iPhone 17 Upgrade a smartphone is always a big decision, and for many iPhone users, that moment is just around the corner. A recent iPhone 17 upgrade survey has revealed that a majority of U.S. iPhone owners are ready to take the leap and purchase the upcoming iPhone 17 series. With the official launch set for September 9, 2025, excitement is building fast, and expectations are higher than ever.
Why the iPhone 17 Upgrade Survey Matters
The iPhone 17 upgrade survey conducted by SellCell in August 2025 collected responses from over 2,000 U.S. iPhone users. The findings show that 68.3% of respondents plan to purchase an iPhone 17 model at launch, a noticeable rise from the 61.9% who expressed similar intentions before the iPhone 16 release in 2024. This indicates a growing appetite for Apple’s latest innovation.
- 68.3% of iPhone users are planning to upgrade
- Launch date: September 9, 2025
- Increase from 61.9% in 2024
The survey highlights a significant shift in consumer behavior, where anticipation for new features is stronger than ever before.
High Demand for iPhone 17 Pro Models
When it comes to model preferences, the survey uncovered a clear favorite. The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are set to lead the market, with 38.1% of users intending to buy one of these premium versions. The standard iPhone 17 will attract 16.7%, while the all-new iPhone 17 Air, expected to feature a thinner design, appeals to 13.5% of respondents.
- iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: 38.1%
- iPhone 17 Standard: 16.7%
- iPhone 17 Air: 13.5%
- Foldable iPhone demand: Only 3.3%
This strong interest in the Pro models suggests that users prioritize cutting-edge performance and enhanced features over basic affordability.
What Drives the iPhone 17 Upgrade Decisions?
The iPhone 17 upgrade survey also explored what motivates users to change their devices. Battery life remains the leading factor, with 53% of respondents naming it as their top reason to upgrade. Other factors include:
- Design and new features: 36.2%
- Display quality: 34.3%
- Camera improvements: 28.1%
- Software and AI features: 7.1%
However, price continues to be a significant barrier, with 68.9% citing cost as the main reason for delaying an upgrade. Despite this, over 70% of users remain satisfied with their current iPhones, suggesting that only compelling innovations will push them to make the change.
The Role of Foldable Phones and Rival Competition
Interestingly, the survey noted growing attention toward foldable phones from Samsung and Google. If Apple does not release a foldable iPhone by 2026, 20.1% of users said they might switch to Samsung, while 10.2% could consider Google. Nevertheless, Apple’s brand loyalty remains strong, with 69.6% planning to stick with Apple regardless of competitor offerings.
Apple Intelligence and Design Preferences
Apple’s integration of AI features, known as Apple Intelligence, has received mixed reactions. Around 44% of respondents said AI is important to their upgrade decision, while 33% stated it does not affect their choice. In terms of design, 47.5% said they would accept shorter battery life for a thinner phone, but nearly 30% expressed no interest in ultra-thin designs.
Concerns About Pricing in the iPhone 17 Upgrade Survey
Pricing remains one of the biggest concerns highlighted in the iPhone 17 upgrade survey. About 36.8% of respondents said they would delay an upgrade if prices increase significantly, and 29.2% said their decision would depend on the size of the price hike. Only one-third stated that they would upgrade regardless of the cost.
FAQs About the iPhone 17 Upgrade Survey
- When is the iPhone 17 launch date?
The iPhone 17 series will officially launch on September 9, 2025. - Which iPhone 17 model is most popular?
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most desired models according to the survey. - What is the top reason users want to upgrade?
Battery life improvement is the primary reason, cited by 53% of respondents. - Are foldable iPhones in demand?
Currently, only 3.3% of respondents are waiting specifically for a foldable iPhone. - Will price affect upgrade decisions?
Yes, 68.9% of users said pricing is the biggest barrier to upgrading.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming launch of the iPhone 17 series is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated smartphone releases in recent years. The iPhone 17 upgrade survey highlights not only the excitement among users but also their concerns about pricing and expectations for battery life, design, and AI features. With Pro models leading the way and strong brand loyalty keeping most users within the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 17 is poised to make a significant impact in the market.
Disclaimer: This article is based on survey data and current information available as of August 2025. Actual launch details and product specifications may vary.
