iPhone Price Drops After New Model Launch Are Gradual, Not Immediate
Following the recent launch of the iPhone 18, analysis of past iPhone releases indicates that the price of previous models does not drop significantly immediately after a new generation is released. Instead, price erosion occurs gradually over time, with the most substantial decreases typically seen within the first month after the new device hits the market.
Data compiled by Zap Group from the last three iPhone launches (15 through 17) for the Israeli business publication Globes revealed that the price of older models, such as the iPhone 16 Pro, did not fall substantially when the iPhone 17 was introduced. In some instances, prices even increased slightly, as seen with a 100 shekel rise in November 2025, two months after the iPhone 17's release. This suggests that price reductions are more a function of time passing than the launch event itself.
Over the course of a full year, iPhone 15 and 16 models saw price drops of up to 35% from their original launch prices. For consumers looking to buy the latest iPhone 18, Zap Group suggests waiting approximately 4-6 weeks after its launch could save hundreds of shekels, as launch day prices tend to be higher. However, for those considering an older model, waiting for the next generation is not recommended solely for price reductions, as the gradual decrease over time offers better value between price, performance, and modernity.
The analysis also highlighted a significant acceleration in consumer adoption of new iPhone models. The iPhone 17 saw demand reach an index of 210, more than double that of the iPhone 15 (index 100) and iPhone 16 (index 81). Furthermore, the transition from older to newer models has become much faster, with the iPhone 17 achieving peak demand levels in under three weeks, compared to nearly two months for the iPhone 16. Among Israeli consumers, the Pro Max variant continues to be the most popular, accounting for over half of iPhone 17 sales, a trend consistent with previous generations.
