The best refurbished iPhone to buy in 2026 is the iPhone 15 for most people. It delivers USB-C, Dynamic Island, and the A16 Bionic chip at refurbished prices starting around $375 from stores like Apple, Back Market, and Gazelle. For power users who want Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 15 Pro (from around $455 to $735) is the sweet spot. We compared prices across 7+ refurbishers to rank every iPhone model worth buying refurbished in 2026, updated May 2026 for iOS 26.
How we ranked these iPhones
Every iPhone on this list was evaluated on four criteria: value for money at current refurbished market prices, software longevity (years of iOS updates remaining), feature relevance for 2026 buyers, and refurbished availability across major sellers. RefurbMe aggregates live prices from Apple Certified Refurbished, Amazon Renewed, Back Market, Gazelle, plug (plugtech), and Mac of All Trades, so the price ranges below reflect real market data, not estimates.
Models not worth buying refurbished in 2026, such as the iPhone 12 and older, are covered in a dedicated section at the end of this guide.
Quick comparison
| Rank | Model | Refurbished price range | Apple Intelligence | iOS 26 | Est. updates left | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | iPhone 15 | $375 - $630 | No | Yes | ~4 years | Most people |
| 2 | iPhone 15 Pro | $455 - $735 | Yes | Yes | ~5 years | Power users |
| 3 | iPhone 14 Pro | $380 - $675 | No | Yes | ~3 years | Camera enthusiasts |
| 4 | iPhone 16 | $530 - $770 | Yes | Yes | ~6 years | Future-proofing |
| 5 | iPhone 14 | $260 - $365 | No | Yes | ~3 years | Budget-conscious |
| 6 | iPhone 15 Pro Max | $580 - $880 | Yes | Yes | ~5 years | Big screen and camera |
| 7 | iPhone 13 | $175 - $300 | No | Yes | ~2 years | Ultra-budget |
All price ranges are based on refurbished market data from certified sellers with warranties. Use RefurbMe to see live prices across all stores side by side.
1. iPhone 15: best refurbished iPhone for most people
128GB storage
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128GB storage
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128GB storage
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| Why buy it | USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, and A16 Bionic at a fair price |
| Release date | September 2023 |
| Refurbished price | From around $375 |
| Chip | A16 Bionic |
| Apple Intelligence | No |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~4 years (through ~2029-2030) |
The iPhone 15 is the easiest recommendation for 2026. It is the first standard iPhone to ship with USB-C, which means you can use the same cable as your MacBook, iPad, or Android chargers. Dynamic Island replaces the old notch with a live-activity pill that shows timers, navigation, music, and alerts in a genuinely useful way.
The 48MP main camera is a substantial upgrade over the iPhone 14. Portraits are sharper, low-light shots hold more detail, and the new A16 Bionic chip handles everything from 4K video to demanding apps without hesitation. Battery life improved enough over the iPhone 14 that you can comfortably get through a full day.
At $375 to $630 refurbished, the iPhone 15 sits in a price window that offers real value without asking you to compromise on anything important. It will receive iOS updates through at least 2029, giving you four or more years of software security and new features.
2. iPhone 15 Pro: best for Apple Intelligence on a budget
128GB storage
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| Why buy it | Cheapest way to get full Apple Intelligence support in a refurbished iPhone |
| Release date | September 2023 |
| Refurbished price | From around $455 |
| Chip | A17 Pro |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~5 years (through ~2030-2031) |
Apple Intelligence requires the A17 Pro chip at minimum. The iPhone 15 Pro is the least expensive refurbished iPhone that meets that requirement, and refurbished prices have fallen sharply now that the iPhone 16 Pro has taken its place as the current premium model.
Beyond Apple Intelligence, the 15 Pro brings a titanium frame that is lighter than the stainless steel used in the 14 Pro. The Action Button replaces the silent switch, letting you assign a custom shortcut to a hardware button for the first time. The 5x telephoto camera, available in the 15 Pro Max but also present here in a shorter form, delivers excellent zoom shots that the standard iPhone 15 cannot match.
At the lower end of the price range, around $455 to $530, you are getting close to the best deal in refurbished iPhones right now. That is the A17 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence, and a titanium body for less than the new iPhone 16, which starts at $799 retail.
