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 26, support Apple's parental controls through Screen Time, and will receive software updates well into the 2030s.

Buying refurbished makes this decision significantly easier on your wallet. A refurbished iPhone delivers the same performance and security features as a new device, often at 30-50% less. 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.

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 26?
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 Bionic 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 26 compatible, supported until roughly 2032
• 5G ready

❌ Cons

• Single rear camera (no ultrawide)
• Available only in black and white
• Still relatively new, so refurbished prices remain close to retail

Released in February 2025, the iPhone 16e is Apple's current budget champion. It carries the same A18 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 16, which means full Apple Intelligence support and years of guaranteed 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.

As refurbished stock grows through 2026, prices will drop further, making this the model to watch for families who want something current without paying new-device prices.

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 26 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 26. 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 26 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 26 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 26 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 26 in September 2025, and older models like the iPhone XS, XR, and iPhone X no longer receive it. Any phone you buy today should run iOS 26 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 26 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 costing twice as much. Refurbished phones go through rigorous testing, arrive with a warranty, and are replaced or repaired if issues arise. The cost saving, typically 30-50% off new retail pricing, 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 26. 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 26 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

What is the best iPhone for kids in 2026?

The best iPhone for kids in 2026 is the iPhone 16e for teenagers and the refurbished iPhone SE 3 for younger children or families on a tighter budget. Both run iOS 26 and support Apple's full parental control suite through Screen Time.

What is the best iPhone for a 10 or 11 year old?

For children around 10-11, the iPhone SE 3 is the top pick. It is compact, affordable as a refurbished device, supports iOS 26, and uses Touch ID, which is straightforward for younger children. The iPhone 12 mini is a good alternative if you need something even lighter.

What age should a child get an iPhone?

Most child development experts suggest waiting until at least 11 or 12, when children can better understand digital boundaries and responsibility. Many parents also consider whether the child's school environment makes a phone practically necessary. Regardless of age, setting up Screen Time parental controls before handing over any iPhone is strongly recommended.

Should I buy a new or refurbished iPhone for my child?

A refurbished iPhone is usually the smarter choice for children. Refurbished phones cost 30-50% less than new equivalents, still arrive with a warranty, and have been tested to meet strict quality standards. If the phone gets damaged or lost, the financial impact is significantly lower.

What factors should I consider when choosing an iPhone for my child?

Prioritize iOS 26 support for long-term compatibility, physical size for comfort, and budget. Avoid models that no longer receive major iOS updates: the iPhone XS, XR, and earlier devices stopped at iOS 18 and will not run iOS 26. Also consider parental control capabilities, which are strong across all current iPhones.

Can I control what my child does on their iPhone?

Yes. iPhones include Screen Time, Apple's built-in parental control system. Through Family Sharing, parents can manage app time limits, restrict specific content categories, control in-app purchases, set communication limits, and monitor screen usage. Communication Safety can also detect inappropriate images before they are sent or viewed on a child's device.

What should I avoid when buying an iPhone for my child?

Avoid models that no longer run iOS 26: the iPhone XS, XR, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and older devices are stuck on iOS 18 or earlier. This limits app compatibility, security updates, and access to modern parental control features. Also avoid buying from sellers who do not offer a warranty on refurbished devices.