Best time of year to buy an iPhone?

conza on 09/07/2024 - 18:55
Last edited 09/07/2024 - 18:56

Considering when to purchase a new iPhone, and wanted to know when people typically buy their next iPhone.

Specifically at the time of writing, the iPhone 15 series is the latest, but we're coming up the the launch of the iPhone 16 series (presumably), in 2-3 months, late September.

If you buy when a phone first gets released you'll pay the full retail price, waiting longer other sellers may have new phones but with a discount.

I've noticed the iPhone 14 Pro / Max doesn't seem to be readily available now, at least not new, which leads me to think there may be a sweet spot within the first year for Pro phones, but maybe not for others?

Poll Options

  • 2
    Q1 (Jan-Mar)
  • 2
    Q2 (Apr-Jun)
  • 1
    Q3 (Jul-Sep) new iPhone typically releases
  • 26
    Q4 (Oct-Dec)
  • 15
    Anytime / Doesn't matter / Other
Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • oscargamer on 09/07/2024 - 18:56

    When was the last time you bought an iPhone and was that the right time, then?

    • conza on 09/07/2024 - 18:57

      I haven't used an iPhone since an iPhone 3GS, and I didn't buy it, it was given to me. I've since been on Android, and have recently switched to another cheaper iPhone, so am now looking to buy one and wanted to see when people think is the best time.

      • oscargamer on 09/07/2024 - 18:57

        Which version do you want?

        • conza on 09/07/2024 - 18:59

          Debating between a Pro and a Pro Max, if the 16 Pro vs 16 Pro Max has relatively better battery life compared to the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, I may go for a Pro, otherwise a Pro Max. May also consider getting a 15 Pro Max, after the 16 series releases, depends on the price difference and what the 16 offers.

    • CyberMurning on 09/07/2024 - 19:20
      +1

      When i won lotto, yeah good time

    • HeWhoKnows on 10/07/2024 - 18:12

      Bst time to buy a phone is when you really need one!
      Not because its cheaper than it was before.

      OP hasnt mentioned that they NEED a new iPhone so dont waste money buying a new one.(yet)

  • Gdsamp on 09/07/2024 - 19:15
    +3

    getem launch day to maximise time for which you've the latest device…. it's gonna be obsolete in a year anyways

    price drops as we have seen for 15 (normal/pro) models are unusual - and more reflective of the poor economic climate (bearish sentiment) dampening sales

    • AustriaBargain on 09/07/2024 - 20:31
      +1

      This is my approach. And doubly so if there is a new form factor, like this year we got a new iPad Pro form factor and the Air gets a new form factor too (which is what the old Pro used). Rumours suggest September 2026 we'll get totally new iPhones which will be thinner than what we got now.

      The years before the release of Apple Silicon everyone "knew" that buying an Intel Mac was a bad idea, like buying a PowerPC Mac when everyone knew Intel Macs were coming out soon enough.

  • CyberMurning on 09/07/2024 - 19:19

    Two weeks after new iPhone being sold in stores. Buy the one gen before that second hand. Be a smart sheep

  • nea ozb on 09/07/2024 - 19:22
    +1

    If you have a friend that works at Apple - there are good deals around NYE.

  • sumyungguy on 09/07/2024 - 20:12

    I think it's all about the choice of handset you make at the time of purchase, not the time of year itself. Pretty much every Australian over age 16 owns at least one smartphone, there's no other tech product or appliance like it.

  • djones145 on 09/07/2024 - 20:20
    +3

    the day after u buy it
    as it will go on sale
    please tell me when u will buy

  • AustriaBargain on 09/07/2024 - 20:28

    October, after the new iPhones have been unveiled and released.

    • Gunnar on 10/07/2024 - 15:50

      Yeah this! I got my 14 Pro last year in October-November for about $500 off its RRP. I was initially going to get a 15 but went 14 because it was cheaper and the jump in tech was small

      15s are being discounted quite heavily ATM (for an iPhone) - combination of the fact that the phone wasn’t anything much from the 14 and economic climate too

  • JIMB0 on 09/07/2024 - 21:47
    -1

    There's never a good time to buy one when mid range Android phones offer so much for comparatively little money.

    • localhost on 09/07/2024 - 21:52

      This!!! Bought 512GB Pixel 8 Pro for ~$1300. RRP was around $2k.

      • askbargain on 09/07/2024 - 21:57
        +7

        how is that mid range lmao

        • localhost on 09/07/2024 - 22:56
          +1

          Just saying you can get a VERY good phone for that price. Try any Pro Max near that price :)

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 10/07/2024 - 00:27

          Mid price compared to an iPhone. Wait, iphones now have usbc! Welcome to 2017.

    • Nillionaire on 10/07/2024 - 08:18
      +1

      Suggesting mid range devices to someone looking at Pro / Pro Max models doesn't make much sense to me. It would be a valid suggestion if they were considering a base model iPhone or Plus. But the only Android competitors to the Pro Max would be a Galaxy S# Ultra or Pixel # Pro.

      • JIMB0 on 11/07/2024 - 09:24

        It makes sense on a bargain forum.

  • altomic on 09/07/2024 - 23:40
    +4

    around 3am on a thursday.

  • deecasey22 on 10/07/2024 - 07:27
    +1

    Stock up on discounted gift cards for new launch in Sept, this is what I did last winter and simply preorder.
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/787427

    • The Hawk on 10/07/2024 - 08:48

      That’s what I did last year for a nice saving.

      As has been said, if you want the best/latest phone then just after release gets you that for the longest time but at the highest price.

      If you buy last years model you still get a damn good phone, but at a decent discount (and with the option of any additional colours that were released over the year).

      Even cheaper is a second hand unit from someone who upgrades every year and keeps the phone in good nic.

  • Lastchancetosee on 10/07/2024 - 22:01

    Should there be a Never option?

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