPhone 17 series, older models are expected to see significant price reductions, following the company’s tradition of adjusting prices to clear inventory and appeal to cost-conscious consumers. Based on historical trends and recent reports, here are the iPhone models likely to receive big price drops soon after September 9, 2025:
1. iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
- Current Price: Starting at $799 for the iPhone 16 and $899 for the iPhone 16 Plus (128GB).
- Expected Price Drop: Apple typically reduces the price of the previous year’s standard models by $100. In India, reductions of around ₹10,000 are expected, bringing the iPhone 16 to approximately ₹69,900 and the iPhone 16 Plus to ₹79,900. Retailers like Flipkart may offer additional discounts or cashback, potentially lowering the effective price further (e.g., ₹67,500 for the iPhone 16 with a Flipkart Axis Bank card).
- Why Buy?: The iPhone 16 series, launched in September 2024, supports Apple Intelligence features and offers a solid balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life. These models are ideal for those who want modern features at a reduced price.
2. iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus
- Current Price: Starting at $699 for the iPhone 15 and $799 for the iPhone 15 Plus (128GB, after previous discounts).
- Expected Price Drop: Following the iPhone 17 launch, prices could drop by another $100, potentially bringing the iPhone 15 to around $599 and the iPhone 15 Plus to $699. In India, expect reductions of ₹10,000, with prices possibly falling to ₹59,900 and ₹69,900, respectively. Additional retailer discounts may apply.
- Why Buy?: While the iPhone 15 series lacks Apple Intelligence support, it remains a reliable choice for users seeking premium features like the Dynamic Island and USB-C charging at a budget-friendly price.
3. iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus
- Current Price: Starting at approximately $599 for the iPhone 14 and $699 for the iPhone 14 Plus (128GB, after prior reductions).
- Expected Price Drop: The iPhone 14 series is likely to see the largest price drops, potentially by $100–$150, bringing the iPhone 14 to around $449–$499 and the iPhone 14 Plus to $549–$599. In India, prices could drop to ₹49,900–₹54,900 for the iPhone 14 and ₹59,900–₹64,900 for the iPhone 14 Plus, especially through e-commerce platforms during sales like September 9 (9.9) promotions.
- Why Buy?: These models offer a solid iPhone experience with decent cameras and performance, making them excellent value-for-money options for budget buyers or those not needing the latest features.
4. iPhone 13
- Current Price: Starting at around $499 (128GB, after previous discounts).
- Expected Price Drop: The iPhone 13 could see a further reduction of $50–$100, potentially dropping to $399–$449. In India, prices may fall to ₹39,900–₹44,900, particularly during festive sales.
- Why Buy?: As one of Apple’s older models still in circulation, the iPhone 13 provides reliable performance and iOS support at a significantly lower cost, ideal for first-time iPhone users or those upgrading from much older devices.
Discontinued Models: What to Watch For
Apple typically discontinues older Pro models when new iPhones launch. Following the iPhone 17 debut, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are expected to be phased out from Apple’s official lineup, as seen with the iPhone 15 Pro models last year. However, these models may still be available at discounted prices through third-party retailers or carriers like T-Mobile, which offer trade-in deals or promotions (e.g., iPhone 15 Pro for free with a qualifying plan).
The iPhone 15 may also face discontinuation risks, but it’s likely to remain available through carriers and retailers at reduced prices, similar to the iPhone 14 after the iPhone 16 launch.
Should You Buy Now or Wait?
If you’re considering purchasing an iPhone, waiting until after the September 9 event could be a smart move. Price drops for older models typically take effect shortly after the new iPhones are announced or released, with retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Currys, and John Lewis offering additional discounts during sales events like Black Friday or September 9 (9.9) promotions in some regions.
- Buy Now: If you need a phone immediately, the iPhone 16 is available at discounted prices (e.g., ₹69,999 on Flipkart with cashback). The iPhone 16 Pro models are also discounted at retailers like Currys (£899 for 128GB), but they may be discontinued post-launch.
- Wait for Discounts: Waiting until mid-September or later could yield savings of $100–$150 (₹10,000–₹15,000 in India) on the iPhone 16, 15, 14, and 13 models. Black Friday and festive sales may offer even deeper discounts.
Conclusion
The iPhone 17 launch on September 9, 2025, is set to introduce exciting new features and a sleek iPhone 17 Air, but it’s also a prime opportunity for savvy shoppers to snag older iPhone models at reduced prices. The iPhone 16, 15, 14, and 13 are expected to see significant price drops, with the iPhone 14 and 13 likely offering the best value for budget-conscious buyers. Keep an eye on retailers and carriers post-launch for the best deals, and consider waiting until Black Friday for maximum savings. Whether you’re eyeing the latest iPhone 17 or a discounted older model, September is shaping up to be a great time to invest in an iPhone.