3. iPhone 14 Pro: best camera for the price
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| Why buy it | 48MP main camera, Always-On Display, and Dynamic Island at a lower price |
| Release date | September 2022 |
| Refurbished price | From around $380 |
| Chip | A16 Bionic |
| Apple Intelligence | No |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~3 years (through ~2028-2029) |
The iPhone 14 Pro was the first iPhone with a 48MP main camera, and it remains one of the best camera systems available at its current refurbished price. The Always-On Display keeps your lock screen visible at low brightness without draining the battery, a feature that was new with this generation and that many users find genuinely useful.
The A16 Bionic chip is fast enough for everything you would ask a smartphone to do in 2026. Note that it does not support Apple Intelligence; if you care about AI writing tools, image cleanup, and Siri improvements, step up to the iPhone 15 Pro. But if your priority is photography and you want a premium feel on a tighter budget, the 14 Pro delivers.
Three years of updates remaining means this phone will stay relevant through 2028 or 2029. It is a sensible buy for anyone who values camera hardware over AI features and wants to spend closer to $380 than $675.
4. iPhone 16: best for future-proofing
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| Why buy it | A18 chip, Camera Control button, and the longest update runway in this guide |
| Release date | September 2024 |
| Refurbished price | From around $530 |
| Chip | A18 |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~6 years (through ~2031-2032) |
The iPhone 16 is the newest model on this list and carries the highest refurbished price. It is also the right choice if you plan to keep your next iPhone for six or more years. The A18 chip sits one generation above the A17 Pro, which means more headroom for demanding AI tasks and games that will push hardware harder as the decade progresses.
The Camera Control button is a dedicated hardware control on the right side of the phone. You can use it to open the camera instantly, shoot photos without obscuring the screen with your thumb, or adjust exposure and zoom through a series of gestures. It is a small addition, but once you use it, the absence on older models is noticeable.
With Apple Intelligence fully supported and the longest software runway of any phone in this guide, the iPhone 16 is the pick for buyers who upgrade infrequently and want to be confident their phone will feel current through the late 2020s. The refurbished discount over retail makes it easier to justify.
5. iPhone 14: best budget iPhone that still gets updates
128GB storage
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| Why buy it | Solid performer at the lowest price on this list outside the iPhone 13 |
| Release date | September 2022 |
| Refurbished price | From around $260 |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Apple Intelligence | No |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~3 years (through ~2028-2029) |
The iPhone 14 does not have USB-C, Dynamic Island, or Apple Intelligence. What it does have is a reliable A15 Bionic chip, a 12MP camera system that handles everyday photography without issue, and crash detection that works without cellular service. At $260 to $365 refurbished, it is one of the most affordable ways to get a recent iPhone with three more years of iOS updates ahead.
This is the right pick for anyone replacing a phone on a tight budget, buying a secondary device, or purchasing for a family member who needs something dependable without overpaying. It runs iOS 26 and will continue to receive security patches and features through at least 2028.
Do not expect the 48MP camera or the upgraded zoom of the Pro models, but do expect a phone that feels premium, takes decent photos in good light, and handles apps and video calls without complaint.
6. iPhone 15 Pro Max: best big-screen refurbished iPhone
256GB storage
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512GB storage
Black Titanium
256GB storage
White Titanium
| Why buy it | 6.7-inch display, 5x optical zoom, Apple Intelligence, and the largest battery |
| Release date | September 2023 |
| Refurbished price | From around $580 |
| Chip | A17 Pro |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~5 years (through ~2030-2031) |
The iPhone 15 Pro Max gives you the same A17 Pro chip and Apple Intelligence as the standard 15 Pro, but adds a larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, the best battery life in the 15 series, and the 5x optical telephoto camera that the standard 15 Pro did not receive. If you shoot a lot of video or frequently zoom in from a distance, that telephoto lens is worth the premium.
At $580 to $880 refurbished, the 15 Pro Max sits at the top of the price range for this generation. But compared to buying a new iPhone 16 Pro Max, you save several hundred dollars while keeping Apple Intelligence, iOS 26, and five more years of updates. The battery on this model is noticeably larger than the standard 15 Pro, which translates to genuine all-day confidence without reaching for a charger.
This is the phone for people who want the biggest, most capable refurbished iPhone available without spending over $1,000 on a new device.
