Which iPhone Should You Buy (or Avoid) Right Now?
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Apple sells seven iPhone models, from the $699 iPhone 17e to the $1,999 iPhone Duo, but which iPhone is best for you? This is a good time of the year to buy an iPhone if you need to upgrade, since Apple just released its flagship models. (We don't expect the more affordable iPhone 18 models until spring 2027.) We've tested nearly every model and outlined their strengths and weaknesses so you can get the right one for you. (The iPhone Duo is coming soon, but we have some initial hands-on details.)
Check out our other Apple buying guides, including Which iPhone 18 Models to Buy, Which iPhone 17 Model to Buy, Best iPhone 17 Cases, Best MagSafe Accessories, Best MagSafe Chargers, Best MagSafe Wallets, and Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers. Wondering what's new in iOS 27? We have details on that, too.
Updated September 2026: We’ve added the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo, and the Apple Upgrade option that replaces the iPhone Upgrade Program. We’ve also added the latest features from recent iOS updates and updated pricing across the board due to Apple’s price hikes.
But First, Sell That Old iPhone!
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone, you can trade it in to Apple for a small discount. Before you do that, check whether you can sell it elsewhere for more money. iPhones hold their value incredibly well, particularly if they’re in mint or good condition. We have a guide that runs through the process of selling your phone, and we generally recommend you use websites like Swappa, Gazelle, or Back Market.
We also have a handful of setup guides you should follow:
Buying From Apple vs. a Carrier
Most people in the US purchase iPhones from carriers, which means the devices are locked to that network. If you bought an iPhone from Verizon, you can't easily switch to another carrier without breaking a contract and paying extra fees. It also poses headaches for travelers who want to use international SIM cards or eSIMs.
The easier approach is to buy directly from Apple, though there are some things you should know:
Connect to any carrier later: Choose this option for the most hassle-free experience. You get an unlocked iPhone, then all you need to do is transfer the SIM card or eSIM from your old iPhone to the new one to get started. This might be painless, though you may need to contact your carrier if the iPhone can't complete the eSIM transfer. In the US, Apple hasn't included a SIM tray since 2022's iPhone 14.
Choose a carrier: If you choose a carrier through Apple.com, you will get an unlocked iPhone, no matter which carrier you choose (except if you purchase with AT&T on an installment plan). The downside is that Apple doesn't have the same offers as the carriers, so you may lose out on a deal. However, carrier offers often require new lines, trade-ins, or an upgraded plan, and the savings come in the form of bill credits, so these deals aren't as amazing as they may seem.
Finance: You can finance your iPhone either with Apple's credit card via monthly installments or as Apple iPhone Payments via a Citizens One loan. You need to choose a carrier here, but Apple confirmed these devices are all unlocked. You have to fill out a credit application to see if you qualify. If you opt to finance through a carrier on Apple.com, only the T-Mobile and Verizon models will be unlocked. The AT&T and Boost Mobile options are locked iPhones, so it's no different from buying it on an installment plan directly from those carriers.
Apple Upgrade: Buying directly from Apple also nets you access to the Apple Upgrade leasing option. Is it worth it? Broadly speaking, no. Most people do not need to upgrade to a new iPhone every year or two. It's expensive, and you must return your leased iPhone in good condition to avoid additional charges. AppleCare is not included, as it was with the discontinued iPhone Upgrade Program.
What Is Apple Intelligence?
The most hyped-up feature from the iPhone 16 range was Apple Intelligence, which rolled out in iOS 18.1. This is Apple's suite of AI features, following the wave started by the likes of ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max and newer, including the iPhone 16e (not to mention select iPads and MacBooks).
What exactly is Apple Intelligence in the first place? It's a collection of features that draw on the power of large language models to introduce “smart” capabilities. For example, in the Voice Memo and Notes app, you can now start a recording and get a real-time transcription. You can even record a call and get the transcription saved in the Notes app. Siri has been redesigned to understand when you misspeak and can even plug into ChatGPT for more powerful responses to open-ended questions. There are writing tools available throughout the operating system that let you change the tone of your emails or proofread text so you don't make an unnecessary typo on Threads.
This is just a small sampling. We've boiled down many of the Apple Intelligence features here, and additional features keep rolling out in iOS updates. For example, Genmoji—which lets you create your own emojis—debuted alongside the AI image-generation app, Image Playground, in iOS 18.2. In iOS 27, Apple added the revamped, conversational Siri AI assistant. Siri now understands personal context and can retrieve information from your messages, emails, and photos. It can also act on your behalf to draft a message with a particular tone or find a good restaurant for your partner's birthday dinner. Here's everything you can do with Siri AI.
