Following these steps can help avoid data loss and spare you from setting up the new device from scratch.
On September 9, Apple is unveiling its 2025 flagship smartphone line, featuring the iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max. Naturally, millions of customers will rush to pre-order ASAP and secure a phone before the first wave sells out. Getting your hands on the new iPhone 17, however, is just the beginning of the phone upgrade process. There are several other steps you should take, including moving your data from the old phone and correctly wiping it before you sell or donate it. If you find this entire procedure too overwhelming or confusing, you’ve come to the right place.Should you get an iPhone 17?
First things first. Before actually buying an iPhone 17, you must figure out if you really need or want one. A good rule of thumb is to keep your iPhone around for at least 2-3 years. Annual iPhone releases are typically incremental; you’re not really expected to buy a new model every year. So, if you’ve got an iPhone 15 or later, and you’re happy with its performance, you can safely skip upgrading this time around. The longer you wait, the more impactful your next upgrade will be.
Ultimately, this is a decision you’ll have to make after the “Awe Dropping” event concludes to compare the features and technical specifications of your existing phone with those of the iPhone 17. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as this depends on your personal lifestyle, budget, and expectations.Picking the right model
If you’ve decided to grab an iPhone 17, you still have a few more decisions to make. These include the variant (regular, Air, Pro, or Pro Max), color, storage, and so on. If your budget is flexible and you’re unsure what model to get, you can refer to Apple’s official guide. On the iPhone webpage, you’ll find a Compare section that breaks down the differences between all released models. This will help you understand what each package includes. As for the storage capacity, check how much space you’re consuming on your existing phone, and aim higher to future-proof it.
Now that you’ve got a model in mind, you can proceed to purchase it. But there are still a couple more decisions to make. You’ll have to check your carrier’s website and compare its prices and perks to those of the Apple Store. This can potentially help you save some money or enjoy exclusive perks available through either retailer.
Beyond that, you can opt for additional services, like trade-in (to effortlessly resell your old phone) and insurance.
Start
United States
USA — software Switching or upgrading to an iPhone 17? Here’s how to make sure...