The 5 Best iPhones for Kids and Teenagers in 2026

The best iPhone for kids in 2026 is the iPhone 16e for older children and teenagers, or the refurbished iPhone SE 3 for families on a tighter budget. Both run iOS 27, support Apple's parental controls through Screen Time, and will receive software updates well into the 2030s.

Your kids will drop it. Pay less. A phone that lives in a backpack or a back pocket meets the pavement sooner or later, and the warranty won't cover it: Apple's own excludes damage caused by accident. A refurbished iPhone delivers the same performance and security features as a new device for less money: on October 2, 2026, an unlocked 256GB iPhone 17e was $515 refurbished at Back Market. Pair that with the Apple ecosystem advantages when the rest of the family uses iPhones or iPads, and you have a compelling case for going the Apple route.

According to RefurbMe's tracking, a new iPhone model reaches the US refurbished market a median of 82 days after Apple releases it (Time-to-Refurb, as of October 2026, source: /stats/iphone). Time-to-Refurb counts the days between a model's release and its first refurbished listing. For parents, it means even a recent model like the iPhone 17e already has refurbished offers from several sellers.

Table of contents

• The best iPhones for kids and teenagers at a glance
• 1. iPhone 16e
• 2. iPhone SE 3 (2022)
• 3. iPhone 13 mini
• 4. iPhone 14 Plus
• 5. iPhone 12 mini
• How to choose the best iPhone for kids
• Best iPhone by age group
• Where to buy the best iPhone for your kids?
• Final thoughts
• FAQ

The best iPhones for kids and teenagers at a glance

Model	Best for	Pros	Cons	iOS 27?
iPhone 16e	Best overall for teens	A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, excellent battery	Single rear camera, limited colors	Yes
iPhone SE 3 (2022)	Best value refurbished pick	Very affordable, A15 chip, compact size	Discontinued (refurbished only), LCD display	Yes
iPhone 13 mini	Best compact option	Excellent performance, great battery for size	Discontinued, no triple camera	Yes
iPhone 14 Plus	Best display for learning	Large OLED screen, strong battery life	Heavy, difficult to use one-handed	Yes
iPhone 12 mini	Best budget compact option	Lightweight, very affordable refurbished	Battery life could be better	Yes

1. iPhone 16e

The best iPhone for teenagers in 2026

✅ Pros

• A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support
• Excellent battery life (all-day and then some)
• 48MP camera with Deep Fusion and Smart HDR
• Face ID and Action button
• iOS 27 compatible, supported until roughly 2032
• 5G ready

❌ Cons

• Single rear camera (no ultrawide)
• Available only in black and white
• No longer sold new by Apple, so you buy it refurbished

The iPhone 16e went on sale on February 28, 2025, as Apple's entry-level iPhone. Apple dropped it from its lineup on March 2, 2026, when it announced the iPhone 17e, so the 16e is now a refurbished-only model. It runs on an A18 chip, the same generation as the iPhone 16 (with a 4-core GPU), which means full Apple Intelligence support and years of iOS updates. For a teenager who needs a capable, future-proof phone, there is no better value at this price point. The battery comfortably outlasts a full school day, the 6.1-inch OLED display is sharp and bright, and Face ID keeps the device secure without adding bulk.

On October 2, 2026, the cheapest refurbished iPhone 16e on RefurbMe was $272 at eBay Refurbished, a 128GB unit locked to Metro PCS. Unlocked 128GB units were $389 at Amazon Renewed and $394 at eBay Refurbished. We did not compare grades across these listings, so check the condition on each seller's page before you buy.

Families set on the very latest can also look at the newer iPhone 17e, released in March 2026, which adds MagSafe support that the 16e lacks. It runs the same iOS 27 parental controls. Apple sells the iPhone 17e new from $699 with 256GB of storage. Refurbished, an unlocked 256GB 17e was $515 at Back Market and $549 at eBay Refurbished on October 2, 2026, and eBay Refurbished also listed a Verizon-locked unit at $399. That is still well above the 16e, so the 16e remains the better value for most families.

2. iPhone SE 3 (2022)

The best value refurbished option

✅ Pros

• Highly affordable refurbished
• A15 Bionic chip, solid performance
• Compact 4.7-inch form factor for smaller hands
• iOS 27 compatible, supported until roughly 2029
• Touch ID (home button) familiar to younger children

❌ Cons

• Discontinued in February 2025 (refurbished only now)
• LCD display rather than OLED
• Limited storage in the 64 GB base configuration
• Shorter battery life compared to newer models

The iPhone SE 3 packs an A15 Bionic chip into a familiar, compact body, the same processor that powered the iPhone 13 at launch. Apple discontinued it in February 2025, but that is actually good news for budget-conscious parents: refurbished prices have continued to fall and it remains fully supported by iOS 27. For younger children who do not need the latest features, this is a sensible, affordable first phone.

3. iPhone 13 mini

The most balanced compact pick

✅ Pros

• No meaningful performance gap versus the iPhone 13
• Excellent battery life for its size (up to 17 hours video playback)
• Compact 5.4-inch display, lighter than most phones
• iOS 27 supported

❌ Cons

• Discontinued, refurbished only
• No triple rear camera

The iPhone 12 mini vs. iPhone 13 mini comparison often comes down to budget, but the 13 mini is worth the premium for its significantly better battery. The size (5.4 inches versus the 6.1-inch standard) is a genuine advantage for children with smaller hands. Even though Apple has stepped away from the mini format, refurbished 13 mini units remain plentiful and well-priced.