If you don't care for Apple Intelligence and want to turn it off, you can! We have a helpful guide detailing the exact steps.
What Is MagSafe?
Magnetic MagSafe wireless charging is available on the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 16, iPhone 17, and iPhone 18 models (except the iPhone 16e), and it allows you to magnetically attach various accessories to the back of the iPhone. (iPhones support Qi2, which is the open standard, whereas MagSafe is proprietary; you can use Qi2 accessories just like MagSafe.)
You can get first-party accessories like Apple's MagSafe Wireless Charger, which sticks to the back for faster charging. Or snag the MagSafe Wallet so you can keep your credit card attached to your phone. There are plenty of third-party accessories (you'll find quite a few in our guide), and MagSafe doesn't just have to be charging accessories like power banks or wireless chargers. There is a wealth of useful tools, from wallets, tripods, and camera cages to notepads and ring lights that can attach to the back of the iPhone and add extra versatility.
If you plan to use a case, get one that has MagSafe embedded inside to ensure a strong magnetic connection with Apple's accessories (non-MagSafe cases can interrupt MagSafe and make the magnetic connection weaker). All of the cases in our case guides are MagSafe-tested. And yes, a case is a smart investment because iPhones are made of glass, and glass breaks, even if Apple uses ceramic to strengthen it. We cracked an iPhone 16 Plus after a 4-foot drop to the pavement—that model's ceramic glass was supposed to be twice as strong as previous iPhones, too! Ouch. See our favorite cases for the iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, and iPhone 14 ranges.
What's New in iOS 27?
While last year's iOS 26 debuted the divisive Liquid Glass, iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 focus squarely on quality-of-life improvements, with a redesigned and much improved Siri AI assistant, easier Shortcuts, and lots of little tweaks to enhance speed and stability.
Siri AI doesn't just look different—now resembling a glass orb—it can also understand your personal context, pulling info from your messages, emails, or even photos, and helping you draft messages or find the right wine to pair with your dinner. Siri can also now pop up in the camera app to help you choose your next book or split a bill with friends.
Apple says iOS 27 is faster than ever, with app launches up to 30 percent faster, newly captured photos in your Photo Library loading up to 70 percent faster, and AirDrop transfers completing up to 80 percent faster. For more details, read our guide on the top features in iOS 27 and how to download it.
Charging Adapters for Your iPhone
Apple hasn't offered a charging brick in the box since the iPhone 12, so if you don't have one, we've got you covered with a few recommendations. Most of these are 30-watt chargers that will fast-charge most iPhones. If you want the fastest speeds on the iPhone 18 models, you'll need a 40-watt charger, and we have some picks for you.
Anker 511 Nano 3 30-Watt Charger for $16: This is one of the tiniest chargers we've tested, and the prongs fold up for even more space savings. It comes in fun colors, and it's nice and cheap.
Counterpart The Charger for $44: Why carry a charger and cable separately when you can get both in one? Retractable chargers are popular, and I love this attractive model from Counterpart. You can get it in a few colors, and the USB-C cable extends up to 4 feet. The prongs fold so they won't scratch anything in your bag, and the 35-watt output is enough to fast-charge most iPhones and iPads. It'll recharge a MacBook, though a MacBook Pro requires a more powerful charger.
Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter for $39: Apple's Dynamic Power Adapter will get you the fastest charging speeds possible on the iPhone 17 models. That's 50 percent in just 20 minutes, and I was able to replicate that in my tests. It's a smaller charger than prior models, and it's one of the few chargers with SPR AVS support (Standard Power Range Adjustable Voltage Supply). It's a mouthful, but essentially, it can boost power output up to 60 watts when needed. That means it's a more versatile charger that you can use for your MacBook Air and your iPhone.
The Right USB-C Cable
The problem with USB-C is that its capabilities are so vast, but not every USB-C cable supports every single function. You need to make sure the cable you buy supports video output, speedy data transfer, and fast charging if that's what you want. The cable Apple includes in the box can carry up to 60 watts of power, and that's pretty much it. You can use this cable to recharge a MacBook but maybe not a MacBook Pro under heavy load.
If you get a cable like this one from Cable Matters, you'll be covered for every scenario. It supports up to 100 watts of power so you can use it for all your gadgets, has DisplayPort to work with external monitors, and supports up to 40 gigabits per second of data transfer. It also comes in multiple lengths.
Read our Best USB-C Cables guide for more.
Get a MagSafe Portable Battery
The beauty of MagSafe is that you can pop a battery on the back of your iPhone, and you don't have to worry about any wires. This is our top recommendation, and it supports the Qi2 standard, so it will work with any device with Qi2. It has a 10,000-mAh capacity that is good to recharge an iPhone fully once and then some, and there's a built-in kickstand so you can continue watching your favorite show as it charges. Best of all is the built-in LED display, helpful for seeing how much juice the charger has left.
