The event is over and the picture is clear: 18 Pro at $1,199 and 18 Pro Max at $1,299 — the same level as last year. The 17 Pro was pulled from the store. And the 16, 17, Air and 17e got more expensive. That flips the equation from a week ago.

Question 1 — Is your phone an iPhone 15 Pro or older?

Get the 18 Pro. Variable aperture, 36–45 hours of video, a 2nm chip, at last year's price. It is the clearest upgrade in years, and there is no reason to wait.

Question 2 — Do you have a 16 Pro or 17 Pro?

Stay. Same design, and the real camera difference matters to photographers more than to everyday users. One more year on your phone costs you nothing — especially since a used 17 Pro will hold its price now that Apple pulled it from the store.

Question 3 — Were you planning on the regular model or the Air?

Here is the bad news: nothing new launched, and what exists got pricier. If your phone works, wait for spring (the regular 18, 18e and Air 2). If it is dead today: the regular 17 despite the increase, or a used 16 Pro in excellent condition.

Question 4 — Do you want the Duo?

$1,999, pre-orders 16 October, no real telephoto and no Face ID. A first-generation device in every sense. As a second phone to play with and the budget allows: wait for our reviews after 23 October. As your main phone: the second generation.