4. iPhone 14 Plus

The best display for learning and gaming

✅ Pros

• Large 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display
• Outstanding battery life
• Full iOS 27 support
• Crash Detection for added safety

❌ Cons

• Heavier and wider than other options
• Difficult to use one-handed

The iPhone 14 Plus makes a compelling case for kids who spend time on learning apps, streaming, or gaming. Its 6.7-inch OLED panel is genuinely impressive at this price bracket, and the battery life is among the best of any iPhone. The added Crash Detection feature, which automatically calls emergency services after a serious accident, provides parents with an extra layer of reassurance. The trade-off is size: this phone demands two hands and a sturdy case.

5. iPhone 12 mini

The best budget compact iPhone

The mini releases suit younger children particularly well: lighter builds, smaller screens, and lower price tags. Apple stopped making mini iPhones after the 13, so the 12 mini and 13 mini are the last of their kind. The 12 mini is the cheaper of the two and still delivers respectable performance, though battery life is the notable weakness.

✅ Pros

• Lightweight and compact
• Very affordable refurbished
• Good performance for everyday tasks
• iOS 27 supported

❌ Cons

• Battery life is the shortest on this list
• Older model, so fewer years of future updates than newer picks

How to choose the best iPhone for kids

Selecting the right phone involves more than just picking a model. Here is what to weigh before buying.

iOS support and longevity

This is the single most important factor in 2026. Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026, and older models like the iPhone XS, XR, and iPhone X no longer receive it. Any phone you buy today should run iOS 27 so your child has access to current security patches, app compatibility, and parental control features. Every model on this list qualifies. You can check the full support timeline in our article on how long Apple supports iPhones.

Safety and parental controls

iOS is safer than Android for family use because it has a smaller attack surface for malware, and Apple's Screen Time tools are among the most comprehensive parental controls available on any platform. Through Screen Time, you can set daily app limits, restrict specific content categories, manage communication settings, and require your approval before your child installs new apps. If all family members use Apple products, Family Sharing ties everything together across iPhones and iPads.

👉 Related article: 5 Best iPads for Kids

Ease of use

iPhones are well-regarded for their intuitive interface, but physical size matters as much as software. A 6.7-inch phone is genuinely hard for a 9-year-old to manage comfortably. Consider the child's hand size alongside screen size preferences. Our guide to iPhone dimensions can help you compare models side by side. Recommend getting a phone compatible with iOS 27 to ensure the most recent app compatibility.

Size

A larger display helps with reading, learning apps, and video calls, but smaller children are often better served by compact models. The mini iPhones and the SE 3 are standouts for younger children; teenagers can typically handle standard 6.1-inch models or larger. Think about where the phone will live: in a school bag, a small pocket, or a case on a desk.

Affordability

Accidents happen. A refurbished iPhone absorbs that risk much more gracefully than a brand-new device. Refurbished phones go through rigorous testing and arrive with a warranty that covers faults. It does not cover a cracked screen from a drop, so the money you save is your cushion. On the iPhone 17e, the gap between Apple's $699 and the cheapest unlocked refurbished unit we found was $184 on October 2, 2026, which means the stakes are meaningfully lower if your child drops or damages the device.

👉 Learn more:

• Best Places to Buy Refurbished iPhones in 2026
• I Broke My Phone: 10 Ways to Fix or Replace It
• 7 Things to Do with a Cracked or Broken Phone Screen

Contract or SIM-only plan

Phone contracts add monthly cost on top of the device price, which can feel wasteful when the phone might be lost or broken. A SIM-only plan keeps the monthly outlay low and gives you flexibility to switch providers. If you do opt for a contract, look for capped data plans so your child cannot exceed their allowance without warning.

👉 Learn more: What Is a Locked Phone and How To Unlock It

Best iPhone by age group

For children under 12

The iPhone SE 3 or iPhone 12 mini are the strongest choices here. Both are compact, affordable as refurbished devices, and run iOS 27. Touch ID on the SE 3 is easier for younger children to use reliably than Face ID. Set up Screen Time before handing over the phone: restrict app categories, enable Communication Limits, and turn on Communication Safety to help detect inappropriate content in photos and videos.

For tweens (12-14)

The iPhone 13 mini strikes the best balance of size, performance, and price. The 5.4-inch screen is manageable without feeling small, battery life is strong, and it handles everything a typical 12-14 year old needs from a phone. The iPhone SE 3 works here too if budget is the primary concern.

For teenagers (15+)

The iPhone 16e is the clear pick for older teenagers. Full Apple Intelligence support, the A18 chip, a solid camera, and an all-day battery mean it will not feel outdated after a year. The iPhone 14 Plus is worth considering for teenagers who use their phone heavily for media, gaming, or schoolwork and want a larger screen.

Where to buy the best iPhone for your kids?

The refurbished market has plenty of options, but quality varies. On RefurbMe, we compare prices and deals from the best places to buy refurbished iPhones, so you can find the lowest price from a reputable seller without trawling through multiple storefronts.

Apple also sells Certified Refurbished iPhones directly, which carry the same quality standards as new devices. They tend to be priced at a premium compared to third-party refurbishers, but the quality assurance is second to none.

Final thoughts

A refurbished iPhone is one of the smartest purchases you can make for a child or teenager. You get a rigorously tested device, a warranty, and iOS's industry-leading parental controls at a fraction of new-device pricing. The iPhone 16e leads the pack for older teenagers who want a future-proof phone, while the refurbished SE 3 remains the best value for younger children or tighter budgets. Every model on this list runs iOS 27 and will stay supported for several more years.

On RefurbMe, you can compare the latest deals from our trusted refurbishers to find the right iPhone at the right price.

Happy shopping!

FAQ