Which Apple iPhone should I buy?

Apple iPhones are incredibly popular, but they're also very expensive, especially if you go for the latest iPhone 18 range. 

Thanks to Apple's long support periods (iPhones tend to get support for more than six years from launch), the savvy shopper can save by picking the right model, which isn't always the latest. 

Our tests enable you to compare exactly how well different generations of iPhone performed in our labs, plus find out what else you need to know about making the right purchase.

See how many iPhones made it into our guide to the best smartphones.

Best iPhones - top-scoring iPhones from our tests

Apple hasn't always got it right. We've seen older iPhones outperform the latest model, so there are examples where you can make savings with an older phone that's just as good or better.

Check test results for more than 20 models of iPhone in our Apple iPhone reviews.

How much do Apple iPhones cost?

Apple iPhones are typically very expensive, with no particularly budget-friendly options when you buy brand new.

The iPhone 18 series is Apple's latest generation. 

• iPhone 18 Pro. Has a powerful triple-camera system where all three lenses are 48Mp, but with a slightly smaller 6.3-inch screen. From £1,199 (256GB).
• iPhone 18 Pro Max. Typically the highest-spec, most expensive phone in the range, though the Duo (see below) will cost more. It has an improved triple-lens camera system, a bigger battery and a huge 6.9-inch screen. From £1,299 (256GB)
• iPhone Duo. Apple's first foldable will launch on 23 October 2026, featuring a 5.4-inch outer screen that unfolds into a 7.6-inch display. From £1,999 (256GB).
• iPhone 18. Apple's next standard iPhone is expected to launch in spring 2027, featuring an upgraded processor and improved cameras. Pricing TBC. 
• iPhone 18e. The budget-friendly iPhone should arrive at a similar time, featuring a 6.1-inch display, an upgraded A20 chip and a 48MP main camera. Pricing TBC.
• iPhone Air 2. The second-generation ultra-thin iPhone should be the last to arrive, featuring a 6.5-inch display, improved battery life and a second rear camera. Pricing TBC.

• The iPhone 16e is the cheapest iPhone that Apple has released since 2022 and has just one rear camera lens, but it still gets Apple Intelligence. (SQUIRREL_TEXT_50019879). 
• The iPhone 17, 16, 16e, 15 and 14 series don't have the small-screen models like the iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 Mini, although you will find a smaller screen on the mid-range iPhone SE 2022 (SQUIRREL_TEXT_12853025).

Is it worth buying an Apple iPhone Pro or Pro Max?

There are a few reasons why the Pro and Pro Max iPhones are more expensive than the standard models, but the main upgrades you're paying for are the cameras. This includes the addition of a telephoto lens to improve the quality of zoomed-in pictures. Other features combine with the high-resolution lenses to get you professional-looking shots, especially in unusual conditions.

A key difference between the Pro and the Pro Max iPhones is the physical size of the device, but you can also expect a few more camera upgrades and a bigger battery, though due to the size of the device, this may not translate into a longer battery life. 

Trade-ins are a great way to save on a new phone – find out how to recycle your old smartphone and get some extra cash.

Small-screen iPhones – the SE and Mini range

Small-screen iPhones are still on the market, and Apple has released two new models since September 2021. Expect a smaller screen and a smaller battery but not necessarily less power. 

Apple first introduced a 'mini' version of its standard release in November 2020 with the iPhone 12 Mini. Compared to the iPhone 12, the iPhone 12 Mini has a smaller 5.4-inch OLED display and a smaller 2,227mAh battery. However, it has the same two 12Mp rear cameras and software. 

The more recent iPhone 13 Mini has an upgraded processor, a bigger battery and starts with 128GB of storage.

A year before the iPhone 12 Mini, we got the first iPhone SE. This is a more limited, but cheaper, iPhone. Apple has released two more versions since then – the iPhone SE 2022 is its latest offering. The iPhone SE 2022 has one rear camera lens, a 2,018mAh battery and a 4.7-inch LCD screen, which is smaller than the iPhone 13 Mini.

Looking to boost your iPhone setup? See our pick of the best iPhone accessories.

What to look for when choosing an Apple iPhone

There are a few things to think about when deciding which iPhone to choose. Here’s our shortlist of what to consider:

• Size If you want an iPhone that you can easily use with one hand, the iPhone SE or Mini variations are a good bet, with a 4.7-inch or 5.4-inch display, respectively. You'll need two hands for comfortable use of any of the bigger models.
• Storage space As of the iPhone 17 series, storage options start at 256GB, though can go all the way up to 2TB. If you want the larger storage option, these usually cost £100-£150 more. If you're happy to delete old photos or apps you don't use much, a smaller option should be fine. Bear in mind that iPhones don't have a micro-SD card slot, so you can't boost space with a separate card but you can pay for storage using iCloud.
• Speed When Apple launches a new phone, it often features the brand's latest chipset, promising the fastest speeds. However, previous processors may well be up to the job of playing the latest games or running the latest apps with ease. To find out more about iPhone speeds, you'll need to read our iPhone reviews.
• Camera Apple's cameras tend to be consistently good, though improve significantly on the 'Pro' range of phones. However, casual photographers may not notice a significant difference between generations, so you can still expect to take good photos on an older phone. The iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and iPhone SE camera is more limited, with only one rear lens.

Stuck between choosing an Apple iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone? Find out the differences in Apple iPhone vs Samsung Galaxy mobile phones

When is the next iPhone coming out?

For over a decade, Apple has launched its new flagship iPhones in early September. Things changed in 2026, when it split launches across a longer period of time.

In September 2026 we saw the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone Duo is slated to arrive later in October, and the standard iPhone 18, plus more models in the range, are expected in Spring 2027.

Typically, Apple holds a big event to show off the new phones, with pre-orders opening the following Friday and the phones hitting shelves a week or so after that.