Updated 21 July 2026.
Apple sells five iPhones right now, from $599 to $1,199. They all run the same software, all feel broadly similar, and Apple’s marketing won’t tell you which one you actually need.
So let’s cut through it. For most people, the answer is the iPhone 17. But not everyone — and there’s a timing question that matters this year. Here’s the plain-English version.
Short answer
Buy the iPhone 17 at $799. It’s the sweet spot — same A19 chip as the Pro models, great camera, lovely screen, none of the Pro price. Nine times out of ten, this is the phone.
Want cheaper? The iPhone 17e at $599. Want the best camera and don’t mind paying? The iPhone 17 Pro. Everything else is a variation on those three.
Now the detail, because the differences do matter for some people.
The 2026 iPhone lineup
| Model | Price (from) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17e | $599 | Budget buyers |
| iPhone 17 | $799 | Most people |
| iPhone Air | $999 | Thin-and-light lovers |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | Photo and video work |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | Biggest screen, best battery |
All five share the A19 chip and Apple Intelligence, so basic speed and features feel the same across the board. What you’re really paying for as you go up is camera, screen size, battery, and build.
iPhone 17e — the value pick
$599
Don’t let the “e” fool you — this isn’t a stripped-out budget phone. It’s got the same A19 chip as the $799 iPhone 17, a 48MP camera, 256GB of storage to start, MagSafe charging, and the same tough Ceramic Shield 2 glass.
What you give up versus the standard 17 is mostly the fancier camera system and a few premium touches. For $200 less, most people won’t miss them.
Get it if: you want a current iPhone for the least money and don’t care about camera extras.
iPhone 17 — the one to buy
$799
This is the default for a reason. 6.1-inch screen, A19 chip, 8GB RAM, Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a 48MP main camera. It does everything the vast majority of people want a phone to do, and it does it well.
Unless you specifically need the Pro’s zoom lens or shoot professional video, this is the phone. You’re not sacrificing anything essential, and you’re not overpaying for tools you’ll never open.
Get it if: you’re most people. Start here and only move if you have a specific reason.
iPhone Air — the thin one
$999
Apple’s ultra-thin gamble. At 5.82 oz it’s lighter than even the 17e, despite a bigger 6.5-inch screen. In the hand and pocket, it feels genuinely different — and if that’s what you’re after, nothing else matches it.
The trade-offs: a single camera, and slightly less battery (27 hours of video versus 30 on the standard 17). It didn’t sell as well as Apple hoped, but that doesn’t make it a bad phone — it makes it a niche one. One tip: it’s striking enough that people run it caseless, so budget for AppleCare. A corner drop on this one won’t be cheap.
Get it if: a thin, light phone matters more to you than camera versatility.
iPhone 17 Pro & Pro Max — for camera work
$1,099 and $1,199
The Pro models are about the camera and video. Extra zoom lens, ProRes recording, better sustained performance, and the best battery life in the lineup — especially the Pro Max, which is the endurance champ.
The $100 jump to the Pro over the standard 17 only makes sense if you actually use ProRes video, want the telephoto zoom, or need all-day-heavy-use battery. If you’re not sure whether you need those, you don’t — save the money.
Get it if: you shoot serious photo or video, or you want the biggest screen and longest battery going.
Should you buy now or wait?
This is the bit that actually matters in July 2026, and most guides skip it.
Apple’s expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in September, along with a rumoured foldable. So if you’ve got your heart set on a Pro, waiting a couple of months is smart — you don’t want to buy a Pro in August and watch its replacement drop in September.
But here’s the twist. Apple raised Mac and iPad prices in June over memory costs, and analysts expect iPhone prices to climb roughly $100 this September too. So if you want the iPhone 17, 17e, or Air — models that aren’t getting a September refresh — buying now could actually save you money before any price rise.
Simple rule: want a Pro? Wait for September. Want anything else? Now’s a good time.
How to actually decide
Quick gut-check if you’re still torn:
- Tight budget? iPhone 17e, $599. Done.
- Just want a great phone? iPhone 17, $799. The safe, smart choice.
- Obsessed with thin and light? iPhone Air, $999.
- Serious about photos or video? iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max.
- Not sure? You want the iPhone 17. Genuinely.
And a money-saving note: last year’s model is almost always the smart buy, and trade-ins plus carrier deals cut the real price a lot. Values drop about 15% every six months, so if you’ve got an old phone to trade, don’t sit on it.
Once you’ve bought it
Two quick things worth doing on day one.
Set up your security. Turn on two-factor authentication and Stolen Device Protection straight away — and know that scammers love targeting new iPhone owners. Our phone scam and security guide covers the “Apple ID suspended” texts you’ll probably get and how to spot the fakes.
Still deciding between platforms? If you’re weighing iPhone against Android at all, our iOS vs Android breakdown lays out the real differences, and our mobile deals comparison helps you find the best price once you’ve picked.
FAQ
Which iPhone should I buy in 2026? The iPhone 17 at $799 for most people — it has the same A19 chip as the Pro models, a great camera and screen, without the Pro price. Go cheaper with the iPhone 17e ($599) or step up to the 17 Pro only if you shoot serious photo or video.
What’s the cheapest current iPhone? The iPhone 17e at $599. It shares the A19 chip, 48MP camera, and 256GB starting storage with the pricier iPhone 17, dropping mainly the advanced camera features. It’s the best value in the lineup.
Should I buy an iPhone now or wait for September 2026? If you want a Pro model, wait — the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected in September. If you want the iPhone 17, 17e, or Air, buy now, since those aren’t getting a September refresh and prices may rise about $100 then.
Is the iPhone Air worth it? Only if thinness and light weight are your priority. At $999 it’s remarkably thin and light but has a single camera and slightly less battery than the standard iPhone 17. For most people the $799 iPhone 17 is the better buy.
What’s the difference between the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro? The Pro adds a telephoto zoom lens, ProRes video, better sustained performance, and longer battery, for $300 more. Worth it only if you actually use those camera and video features — otherwise the standard 17 does everything most people need.
Will iPhone prices go up in 2026? Likely. Apple raised Mac and iPad prices in June 2026 over higher memory costs, and analysts expect iPhone prices to rise around $100 with the September launch. Buying a current non-Pro model now may save you money.
Is it worth buying last year’s iPhone? Often yes. Last year’s model usually delivers the best value, and spreading the cost over the years you’ll own it favours a slightly newer phone for battery, camera, and support life. Trade-ins and carrier deals cut the real price significantly.