Apple's 2026 lineup is the widest it has ever been, with everything from the freshly launched iPhone 17 Pro Max down to still-sold legacy models like the iPhone 13. Picking the right one is now more about matching a model to your budget, screen-size preference, and how long you plan to keep the phone than chasing the newest release. We researched and compared every currently sold iPhone using Apple's published specs, respected expert reviews, and long-term community feedback to rank the 10 best iPhones to buy in 2026 — with clear picks for power users, mainstream buyers, and budget shoppers.
Quick answer: The iPhone 17 is the best overall iPhone in 2026, the iPhone 16 is the best value, and the iPhone 16e is the smartest budget pick. Choose the iPhone 17 Pro Max only if you need the biggest battery and top-tier cameras.
In 2026, three trends matter most. First, 120Hz ProMotion has finally reached the standard iPhone 17, closing a major gap that pushed shoppers toward the Pro tier. Second, Apple's on-device AI features run best on the newest chips, making older models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 less future-proof. Third, prices on the previous-generation iPhone 16 series have dropped noticeably, making them the sweet spot for value-conscious buyers who still want years of iOS updates.
How We Researched This
We did not perform first-hand lab testing. Rankings are based on Apple's official specifications, published expert reviews, long-term owner feedback across community forums, and pricing trends tracked over the past year. Editor scores reflect a weighted judgment across performance, cameras, battery life, display quality, and long-term software support.
Top 10 iPhones in 2026
1. iPhone 17
Best OverallThe iPhone 17 is the model most people should buy. It finally brings a 120Hz display and the latest A-series chip to the standard tier, plus meaningfully longer battery life than the iPhone 16.
Best for: Mainstream buyers who want a phone that stays fast and supported until the end of the decade. Compromise: no telephoto lens.
Check Price2. iPhone 17 Pro Max
Best for Power UsersThe 17 Pro Max is the flagship for people who use their phone as their primary camera and computer. Biggest battery, best telephoto, and Apple's fastest chip.
Best for: Creators and heavy travelers. Compromise: heavy in hand and the most expensive iPhone in the lineup.
Check Price3. iPhone 17 Pro
Best Pro CompactNearly all of the 17 Pro Max's power in a smaller, one-hand-friendlier body. If you want flagship cameras without the phablet footprint, this is it.
Best for: Photographers who dislike large phones. Compromise: smaller battery than the Max.
Check Price4. iPhone 16
Best ValueNow a generation old, the iPhone 16 has quietly become the value sweet spot. You still get Apple Intelligence, the Action Button, and USB-C for hundreds less than the iPhone 17.
Best for: Value buyers who want current features without paying flagship prices. Compromise: 60Hz display feels dated next to the iPhone 17.
Check Price5. iPhone 16 Pro Max
Best Pro on SaleLast year's biggest Pro is still a phenomenal phone — and now easier to find at a discount. 5x telephoto, huge battery, and titanium build carry over.
Best for: Buyers who want a Pro-class camera and huge screen without paying 17 Pro Max prices. Compromise: no A19 Pro efficiency gains.
Check Price6. iPhone 16 Pro
Best Compact Pro DealA smaller Pro with the same feature set as the 16 Pro Max minus the biggest battery. Now aggressively discounted at many retailers.
Best for: Small-hand users who want Pro cameras cheaper. Compromise: shorter battery life than the Max variants.
Check PriceNot sure which iPhone is actually cheapest right now? Compare iPhone 17 prices on ShopFox and set a drop alert so you don't overpay.
7. iPhone 16e
Best BudgetThe affordable member of the iPhone 16 family. Great chip, Apple Intelligence support, and a single rear camera keep the price accessible.
Best for: First-time iPhone buyers and gifts. Compromise: only one rear camera, no MagSafe on some configurations.
Check Price8. iPhone 15
Best Sub-Flagship DealTwo generations old, but still sold new by Apple in some regions. Dynamic Island, USB-C, and 48MP main camera at a lower price than the iPhone 16.
Best for: Shoppers who don't need Apple Intelligence. Compromise: no on-device AI features.
Check Price9. iPhone 14
Best Refurb PickWidely available refurbished and at low prices. Solid daily driver, but you'll lose USB-C and the Dynamic Island.
