iPhone Release Culture; Hype or Habit?

It all began on June 29, 2007, when Steve Jobs dropped the first iPhone and flipped the mobile world upside down. Back then, Apple took its time, the iPhone 3G followed in 2008, the iPhone 4 in 2010, and the iPhone 5 in 2012. But by the mid-2010s, the rhythm locked into yearly September launches: iPhone 6 in 2014, iPhone 7 in 2016, iPhone X in 2017, iPhone 11 in 2019, then a steady march through the 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. Apple basically turned September into a global holiday.

Now, the iPhone 17 is here, pre-orders kicked off September 12, 2025, with sales starting September 19. It’s got the powerhouse A19 Bionic chip, iOS 19 with built-in AI smarts, under-display Face ID, a lighter titanium design, and cameras sharp enough to film your next music video. Apple isn’t just selling phones,it’s selling lifestyle upgrades on repeat. Still, the launch wasn’t all shine. Apple’s market value plunged by over $112 billion after the event, with critics pointing to modest updates, a delayed Siri AI overhaul, margin pressures from tariffs, and a “sell-the-news” Wall Street reaction.

But here’s the twist,the formula still works. The iPhone 17 proves Apple’s genius mix of sleek innovation and marketing keeps fans loyal, critics debating, and wallets trembling. Some people upgrade religiously every September, even when last year’s iPhone still slaps, while others roll their eyes and wait it out. So, is it hype, or is it habit?