Finding the cheapest iPhone in 2026 is trickier than it used to be. Apple now sells six different iPhone models at the same time, prices are creeping up because of a global memory shortage, and the phone with the lowest sticker price is not always the smartest buy. So let me cut through the noise and show you which cheap iPhone is actually worth your money this year, and which one to quietly skip.
I will cover the cheapest new iPhone Apple sells, the older model that costs even less, and the refurbished route that can save you the most. By the end you will know which cheapest iPhone fits your budget without leaving you stuck with a phone you regret in six months. These picks are based on Apple’s current lineup and live refurbished pricing, updated for 2026.
Quick answer: The cheapest new iPhone you can buy in 2026 is the iPhone 17e at $599. The cheapest iPhone overall is a certified refurbished iPhone 16e at around $299. Skip the iPhone 17 and Pro models if your only goal is the lowest price.
Cheapest iPhone 2026: quick comparison
| Model | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16e (refurbished) | ~$299 | ✅ Cheapest overall |
| iPhone 17e (new) | $599 | ✅ Best new value |
| iPhone 17 | $799 | ❌ Skip if on a budget |
| iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max / Air | $999+ | ❌ Not cheap |
What is the cheapest iPhone you can buy in 2026?
The cheapest iPhone Apple sells brand new is the iPhone 17e, and it starts at $599. Apple launched it on March 2, 2026 as the budget member of the iPhone 17 family, and on paper it is a lot of phone for the price. You get the latest A19 chip, a 48MP Fusion camera, 256GB of storage to start, the tougher Ceramic Shield 2 front, MagSafe, and iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence built in.
But if you are happy to look one generation back, the iPhone 16e is the true cheapest iPhone on the market right now. It quietly replaced the old iPhone SE, and on the certified refurbished and used market it sells for roughly $280 to $415 depending on storage and condition. That is less than half the price of a new iPhone 17.
iPhone 17e: the cheapest new iPhone worth buying
If you want a brand new iPhone with a full warranty and zero question marks, the iPhone 17e is the one to get. The A19 chip means it will comfortably run Apple Intelligence, demanding games, and years of iOS updates. The 256GB starting storage is genuinely useful, since the old budget iPhones started at a cramped 128GB. For most people who just want a dependable new iPhone that will last five or six years, this is the sweet spot in the lineup.
iPhone 16e: the cheapest iPhone overall
The iPhone 16e is where the real bargains live. At around $299 from certified refurbished sellers, it is the cheapest way into the modern iPhone world. It still gets current iOS updates, handles everyday apps without breaking a sweat, and looks almost identical to the newer model. The trade-offs are a slightly older chip and a single rear camera, so it is best for people who text, browse, stream, and take casual photos rather than serious mobile gamers or camera fanatics.
The iPhones to skip if you want cheap
It is tempting to stretch your budget, so here is the honest warning. The iPhone 17 at $799, and especially the iPhone 17 Pro, Pro Max, and the slim iPhone Air, are excellent phones but they are not cheap by any definition. If your goal is the lowest cost, do not let a shiny camera system talk you into spending an extra few hundred dollars you never planned to.
Why the cheapest iPhone is about to cost more
Here is the timing angle that matters. Smartphone prices are rising across the board in 2026, with research firm Counterpoint expecting the average selling price to climb about 6.9 percent, driven by a memory shortage as AI data centers gobble up chips. Apple is not immune, which I broke down in our report on the Apple price increase. In plain terms, the cheapest iPhone you can buy today may not stay this cheap for long, so if you have been waiting, this is a reasonable moment to act.
Cheapest iPhone FAQ
What is the cheapest iPhone in 2026?
The cheapest new iPhone is the iPhone 17e at $599. The cheapest iPhone overall is the iPhone 16e, which sells for around $299 on the certified refurbished market.
Is the cheapest iPhone worth buying?
Yes, if you match it to your needs. The iPhone 17e is the best cheap new iPhone for longevity, while a refurbished iPhone 16e is the best value if you want the lowest price.
Should I buy a refurbished iPhone to save money?
Often yes. A certified refurbished iPhone can save you a large chunk of cash, and we compare it fully in our guide on refurbished vs new phones.
The bottom line
The cheapest iPhone in 2026 depends on what you value. Want brand new with a warranty? The iPhone 17e at $599 is your phone. Want the absolute lowest price? A refurbished iPhone 16e around $299 is hard to beat. Either way, with prices climbing, the smart move is to buy the cheapest iPhone that genuinely fits your needs rather than chasing a flagship you do not require. If you are still torn between platforms, our iPhone vs Android breakdown can help you decide.
You can check current pricing on Apple’s official iPhone 17e page and track live refurbished iPhone 16e prices on Swappa.
Your turn: which cheap iPhone are you eyeing?
So which one wins for you, the brand new iPhone 17e or a refurbished iPhone 16e for half the price? Tell me in the comments what your budget is and how you use your phone, and I will tell you which cheapest iPhone I would grab in your shoes. Are you planning to buy before prices rise again, or are you waiting it out? Drop your plan below.
