Which iPhone Should You Get in 2026? The Ultimate Buying Guide
by Vanessa Ricca, on Jan 20, 2026Buying an iPhone in 2026 can be confusing. There are too many models. Too many opinions. And too much outdated advice. Some people say, “Just buy the newest one.” Others swear older models are “basically useless.” Both are wrong. Because the best iPhone to buy in 2026 isn’t about having the latest release. It’s about software support, real-world performance, and value over time.
Before You Buy Anything
Let’s face it. Most people overpay for features they’ll never use.
Or worse, buy a model that won’t be supported much longer.
This guide fixes that.
You’ll learn:
- Which models will continue to receive iOS updates
- Which iPhones are still worth buying in 2026
- And how to choose the smartest option for your needs (and budget)
No tech jargon. No hype. Just clear answers - so you can make the right choice. Let’s start.
iPhones in 2026: What You Need to Know
Before we break down the best iPhones to buy in 2026, let’s clear up the most common questions people are searching for.
Which iPhones will stop updating in 2026?
Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for around 5 to 7 years. Based on Apple’s update history, older models like the iPhone 11 series (released in 2019) are unlikely to receive major iOS updates in 2026. That doesn’t mean they stop working overnight. But it does mean they’re not ideal if you are looking for a smartphone that’s more future-proof.
Which iPhone will launch in 2026?
Apple is not expected to release a standard iPhone 18 model in 2026, according to a growing number of reports suggesting the company may be planning a major shift in its long-standing annual iPhone launch cycle. Instead of the usual “one flagship lineup per year,” Apple could stagger releases or introduce more specialized models, which would mark a significant change from how iPhones have launched for over a decade.
Will there be a foldable iPhone 18?
As for whether the iPhone 18 will be foldable, the short answer is: probably not - at least not as a mainstream option. While Apple has explored foldable designs and filed multiple patents, there’s no confirmed timeline. If a foldable iPhone does arrive, it’s expected to be a limited, high-end device, not the default choice for most users in 2026.
What this means: waiting for the “next iPhone” may no longer be the smartest strategy. For most people, choosing a well-supported existing model will make far more sense.
So, which iPhone is Worth Buying in 2026?
Now that you know what to expect from iPhones in 2026, choosing the right model becomes much easier. Let’s dive into it.
Best Budget iPhones for 2026
If you want great value without breaking the bank, these are the iPhones that give you real performance and long-term support at the lowest cost. They’re ideal for everyday use, reliable updates, and smart spending.
- iPhone 15: Our current best seller, thanks to its strong performance, reliable battery life, and excellent camera for everyday use. If you’re shopping on a budget, refurbished iPhone 15 models are often available for under €500, making it one of the smartest value picks for 2026. What we like: USB-C, Dynamic Island, excellent everyday performance.
- iPhone 14: A reliable all-rounder with smooth performance, solid battery life, and a camera that still holds up very well for everyday use. If you’re shopping on a budget, refurbished iPhone 14 models are often available for under €400, making it a strong value choice in 2026. What we like: reliable performance, solid camera quality, long-term software support.
- iPhone 13 mini: A little powerhouse that still delivers strong performance, great cameras, and great battery life in a smaller form factor. If you’re on a tighter budget, refurbished iPhone 13 mini models can often be found for under €300, making it a standout choice for 2026. What we like: pocket-friendly size, capable performance, great display quality.
- iPhone SE (2022): A classic fans’ favorite with solid performance thanks to its powerful chip and a simple, no-nonsense design. If price is your top priority, **refurbished iPhone SE (2022) models often go for under €200**, giving you an affordable entry into iOS in 2026. What we like: compact form, strong performance for the price, Touch ID simplicity.
Need to know more? Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the best budget iPhones in 2026, highlighting the models that offer the best value when bought refurbished.
| Feature / Model | iPhone 15 | iPhone 14 | iPhone 13 mini | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 |
| Screen Size | 6.1″ | 6.1″ | 5.4″ | 4.7″ |
| Cameras | 48.0 MP+12.0 MP | 12.0 MP+12.0 MP | 12.0 MP+12.0 MP | 12.0 MP+7.0 MP |
| Battery | 3349 mAh | 3279 mAh | 2438 mAh | 2018 mAh |
| Connector | USB-C | Lightning | Lightning | Lightning |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | No | No | No |
| SIM | Dual-SIM (eSIM, Nano-SIM) | Dual-SIM (eSIM, Nano-SIM) | Dual-SIM (eSIM, Nano-SIM) | Dual-SIM (eSIM, Nano-SIM) |
| Typical refurbished budget | < €500 | < €450 (approx) | < €300 | < €200 |
| Ideal For | Best-value “modern” iPhone | Reliable all-rounder | Compact fans | Lowest-cost iPhone |
Premium and Latest iPhone Options in 2026
If you have a larger budget, these are the most recent iPhones worth buying in 2026 - and their refurbished versions are still cheaper than new.