7. iPhone 13: best ultra-budget option (but time is running out)
128GB storage
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| Why buy it | The cheapest iPhone that still runs iOS 26, for now |
| Release date | September 2021 |
| Refurbished price | From around $175 |
| Chip | A15 Bionic |
| Apple Intelligence | No |
| iOS 26 | Yes |
| Est. updates remaining | ~2 years (through ~2027-2028) |
The iPhone 13 still runs iOS 26 and performs well enough for basic tasks: calls, messaging, social media, music, and maps. At $175 to $300 refurbished, it is the least expensive way to get a modern iPhone from a certified seller. It suits secondary devices, phones for kids or older family members, and buyers who need a working smartphone with minimal investment.
The limitation to plan around is longevity. With roughly two years of updates remaining, the iPhone 13 will likely lose iOS support with iOS 28 or iOS 29. That is fine if you plan to upgrade again in two or three years, but not the right choice if you want a phone that stays current through 2030. In that case, spend another $85 or so for the iPhone 14.
Which refurbished iPhones to avoid in 2026
Not every older iPhone is worth buying, even at a low price. The key risk is losing software support, which means losing security patches and being locked out of apps that require newer iOS versions.
iPhone 12 and older: These models are likely to lose support with iOS 27. If you buy one today, you are looking at one final year of updates at most, possibly none. The value case is weak when the iPhone 13 starts at $175.
iPhone XS, XR, and older: Apple dropped these models from iOS 26 support. They cannot receive security updates and should not be used as primary devices. Avoid buying them for anything other than a parts device or a very specific secondary use.
Any iPhone with battery health below 80%: A degraded battery reduces screen-on time significantly and can cause unexpected shutdowns. When buying from a reputable refurbisher, battery health above 85% is a reasonable expectation. RefurbMe lists seller warranty terms, which typically include battery standards.
Apple Intelligence compatibility: why it matters for your choice
Apple Intelligence, Apple's suite of on-device AI features, requires the A17 Pro chip or newer. That means only these models support it fully:
- iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (A17 Pro chip)
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max (A18 chip)
The iPhone 13, 14, 14 Pro, 15, and 15 Plus all run iOS 26 but do not support Apple Intelligence. For many buyers, that is completely fine. Apple Intelligence currently covers writing assistance, photo cleanup, smarter Siri suggestions, and notification summaries. Useful, but not essential if you do not use those features regularly.
If you are unsure whether Apple Intelligence will matter to you, choose the iPhone 15 Pro. It is the cheapest entry point into the AI tier and costs less refurbished than a new standard iPhone 16.
What to check before buying a refurbished iPhone
Battery health
Aim for 85% or higher. Apple says batteries are designed to retain 80% capacity at 500 charge cycles, but units sold with health below 80% will show noticeably shorter battery life from day one. Most reputable refurbishers guarantee a minimum battery health; read the listing carefully or check our refurbisher comparison page.
Condition grades
Refurbished iPhones are typically sold in grades: Grade A (like new, no visible marks), Grade B (light wear), or Grade C (visible scratches). The condition grade affects pricing but not performance. If you use a case, Grade B is often the smart buy. Grade C is only worth considering at a steep discount.
Warranty coverage
All sellers on RefurbMe offer some form of warranty. Apple Certified Refurbished comes with a full one-year warranty and optional AppleCare+ coverage. Back Market and Amazon Renewed typically offer 1-year warranties. Gazelle and plug offer 30-day to 1-year coverage depending on the plan. Compare terms before committing.
Carrier lock status
Check whether the iPhone is unlocked or locked to a specific carrier. An unlocked phone works with any SIM globally, which matters if you travel internationally or want to switch providers. Most refurbishers sell unlocked devices, but confirm this in the listing.
Where to compare refurbished iPhone prices
RefurbMe aggregates live prices from Apple Certified Refurbished, Amazon Renewed, Back Market, Gazelle, plug, and Mac of All Trades in the US, so you can see every offer for your chosen model on a single page. Prices change frequently, and the cheapest seller for one model is not always the cheapest for another.
For a deeper look at which stores are most reliable, see our guide to the best places to buy refurbished iPhones. For a side-by-side breakdown of seller warranties, return windows, and shipping policies, visit the refurbisher comparison page.
Head to RefurbMe and compare live prices now.
FAQ
First published: May 14, 2026
