Don’t Buy iPhone 16E—17E Is Coming Soon

Apple’s March 4 event could render the iPhone 16E obsolete before you even open the box. The $599 model is being touted for value, but the chatter now is all about an imminent successor—the iPhone 17E—set to debut at a live Apple media event.

The 16E has appeal on price alone: a solid midrange package that suits budget-minded buyers, while Apple fans await the next-generation upgrades. But the timing is awkward. If the 17E lands as rumored, it will rewrite the value equation in a flash—especially for those who plan to keep a phone for more than a year. Retailers often play pricing games around a new release, slicing incentives or throwing in trade-ins to clear stock of the older model. The risk for a buyer who chases the 16E’s price is that a fresh model can snap up momentum, push down resale value, and prompt carrier promos that tilt in favor of the new device rather than the old one.

From a consumer perspective, the decision hinges on timing and need. If you absolutely need a phone today and the 16E meets your basic requirements, it remains a reasonable buy at $599. But if you can wait a few weeks, there’s a solid argument to hold off, because the 17E could bring marginal improvements—things that matter for daily use like camera performance, processing speed, and battery efficiency—without you paying a premium for the upgrade later. Even without confirmed specifics, a next-generation model typically disrupts the existing price ladder, potentially unlocking better trade-ins or carrier promos for the older device as a sweetener to move stock.

Two practitioner insights stand out for real-world shoppers. First, upgrade timing matters. If your current device is still serviceable, waiting for the 17E can maximize long-term value, since you’ll likely face a smaller depreciation gap and more aggressive post-launch promotions. Second, total cost of ownership hinges on more than the sticker price. The 16E’s base price is clear, but optional coverage like AppleCare+ can change the math, and promotions around a new model can alter trade-in values and financing terms. Carriers often nudge customers toward the newer device with bundles or enhanced trade-ins, which can tilt the balance toward waiting rather than paying a premium for the current generation.

Industry context matters too. Apple’s cadence in recent years keeps the pressure on early buyers: a new number, even if the increments are modest, can shift consumer expectations and retailer pricing within weeks. The 16E’s value proposition is real, but it sits on shifting ground as the 17E approaches. Buyers should weigh personal urgency against the risk of missing out on a more compelling upgrade at launch.

Verdict: wait for the 17E if you can swing it. If your phone currently fails you or you need a device immediately, the 16E at $599 remains a reasonable option, but be prepared for price moves and possible better promos once the successor lands.

Sources

Don't Buy the iPhone 16E Right Now Because the iPhone 17E Is 'Due Imminently'