Best for: Ultra-tight budgets or a spare/second phone. Compromise: Lightning port, no AI features.
Check Price10. iPhone 13
Best Bargain LegacyStill capable for texting, calls, streaming, and social apps. Only worth it if the price is very low or you're gifting to a light user.
Best for: Light users on a tight budget. Compromise: nearing end of major iOS updates.
Check PriceiPhone comparison at a glance
| Model | Chip | Display | Cameras | Battery (video) | Est. update years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | A19Winner | 6.3" 120Hz | Dual 48MP | ~27h | 6+ |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | A19 Pro | 6.9" 120HzWinner | Triple + 5x | ~35hWinner | 6+ |
| iPhone 17 Pro | A19 Pro | 6.3" 120Hz | Triple + 5x | ~30h | 6+ |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro | 6.9" 120Hz | Triple + 5x | ~33h | 5+ |
| iPhone 16 Pro | A18 Pro | 6.3" 120Hz | Triple + 5x | ~27h | 5+ |
| iPhone 16 | A18 | 6.1" 60Hz | Dual 48MP | ~22h | 5+ |
| iPhone 16e | A18 | 6.1" 60Hz | Single 48MP | ~26h | 5+ |
| iPhone 15 | A16 | 6.1" 60Hz | Dual 48MP | ~20h | 4+ |
| iPhone 14 | A15 | 6.1" 60Hz | Dual 12MP | ~20h | 3+ |
| iPhone 13 | A15 | 6.1" 60Hz | Dual 12MP | ~19h | 2-3 |
Expert Opinion
For most people in 2026, spending Pro-level money is no longer necessary. The iPhone 17 closes the biggest gap that used to define the Pro line — the 120Hz display — and the iPhone 16 offers the strongest price-to-feature ratio now that it's discounted. Only step up to the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max if you actually use telephoto zoom, ProRes video, or need the largest battery. And avoid the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 unless the price is exceptionally low; their update runway is short, and Apple Intelligence isn't supported.
Final recommendations
Best Overall
The iPhone 17 is the phone we recommend to most buyers. Modern chip, 120Hz, and multi-year support.
View PriceBest Value
The iPhone 16 hits the sweet spot in 2026 — Apple Intelligence, USB-C, and long support at a lower price.
View PriceBest Budget
The iPhone 16e delivers a current chip and years of updates without a flagship price tag.
View PriceSave on any pick above — grab active iPhone 16 coupons on ShopFox before checkout.
FAQ
Should I buy the iPhone 17 or wait for the next model?
For most buyers, don't wait. The iPhone 17 already brings 120Hz to the standard tier and a fresh chip. Waiting only makes sense if you specifically want a rumored feature or a form factor that hasn't been released yet. If you need a phone now, buying the iPhone 17 today gets you the full software update window that starts with this generation.
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying over the iPhone 17?
Yes, especially if the price gap is significant. The iPhone 16 keeps Apple Intelligence, the Action Button, USB-C, and a 48MP main camera. The biggest thing you give up versus the iPhone 17 is the 120Hz ProMotion display and the newer A-series chip. For everyday use — messaging, streaming, photos, banking apps — the difference is small.
What's the difference between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The two Pros share the same chip, cameras, and materials. The Max simply has a larger 6.9-inch screen and a bigger battery for longer video and gaming sessions. Choose the Pro Max if you value screen real estate and endurance; choose the Pro if one-handed use, weight, and pocketability matter more to you.
How long will an iPhone bought in 2026 keep getting iOS updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS updates for around 5-6 years, plus additional security patches after that. That means an iPhone 17 or iPhone 16 bought today should stay current well into the early 2030s. Older models like the iPhone 13 have far less runway remaining, which is a key reason we rank newer models higher.
Do all these iPhones support Apple Intelligence?
No. Apple Intelligence requires newer chips with enough Neural Engine capacity and RAM. The iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and iPhone 16e all support it. Older models like the iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13 do not support the full Apple Intelligence feature set.
Is refurbished a smart way to buy an iPhone in 2026?
Yes, particularly for the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15. Certified refurbished units from reputable sellers often include warranty coverage and pass battery health thresholds. Just avoid unverified marketplace listings, and check that the model still receives iOS updates. Refurbished pricing is where the older models on this list truly shine as value picks.