A recent survey of (US) iPhone users shows that a whopping 68% plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 when it becomes available. This is a significant increase from last year, when 62% said they plan to switch to the iPhone 16. The iPhone 17 line will be announced during Apple's keynote on September 9.
A survey by comparison site SellCell, conducted among more than 2,000 US iPhone users, shows that the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be particularly popular. Together, these models account for 38.1% of expected upgrades. The standard iPhone 17 is the choice of 16.7% of respondents, while 14% are interested in the new, ultra-thin model: the iPhone 17 Air.
Surprisingly, only 3.3% say they're specifically waiting for a foldable iPhone; something Apple hasn't released yet. Still, this poses a threat to the brand, with competitors like Samsung and Google already offering foldable devices. If Apple doesn't release a foldable by 2026, 20.1% will consider switching to Samsung and 10.2% to Google.
What motivates the upgrade?
- 53% battery life as top priority
- 36% new design and new features
- 34% improved screen quality
- 28% camera upgrades
- 7% AI and software improvements
Price remains a stumbling block
Not everyone is rushing to the store, however. For 68.9%, price is a major barrier. Furthermore, over 71% say they are satisfied with their current iPhone, making upgrading less necessary. Other reasons for not upgrading include interest in foldable phones (7.5%), resistance to eSIM (6.6%), and the desire to switch to Android (5.3%).
What do people think about Apple and AI?
Despite some hesitation, 72% of users consider their iPhone better than ever. However, 27.1% feel Apple has lost its competitive edge. Regarding artificial intelligence (AI), opinions are divided: 44% consider Apple Intelligence very important, while 33% say AI doesn't interest them. Apple is considered a leader in AI by 44% of users, compared to only 6.6% for both Samsung and Google.
Thin design vs. battery capacity
An interesting finding is that 47.5% are willing to sacrifice some battery life for a thinner design. In contrast, 29.7% say they have no interest at all in ultra-thin phones. This highlights Apple's challenge in balancing design with practical performance.
What does this mean for refurbished iPhones?
For leapp, this shift in demand signals a wave of traded-in iPhones coming soon. This is good news for those looking for a reliable and affordable refurbished iPhone. While some users always want the latest, a growing number of consumers are consciously choosing value-conscious alternatives.
Want to be prepared for the arrival of the iPhone 17 and considering trading in your current iPhone? Keep an eye on our website for attractive trade-in deals and the latest refurbished iPhone offers!
Foldable iPhone rumors: Touch ID in the side button instead of under the screen
Renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo maintains his prediction that Apple's first foldable iPhone will not have an under-display fingerprint scanner, but will instead integrate Touch ID into the side button. This choice would save space in the device's design, which is important for a foldable smartphone.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Kuo reaffirmed his previous expectation, originally made back in March. He was responding to new rumors suggesting that Apple may be working on an under-display fingerprint scanner. However, according to Kuo, this technology isn't a logical choice for the foldable iPhone.
There are now rumors that the foldable iPhone will use an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner under the display, but I think that's unlikely. Luxshare ICT is expected to supply the side button Touch ID module for the device. – Ming-Chi Kuo
According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone will feature a book-style design, with an inner screen of approximately 7.8 inches and an outer screen of 5.5 inches. The suggested retail price is said to be between €2,000 and €2,500. According to Kuo, Face ID will be deliberately omitted to save space for the folding mechanism and other components.
Apple has previously implemented Touch ID in the side button in devices like the iPad Air and iPad mini, so this design choice isn't new for the brand.
Regarding the cameras, the foldable iPhone is said to have a dual-lens rear camera, as well as a front camera on both the inside and outside. This allows for selfies and video calling in both modes.
Both Kuo and fellow analyst Jeff Pu expect Apple to begin mass production of the device in the second half of 2026. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman adds that the launch could take place in the fall of 2026.
iPhone 17 Pro: New Clear Case Leaked With Striking Changes
The iPhone 17 series is scheduled for launch on Tuesday, September 9th, and as always, the latest rumors and leaks are rapidly spreading online. One of the most striking recent revelations comes from well-known leaker Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of the new "Clear Case" for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
The photos show three key changes compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Clear Case. While they could still be prototypes or replicas, they offer an interesting glimpse into Apple's new design approach.
- A cutout for a significantly larger camera bump, which takes up almost the entire width of the back of the device.
- A white, rounded rectangular area surrounding the MagSafe system, instead of the familiar round shape with a line underneath.
- Support for the much-hyped Crossbody Strap – a magnetic attachment system for wearing your iPhone as a kind of neck or shoulder accessory.
According to Majin Bu, Apple is also working on special "tinted" editions of the Clear Case, which may be released later. This suggests Apple is increasingly focusing on personalization and stylish design in its accessories as well.
With the annual Apple event approaching, we thankfully don't have much longer to wait to see if this case and the rumors are actually true. Stay tuned to leapp for the latest news on the iPhone 17 and how you can upgrade affordably with refurbished Apple equipment .