Read our Best MagSafe Power Banks guide for more recommendations.
Apple has a dedicated slim MagSafe Battery for the iPhone Air. It takes advantage of the Air's new design and fits perfectly on the back. (It will work with other iPhones, but you have to place the battery horizontally, making the whole thing awkward.) No, this $99 accessory isn't really worth it. You can find higher-capacity batteries for less money. In my tests, I was able to get 68 percent back on my iPhone Air before the 3,149-mAh MagSafe Battery died. However, it's still pretty dang slim, works reliably, and fits like a glove. Maybe catch it on sale.
Get a 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
If you have an iPhone, there's a chance you have another Apple gadget, like AirPods or an Apple Watch. If so, you really should get a 3-in-1 charger for your home. We have tons of options in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide, but this Belkin MagSafe model is our favorite. It has an elegant design and charges the iPhone and Apple Watch at maximum speeds, and you can pop your earbuds on the base to top them up. It won't work with the iPhone 16e unless you get a MagSafe case, and even then, you won't be privy to the faster and more efficient charging speeds.
Carry a MagSafe Wallet
Hate bringing a wallet with you everywhere? Stick it to the back of your iPhone! This Nomad leather wallet is classy and can hold about four cards. What makes it unique is that it features Apple's Find My, meaning you can track its location in the Find My app if you lose it. That does mean the wallet needs to recharge every once in a while, but you can conveniently recharge it with any MagSafe charger, no proprietary cable needed. (It should last around five months on a single charge.) Read our Best MagSafe Wallets guide for more options.
The MagSafe world is wonderful and weird. We have plenty more recommendations in our Best MagSafe Accessories guide, ranging from MagSafe camera cages and tripods to notepads you can magnetically stick to the back of your iPhone.
Avoid These iPhones
The iPhone 14 and older iPhones are probably available somewhere, but you shouldn't take the bait. They don't have the processing power to keep up with the latest software, and even if they do, they will have a much shorter software shelf life or lack modern features like USB-C. The only older iPhones worth considering at the moment are the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 series, even better if it's the Pro models, if you can find them at low prices. The iPhone 16e is also another option, though only if you can find it at a steep discount.
The iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR are cut off from receiving the iOS 27 update, so they're especially ones to avoid. Without software support, your device will slowly become less secure and could become a slow, buggy mess.
The iPhone's Charging Port Is USB-C, Not Lightning
The iPhone 15 range ditched the long-standing Lightning port for USB-C, and it's in every iPhone since. This is the same charging port on iPads, MacBooks, Android phones, Windows laptops, and many more personal tech gadgets. USB-C is often called the “universal port” because it can technically handle various responsibilities. For example, you can plug in external displays and extend the iPhone's screen or connect the same USB-C accessories you might be currently using on your laptop, like SD card readers. Sadly, it does mean your Lightning accessories won't work unless you get dongles.
You can read more about what the port does here, but there are two important things to note:
The iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16e, iPhone 17, iPhone 17e, and iPhone Air support the USB 2.0 standard just like the iPhones before, so you'll max out at 480 megabits per second of data transfer speeds.
The iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Duo support the USB 3.0 standard and are capable of up to 10 gigabits per second of data transfer speeds.
What’s the Deal With eSIMs?
All iPhone 14 and newer devices completely ditch the physical SIM tray in the US, meaning you can no longer just pop your physical SIM inside to turn on cellular connectivity. Instead, you'll have to rely on an eSIM. You can read more about them here. This tech has been available in iPhones since the iPhone XS and XR, but now you have to use it. Apple has also started switching more global models to eSIM only, like the iPhone Air.) When you're setting up your new iPhone, you'll automatically be asked to transfer your number from your previous iPhone, and the whole process should take a few minutes without any hassle. (eSIMs are more secure than physical SIMs.) Once you transfer your number, your physical SIM card won't work anymore.
There's a chance you may still run into some issues, especially if you're coming from an Android phone (or want to switch back to an Android phone). You'll have to check with your carrier to get your cellular connection working again. It shouldn't take long, but it's not as simple as popping in a physical card.
How to Replace Your iPhone's Battery
If you don't want to spend the money to get a new iPhone, consider a fresh battery. If the biggest issues with your aging iPhone revolve around how long it lasts in a day, replacing the battery might make it feel brand-new. (Apple's iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16e have an easier-to-replace battery.)
Replacements for older iPhones are $89, and $99 or $119 for newer models. If that doesn't do the trick, read our guide on ways to fix your iPhone's problems or our guide on selling your iPhone to get the most money for it.