Here are refurbed’s top picks for 2026:
- iPhone 17 Pro: Let’s start with the most trending iPhone of the moment: Apple’s top-tier flagship with the best performance, pro-level camera system, and premium build quality. In 2026, refurbished iPhone 17 Pro models can be significantly cheaper than new, giving you flagship power without paying full price. What we like: industry-leading performance, pro camera features, future-proof specs & design.
- iPhone 16: A solid step up from earlier models with faster performance, improved battery life, and great all-around capabilities for everyday use and more demanding tasks. In 2026, refurbished iPhone 16 models remain much cheaper than new, making them a great choice if you want modern power without the highest price tag. What we like: powerful performance, excellent value for money (under €700 on refurbed), long-term iOS support.
- iPhone 15 Pro: Our best-selling Pro model on refurbed, thanks to its excellent blend of performance, design, and camera versatility. It holds up extremely well even years after release, and refurbished iPhone 15 Pro units offer flagship quality at a noticeably lower price than new. What we like:** Pro performance, versatile camera system, premium build.
Not sure which recent iPhone is right for you? This comparison breaks down the key differences between the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 16, and iPhone 15 Pro, including release year, size, performance, and long-term software support - so you can choose the best option for 2026.
| Feature / Model | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 16 | iPhone 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
| Display Size | 6.3“ | 6.1″ | 6.1″ |
| Camera | 48.0 MP+18.0 MP | 48.0 MP+12.0 MP | 48.0 MP+12.0 MP |
| SIM | Dual-SIM (2 x eSIM, Nano-SIM) | Dual-SIM (eSIM, Nano-SIM) | Dual-SIM (eSIM, Nano-SIM) |
| Battery | 4252 mAh | 3561 mAh | 3274 mAh |
| USB-C / Connectors | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Dynamic Island | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | ~Under €1300 | ~Under €700 | ~Under €600 |
| Ideal For | Power users, creative pros | Everyday users wanting modern features | Balanced Pro performance & value |
Other iPhones Worth Considering in 2026
If you’re looking for good iPhones that aren’t necessarily top-of-the-line - ideal as a second phone, a device for kids, or a simple pick for older users - these refurbished models are still solid choices. They offer reliable performance without unnecessary bells and whistles:
Why Buying a Refurbished iPhone Is the Smartest Choice in 2026
In 2026, buying smart matters more than buying new. Refurbished iPhones offer the same everyday experience as new devices, without the unnecessary cost or environmental impact.
Here’s why refurbished is the better choice.
Save Money Without Compromising
The biggest advantage is simple: price.
Refurbished iPhones cost significantly less than new models, even for recent releases. That means you can afford a newer, better-supported iPhone - often for hundreds of euros less. Instead of paying full price for the latest model, refurbished lets you get more performance for your budget.
Quality You Can Trust
Refurbished doesn’t mean “used as-is.” Every refurbished iPhone is professionally checked, tested, and cleaned to ensure it works like it should. At refurbed, devices are sold with clear condition gradings, so you know exactly what to expect:
- Premium: Identical to new, 90%+ capacity
- Excellent: Like new, with minimal or no visible signs of use, 80%+ capacity
- Very Good: Minor cosmetic signs, but fully functional, 80%+ capacity
- Good: Visible wear, same reliable performance, 80%+ capacity
No surprises. Just transparency. And min. 12-month warranty for peace of mind.
A More Sustainable Choice
Buying refurbished is one of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental impact. Extending the life of an iPhone with refurbed means:
- Fewer raw materials extracted
- Less electronic waste
- Lower CO₂ emissions compared to buying new
- Support for impact projects that drive measurable environmental and social change
- A strong contribute to the circular economy by keeping devices in use for longer instead of replacing them
- Shorter transport routes and stricter standards, as refurbed sellers are based in Europe
In short, refurbished devices are better not only for your wallet, but also for the planet.
TL;DR and Final Thoughts: Which iPhone Should You Buy in 2026?
- The smartest iPhone in 2026 isn’t always the newest one
- Long-term software support and real-world performance matter more than launch year
- Best all-around pick: iPhone 15 or iPhone 16
- Best Pro option: iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro
- Best budget choices: iPhone 14, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone SE (2022)
- Best for kids or second phones: iPhone 13 or iPhone 12
If you still need help choosing the right iPhone for yourself or your family members, our customer service team is here to help. Plus, you can try your refurbished iPhone for 30 days to test the quality and make sure it’s the right fit for you.
