Buy iPhone 17 Cheap Before Prices Rise: Best Deals Now 2026

If you're looking to buy iPhone 17 cheap, now is the time to act. Apple has announced that following the launch of the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, it will raise prices on previous and current generation models—and not by a small margin. This means the window to grab an iPhone at current prices is closing fast.

We've rounded up the latest prices from major retailers so you can see whether it's worth buying now or waiting. Spoiler: for most models, buying now is the smarter move.

Why iPhone Prices Are Going Up

Apple's pricing strategy is shifting. With the introduction of the iPhone Duo and the iPhone 18 Pro series, the company is repositioning its lineup. Older models like the iPhone 16 and current ones like the iPhone 17e will see significant price hikes.

This isn't just a small bump—it's a substantial increase that could add hundreds to the cost. For budget-conscious buyers, this makes the current prices even more attractive.

Current Prices vs. Upcoming Prices

We compared the base configurations (256GB unless noted) across popular retailers. Here's what we found:

As you can see, the iPhone 16 at €799 for 128GB is already steep, but it will go up. The refurbished option at €569 is a steal. The iPhone 17e at €699 for 256GB is the sweet spot for a modern iPhone without breaking the bank.

Where to Buy the iPhone 17 Cheap

For the iPhone 17e, MediaMarkt currently offers the best price at €699. This is the most affordable way to get a current-generation iPhone with ample storage. If you're looking for the standard iPhone 17, check major retailers like MediaMarkt, Amazon, and carrier stores—but act fast, as prices will rise soon. The longer history behind the story is traced in Best eSIM for Travel in 2026: Comparison, Prices and Which to Buy.

Refurbished options are also worth considering. Back Market offers excellent-condition iPhones at significant discounts. For example, the iPhone 16 refurbished is €230 cheaper than the new price at MediaMarkt. If you're comfortable with refurbished, this is a great way to save. The background to this story is set out in iPhone Refurbished Deals: Save Up to 550 Euros on Older Models. A related thread runs through iPhone 17 Pro Price Rises to €1,319, But These Stores Sell It for Less. Earlier coverage in Olive Oil Prices Rise Again as European Crops Suffer Heat shows how the argument developed.

Key Takeaways

• Apple will raise prices on current and previous iPhone models after the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 launch.
• The iPhone 16 (128GB) is €799 new at MediaMarkt, but refurbished at Back Market for €569.
• The iPhone 17e (256GB) is €699 at MediaMarkt—the best value for a current model.
• Buy now to lock in lower prices before the increase.
• Consider refurbished for extra savings, especially on the iPhone 16.

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

With prices set to rise, buying now is the logical choice. The iPhone 17e at €699 is a solid deal for a phone with 256GB storage. The iPhone 16 refurbished at €569 is even better if you don't mind a previous-generation device. A closer look at the same subject appears in Cheap iPhone Deal Scams: How to Spot Fake Apple Websites. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Oil Prices Rise and Gold Hits Two-Month High as Iran Deal Demands. The same theme surfaces in Australian Grocery Prices Rise 7% at Major Supermarkets, which takes a different angle.

Waiting means paying more for the same phone. Unless you absolutely need the latest model (like the iPhone 18 Pro), there's no benefit to delaying your purchase. Context on how this played out before sits in UK House Prices Rise First Time Since April: Nationwide. A companion piece, Gasoline Prices Rise: Why Refineries Are Raking In Record Profits, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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