For most people, the iPhone 17 is the iPhone to buy in 2026: it has a 120 Hz ProMotion display, 256 GB of base storage and a fast A19 chip at a lower price than the Pro models. Choose the iPhone 17e if you want the cheapest current model, the iPhone Air if thinness matters more than battery and cameras, and the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max if you want the best cameras and battery life. If your budget is tighter, a used or refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 Pro can deliver flagship features for much less.
This guide covers Apple’s lineup after the September 2026 launch, the best older models to buy used, iOS support and the checks that protect you from locked or damaged phones. Prices are typical or indicative ranges as of late 2026.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Typical new price | Used or refurbished (indicative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e | Cheapest current iPhone | 6.1-inch, 256 GB base, Apple Intelligence | $650 to $700 | $450 to $550 |
| iPhone 17 | Best value for most people | 6.3-inch 120 Hz ProMotion, A19, 256 GB base | $850 to $900 | $600 to $720 |
| iPhone Air | Thinnest, lightest feel | 6.5-inch, A19 Pro, single 48 MP rear camera | $1,000 to $1,100 | $650 to $800 |
| iPhone 18 Pro | Best compact flagship | 6.3-inch, A20 Pro, variable-aperture main camera | $1,199 and up | Few listings yet |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | Best battery and cameras | 6.9-inch, A20 Pro, 256 GB to 2 TB | $1,299 and up | Few listings yet |
| iPhone Duo | Early adopters who want a foldable | Foldable design, 5.4-inch cover screen, Touch ID | $1,999 and up | Very limited |
| iPhone 17 Pro | Best used flagship value | 6.3-inch, A19 Pro, triple 48 MP cameras | Discontinued by Apple | $750 to $900 |
| iPhone 15 Pro | Budget Apple Intelligence | 6.1-inch, A17 Pro, USB-C, titanium | Not sold new | $380 to $480 |
What changed in September 2026
At its September 9, 2026 event, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro, the iPhone 18 Pro Max and its first foldable, the iPhone Duo. Apple also discontinued the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max in its own stores, although retailers can still sell remaining stock. According to reporting at the time, Apple raised the US prices of the models it kept on sale by about $100: the iPhone 17e moved to $699, the iPhone 16 to $799, the iPhone 17 to $899 and the iPhone Air to $1,099. A standard iPhone 18 is not part of the fall lineup and is widely reported to be planned for spring 2027.
Canadian prices follow similar patterns. Expect CAD prices well above the USD figures once exchange rates are applied, and compare carrier offers with unlocked prices.
The current lineup, model by model
iPhone 17e: the entry point
Launched in early 2026, the iPhone 17e is Apple’s most affordable current iPhone and starts with 256 GB of storage. It supports Apple Intelligence and receives the same iOS updates as more expensive models. It suits people who want a new iPhone with long software support and do not need a high refresh rate display or multiple rear cameras.
iPhone 17: the best value
The iPhone 17 brought ProMotion, Apple’s adaptive refresh rate technology that goes up to 120 Hz, to the standard model for the first time. Combined with the A19 chip, 256 GB base storage and an upgraded front camera, it covers what most users need. For photos, its dual rear cameras handle everyday shots and video very well.
iPhone Air: design first
The iPhone Air is Apple’s ultra-thin model, with a 6.5-inch display and the A19 Pro chip. To reach its slim profile, it uses a single 48 MP rear camera and a smaller battery than the Pro models. It is a good choice for people who value a light phone in the pocket and do not need a telephoto or ultra-wide camera.
iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max: the flagships
The iPhone 18 Pro (6.3-inch) and Pro Max (6.9-inch) use Apple’s A20 Pro chip, built on a 2 nm process, with 12 GB of memory and Apple’s own C2 modem. Their main camera now has a variable aperture, and all three rear cameras are 48 MP, with an 18 MP front camera. Storage runs from 256 GB to 2 TB. Prices start at $1,199 and $1,299 in the USA.
iPhone Duo: the first foldable iPhone
The iPhone Duo opens into a small tablet and closes to a phone with a 5.4-inch cover screen. It uses the A20 Pro chip, has two 48 MP rear cameras, relies on Touch ID in the side button instead of Face ID and is eSIM only. It started shipping in late October 2026 at $1,999 for 256 GB. As with any first-generation foldable, durability and repair costs are still unknowns, so consider AppleCare if you buy one.