What Is the Action Button and Camera Control Button?
The Action Button debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro models, and it's now standard on every iPhone in the lineup. It sits above the volume rocker on the left edge of the phone. It effectively replaces the old Mute Switch, but think of it as just a configurable button. You can have it still control the mute function of the phone, or customize it (Settings > Action Button) to trigger the flashlight, a Voice Memo, or even launch an app or Shortcut.
Camera Control is another newer addition that debuted on the iPhone 16 series. On the right edge of the phone below the power button, press it to launch the Camera app, and you can press it to capture a photo or start recording a video. A light tap and swipe can move through different camera lenses or modes, but I found this annoying. (You can configure it by heading to Settings > Camera > Camera Control.) Press and hold this button, and you'll trigger Apple's Visual Intelligence. It'll use the camera to identify subjects in front of you, very much like Google Lens, so you can ask questions via Google or ChatGPT about what you're looking at.
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Facts Only
* Apple sells seven iPhone models, ranging in price from $699 (iPhone 17e) to $1,999 (iPhone Duo).
* iPhone 18 models are expected in spring 2027.
* iOS 27 includes a redesigned Siri AI assistant and reports of app launches being up to 30 percent faster.
* Apple Intelligence is available on iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, and newer models, including the iPhone 16e.
* MagSafe wireless charging is available on iPhone 12 through iPhone 18 models, excluding the iPhone 16e.
* iPhones sold in the US from the iPhone 14 series onward lack a physical SIM tray and use eSIM technology.
* The iPhone 15 range and subsequent models utilize USB-C ports.
* USB 3.0 data transfer speeds (up to 10 gigabits per second) are limited to Pro models and the iPhone Duo.
* The Action Button is standard on all current iPhone models.
* Camera Control debuted with the iPhone 16 series.
* Battery replacement costs are $89 for older models and $99 to $119 for newer models.
* iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR do not support the iOS 27 update.
Executive Summary
Apple's current hardware ecosystem spans from the budget-friendly iPhone 17e to the high-end iPhone Duo, with a strategic shift toward AI integration via Apple Intelligence. This software suite introduces real-time transcription, redesigned Siri capabilities, and generative tools like Genmoji. While hardware iterations include the universal adoption of USB-C and the removal of physical SIM trays in the US, there is a distinct performance tiering: Pro models offer significantly faster USB 3.0 data transfer speeds compared to the USB 2.0 standard found in base models.
Consumers face a choice between purchasing through carriers—which often involves network locking and complex bill credits—or buying directly from Apple for unlocked devices and leasing options. While the "Apple Upgrade" program exists, it is presented as a high-cost option that may not suit those who do not upgrade annually. Maintenance options, such as battery replacements, provide an alternative to full device upgrades, though software obsolescence eventually forces transitions, as seen with the iPhone XS and XR's exclusion from iOS 27.
Full Take
The strongest version of this narrative is a consumer-centric guide designed to navigate the increasingly fragmented iPhone lineup, providing a pragmatic roadmap for hardware and accessory procurement.
The narrative relies on a "curated expertise" framework, positioning the author as an experienced tester to guide the reader through a maze of tiered specifications. There is a subtle push toward the Pro ecosystem, not through overt salesmanship, but by highlighting the stark technical disparities—such as the 20x difference in data transfer speeds between USB 2.0 and 3.0—which frames the base models as functionally limited. This creates a soft psychological nudge toward higher spending to avoid "missing out" on core utility.
Patterns detected: none
The driving paradigm is the "planned obsolescence cycle" integrated with "feature gating." By tying Apple Intelligence and iOS 27 to specific hardware thresholds, the ecosystem ensures that software progress mandates hardware expenditure. This echoes the historical transition from luxury to utility, where AI is no longer a bonus but a requirement for the "modern" experience.
The second-order consequence is the erosion of device longevity. When software updates are used as a lever to render perfectly functional hardware (like the iPhone XS) "insecure" or "buggy," human agency is reduced to a cycle of perpetual subscription to hardware. The benefit accrues entirely to the manufacturer, while the cost is borne by the consumer in both financial and electronic waste terms.
Bridge Questions:
1. If AI features are delivered via software updates, why is specific high-end hardware required for their operation?
2. How does the shift to eSIM-only devices impact the user's ability to maintain ownership and portability across global networks?
3. At what point does "quality-of-life" software improvement become a justification for hardware abandonment?
Counterstrike Scan: A coordinated campaign to drive upgrades would use "fear of obsolescence" and "technical inadequacy" to make current devices feel broken. This content is a standard consumer guide; it provides options for battery replacement and warns against unnecessary leasing, which contradicts a pure influence playbook.