The best iPhones for 2026: Which model should you buy?
Source: Engadget
Apple’s iPhone lineup has grown more complicated over the years, with multiple models targeting different kinds of buyers. Some prioritize camera performance and display quality while others focus on design or price, and not everyone needs the most powerful option on the shelf. If you’re planning an upgrade, the challenge isn’t whether Apple makes a good phone; it’s figuring out which iPhone actually makes sense for you based on how you use it.
We test every new iPhone Apple releases, comparing performance, cameras, battery life and long‑term value. In this guide, we break down the current lineup to highlight the best iPhones for different needs, from the best all‑around picks to more specialized options that trade raw power for affordability or style.
For consistency, our recommendations are based on Apple’s standard pricing for unlocked models sold directly through Apple. Deals from carriers, third‑party retailers or refurbished sellers can shift the value math, but this guide is meant to help you choose the right model first — then decide where to buy it.
Best iPhones for 2026
(Specific model recommendations are discussed throughout the guide.)
The rest of Apple’s iPhone lineup in 2026
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
Apple is still selling the last‑gen iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus for $699 and $799, respectively. The improvements made with the iPhone 17 have pushed both devices into a sort of no‑man’s land. The 16 Plus, with its 6.7‑inch display, might be worth it if you want a large‑screen iPhone for a much lower price than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but you’ll miss out on the base model’s 120 Hz always‑on display and upgraded dual‑camera setup.
iPhone 16e
If you just want a usable iPhone for as little as possible, the iPhone 16e is acceptable for $100 less than the standard iPhone 16. In general, we think the iPhone 17 is worth the extra $100; its 6.3‑inch display helps it split the difference between the 16 and 16 Plus anyway.
iPhone FAQs
When is the best time of year to buy an iPhone?
The best time to buy an iPhone, or any product, is whenever you need one. To maximize how long your iPhone is considered “current,” plan to upgrade in late September, when Apple typically introduces its new core models. SE and “e” iPhones have arrived between February and April, but those releases aren’t guaranteed annually.
Cash discounts on new unlocked iPhones are rare, so there’s usually little reason to wait for a deal (unlike Samsung or Google phones). Carriers may run sales, but those often involve locking you into long‑term service plans. An exception is waiting for a price cut on the previous generation; Apple usually reduces the price of its last‑gen devices by $100 or more when a new model launches. So if you don’t care about the iPhone 17’s upgrades, you could wait for its announcement and pick up an iPhone 16 at a lower price.
How long does an iPhone last?
Most iPhone users keep their device between two and four years. If you’re sensitive to performance and camera improvements, you might upgrade on the earlier side of that range. If you’re less picky, you could hold out longer, though a battery replacement is typically needed around the three‑ to four‑year mark (or whenever battery life noticeably degrades).
Software support is a non‑issue: Apple is renowned for long‑term updates, and iOS 26 is available on iPhones dating back to 2019. Older phones don’t support Apple Intelligence, but the loss of that feature isn’t a major drawback.
How do I know how old my iPhone is?
- Open Settings → General → About.
- Look for the Model Name near the top.
- Tap the Model Number to reveal a four‑digit code; you can verify it on Apple’s identification page.
If you prefer not to use software, you can find the model number printed near the USB‑C or Lightning port (if the device lacks a SIM tray). For older devices, check the SIM slot, or on iPhone 7 and earlier, the back of the handset.
Recent updates
- September 2025: Overhauled the guide for the new iPhone Air and iPhone 17 series. The base iPhone 17 is the new top pick for most people; the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are the best if money is no object. The iPhone Air is worth considering for style, while the iPhone 16e remains the most affordable new iPhone.
- August 2025: Updated advice and noted the expected September launch of new phones.
- June 2025: Light edits for clarity; picks unchanged.
- February 2025: Introduced the iPhone 16e as the “budget” pick, replacing the iPhone 15/15 Plus. Removed notes on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE (3rd gen) after their discontinuation.
- January 5 2025: Minor edits for clarity and up‑to‑date recommendations.
- December 2024: Adjusted content to reflect the release of Apple Intelligence; picks remained the same.
This article originally appeared on Engadget.