Best older iPhones to buy used or refurbished
Older iPhones are excellent used buys because Apple supports them with updates for many years. These models offer the best balance of price and longevity in late 2026.
- iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max: now discontinued by Apple, which makes them strong value on the secondary market. Triple 48 MP cameras and the A19 Pro chip keep them near flagship level.
- iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: A18-generation chips, the Camera Control button and Apple Intelligence support across the range.
- iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max: the oldest models that support Apple Intelligence, with USB-C and a titanium frame.
- iPhone 15: USB-C and Dynamic Island at a low price, but no Apple Intelligence.
- iPhone 13 and 14: still supported by iOS 27 and fine for basic use, but their batteries are often worn by now.
iOS support: how long will your iPhone be updated?
iOS 27, released in 2026, supports the same devices as iOS 26: the iPhone 11 series and later, plus the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Apple does not publish a fixed support window, but iPhones have typically received major iOS updates for around six to seven years after launch, followed by security updates for some time.
Some features are limited to newer hardware. Apple Intelligence requires an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max or a newer model. If you plan to keep a phone for four years or more, buying a model from 2024 or later gives you the most headroom.
How much storage should you choose?
Most current iPhones now start at 256 GB, which is enough for the majority of users. Choose 512 GB or more if you record a lot of 4K video, shoot ProRes or keep large offline music and video libraries. On used models, avoid 64 GB versions unless the phone is for a child or a backup device.
What to check before buying
- Activation Lock: the phone must be signed out of the previous owner’s Apple Account with Find My turned off.
- IMEI and carrier status: confirm it is not blacklisted and is unlocked, or locked to a carrier you use.
- Battery health: listed in Settings under Battery. Above 85 percent is good for a used phone.
- Parts and service history: Settings can show whether the screen, battery or camera were replaced with unknown parts.
- Face ID or Touch ID: test it, because failed biometric sensors are expensive to repair.
- Model and region: US models from the iPhone 14 onward are eSIM only, which matters for some Canadian and international carriers.
New vs used: what to pick
Buy new if you want the latest Pro cameras, the full warranty, the longest possible iOS support or a carrier promotion that reduces the real cost. The iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e are both safe new purchases at their price points.
Buy used or refurbished if you want flagship features without the flagship price. A recent Pro model in good condition can cost hundreds less than new, and a certified refurbished unit adds a warranty. Our complete guide on how to buy a used smartphone on eBay explains IMEI checks, locks and battery tests in detail, while our explainer on eBay Refurbished grades shows what each condition level means.
Before paying, review our tips to spot fake eBay listings and scams, and know how to return an item using the eBay Money Back Guarantee if the phone does not match its description. Canadian buyers should also read our notes on buying on eBay from Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhone is the best value in 2026?
The iPhone 17 offers the best balance of price, display, performance and storage for most people. On the used market, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro offer the best value for flagship features.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro worth upgrading to from an iPhone 16 Pro or 17 Pro?
For most owners of recent Pro models, no. The variable-aperture camera and A20 Pro chip are welcome, but the day-to-day difference is modest. Owners of an iPhone 14 Pro or older will notice a bigger jump.
Which iPhones support iOS 27?
iOS 27 supports the iPhone 11 series and newer, as well as the iPhone SE (2nd generation and later). Some features, such as Apple Intelligence, require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.
Should I buy the iPhone Duo?
Only if you want a foldable and can accept first-generation risks and a high price. Most buyers will be happier with an iPhone 17 or 18 Pro and can revisit foldables once durability is better known.
Is a refurbished iPhone as good as new?
A certified refurbished iPhone with a new or tested battery and a warranty can be nearly identical to new in daily use. Seller-refurbished phones vary more, so check battery health, parts history and the return policy.
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