Abstract created by Sensible Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld advises consumers to be selective when buying older iPhones in 2026, as efficiency degradation impacts many fashions.
- The iPhone 16e affords finest worth at $599 with A18 chip and Apple Intelligence assist, whereas refurbished iPhone 14 Professional offers important financial savings.
- Give attention to longevity over lowest worth, avoiding fashions older than iPhone 14 Professional which battle with iOS 26. Detailed directions are offered under.
Once we speak about shopping for a brand new iPhone, the newest fashions are naturally probably the most interesting. However in actuality, for most individuals, shopping for an iPhone 17 goes to appear like overkill. In case you’re eager about shopping for an iPhone in 2026 however don’t need the newest flagship, older fashions could also be a great choice.
In fact, try to be selective about which mannequin you select, as not each older iPhone is value shopping for. Learn on as we element one of the best decisions for these planning to purchase an older iPhone in 2026.
Why you shouldn’t go older than the iPhone 14 Professional
Each iPhone is constructed to final. After they’re model new, they’ve nice processors and cameras. However over time, indicators of ageing begin to present. All of a sudden, the chip contained in the iPhone can now not deal with at this time’s apps easily, and new variations of iOS develop into extra resource-intensive.
That’s why you should watch out when selecting an older iPhone. In case you select correctly, you’ll nonetheless get an ideal system for much less. However for those who go too far, the expertise can find yourself being irritating.
As of 2026, something older than the iPhone 14 Professional is liable to indicate its age, beginning with the efficiency. For instance, the iPhone 11 and 12 are each able to operating iOS 26, however efficiency is way from splendid even for gentle duties. On the identical time, these iPhones are nearing the tip of their software program replace cycle, at which level they’ll now not be capable to run the newest apps and options.
Filipe Esposito / Foundry
Because of its A16 chip and 6GB of RAM, the 14 Professional can nonetheless run iOS 26 easily. It lacks assist for some fashionable options corresponding to Apple Intelligence, however you may fortunately use an iPhone 14 Professional with none important slowdowns.
There are different features that make the iPhone 14 Professional look fashionable although it was launched in fall 2022. It has a ProMotion show with Dynamic Island, similar to the newest iPhones. It additionally options emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc, an always-on show, a number of cameras at a good high quality by at this time’s requirements, and Motion Mode for tremendous easy movies. Plus, for those who purchase an iPhone 14 Professional at this time, you’ll probably get not less than three additional years of software program assist.
Discovering a brand-new iPhone 14 Professional could be troublesome since Apple now not formally sells it, however you should still discover new or refurbished items in inventory at shops.
iPhone 14 Professional offers
$410
$999
iPhone 14 Professional 128GB – Silver – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional 128GB – Area Black – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional 128GB – Gold – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional Max 128GB – Area Black – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional Max 128GB – Deep Purple – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional Max 128GB – Silver – Unlocked
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iPhone 14 Professional Max 128GB – Gold – Unlocked
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If you would like a less expensive new iPhone: contemplate the iPhone 16e
For consumers who need a brand-new iPhone with out spending some huge cash, the iPhone 16e might be your best option, and it’s value contemplating over older iPhone fashions for a number of causes.
Not like older iPhones, the iPhone 16e is powered by an A18 chip, the identical chip present in the remainder of the iPhone 16 lineup. It’s nonetheless a really highly effective chip that may run any fashionable app or recreation with out battle. And since it has 8GB of RAM, it really works with all Apple Intelligence options, corresponding to Writing Instruments and Genmoji.
This additionally implies that the iPhone 16e will final for much longer than any of the older iPhones we’re contemplating. Anticipate round 5 additional years of software program updates. It’s good for many who don’t plan on spending extra money on a brand new telephone anytime quickly.
There are different components that make the iPhone 16e a robust alternative. These embrace its USB-C port, supplying you with assist for a common cable and a broader ecosystem of equipment. In case you purchase any iPhone older than an iPhone 15, you’ll get the previous Lightning connector.
The battery of the iPhone 16e additionally lasts longer than these of most older iPhones.
David Worth / Foundry
Nonetheless, there are some trade-offs try to be conscious of. Whereas the iPhone 16e has fashionable {hardware}, it additionally lacks some key options that Apple probably overlooked to maintain the worth low. In case you go along with the iPhone 16e, you gained’t get issues like MagSafe, an ultra-wide lens on the again, or a ProMotion show with Dynamic Island.
Regardless of its compromises, the iPhone 16e continues to be an attention-grabbing choice for these on the lookout for a contemporary iPhone expertise at a extra reasonably priced worth. It begins at $599 for the 128GB model, however you will discover it for decrease costs at different shops.
Needless to say Apple is rumored to introduce an up to date iPhone 17e with a quicker chip and Dynamic Island in spring 2026, so it might be value ready a bit longer.
iPhone 16e offers
$599
The hidden worth of refurbished iPhones
As we talked about earlier, if you wish to avoid wasting cash to improve your iPhone, you also needs to contemplate shopping for a refurbished telephone. That is an choice that many individuals overlook, however it may possibly actually aid you lower your expenses.
In case you’re unfamiliar with refurbished telephones, they’re primarily used units that will have had some elements changed, such because the show or battery.
For example, Apple has its personal Refurbished Retailer (in each the U.S. and the U.Ok.), the place you should purchase older iPhones at a a lot cheaper price, they usually all look new. The 128GB iPhone 14 Professional, which we talked about earlier, is out there for $589 on the Apple Refurbished Retailer. Or you may get an iPhone 15 Professional for simply $679–if Apple has inventory, which presently it doesn’t.
Apple makes it clear that refurbished iPhones are shipped with all manuals and equipment, a brand new battery and outer shell, and a brand new sealed white field. These are the kinds of assurance try to be on the lookout for, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to purchase refurbished units from trusted sellers.
In case you want extra options than an iPhone 16e affords, a refurbished Professional-level iPhone could also be a wiser alternative than Apple’s base mannequin. Take a look at our information to the finest locations to purchase a refurbished iPhone for extra detailed on recommendation on this topic.
Filipe Esposito / Foundry
Which one do you have to select?
When it comes right down to it, which finances iPhone do you have to select given all of the choices out there at this time? We’ve got just a few strategies.
In case you’re on the lookout for one of the best worth for cash on a telephone that may final for years, the iPhone 16e is unquestionably your best option. It doesn’t look as premium and lacks some options, however you’ll get one of many newest and best chips available on the market, which suggests your iOS expertise will probably be tremendous easy.
In case you want Professional options corresponding to ProRAW and a number of cameras, it’s value trying out refurbished Professional fashions. A refurbished iPhone 15 Professional might be one of the best steadiness between worth, options, and longevity, because it helps most iOS 26 options and prices a lot lower than an iPhone 17 Professional.
And once more, for those who actually need to lower your expenses with out shedding an excessive amount of, the refurbished iPhone 14 Professional is the best choice. The important thing isn’t shopping for the most cost effective iPhone you will discover, however the one that may nonetheless really feel quick, fashionable, and supported years from now.
iPhone 15 Professional offers
$899.99
