Walk into an Apple Store today and the sticker shock is real. You’re looking at a sleek glass slab that costs as much as a used car from the nineties. But if you’re asking how much does a iphone cost, the answer isn’t just one number on a placard. It's a moving target.
Honestly, the "official" price is kinda a myth. Between trade-ins, carrier subsidies, and the weirdly resilient refurbished market, nobody actually pays the $1,199 MSRP for a Pro Max unless they’re just not paying attention.
In early 2026, the landscape has shifted. We have the new iPhone 17 lineup dominating the shelves, but we also have the "Air" model which changed the math for everyone. Plus, the iPhone 16e has become the sleeper hit for anyone who just wants a phone that works without a second mortgage.
The New Reality of the iPhone 17 Price Tag
Apple did something interesting this year. They finally bumped the base storage to 256GB for the standard models. You've probably noticed that in previous years, 128GB felt like a trap—you’d buy the phone and then pay $2.99 a month for iCloud because the storage filled up in a week.
The standard iPhone 17 starts at $799. That sounds familiar, right? It’s the same price as last year, but you're getting double the space. If you want the beefier 512GB version, you’re looking at $999.
Then there’s the iPhone 17 Pro. This is where things get pricey. It starts at $1,099. If you’re a power user or a "content creator" (or just like having three camera lenses to look fancy), the Pro Max sits at $1,199. And if you go for the 2TB version—yes, two terabytes—you’re basically handing Apple $1,999.
It's a lot.
But wait, the middle child exists now. The iPhone Air. It’s thin. It’s light. It costs $999. It’s basically for the person who wants the Pro power but hates the Pro weight.
Cheap Isn't a Dirty Word: The iPhone 16e and Older Models
Not everyone wants to spend a thousand bucks. The iPhone 16e is basically the "SE" of this generation but better. It starts at $599. It’s got the A19 chip, so it’s fast, but it skips the fancy screen tech and the extra cameras.
If you're looking at the used or refurbished market, the prices get actually reasonable. You can find a "good condition" iPhone 14 for about $273 right now. A refurbished iPhone 13? Roughly $248.
Here is the thing: Apple Intelligence changed the floor. If you buy a phone older than the iPhone 15 Pro, you’re missing out on the AI features that Apple is pushing hard this year. That’s why the iPhone 15 and 16 prices are holding steady. People want the AI.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199 (Starting)
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
- iPhone Air: $999
- iPhone 17: $799
- iPhone 16: $699 (New from Apple)
- iPhone 16e: $599
- Refurbished iPhone 15: ~$445
- Refurbished iPhone 14: ~$273
Why Your Battery Is Actually Your Wallet
Most people think storage or color determines what their old phone is worth. Wrong. In 2026, it's all about the battery.
If your current iPhone has a battery health above 80%, you’re in the "standard" trade-in tier. The moment it hits 79%, your trade-in value can drop by 30% to 50%. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon are being brutal about this. They don't want to refurbish a phone with a dead battery because it eats their profit margins.
I’ve seen people lose $400 in trade-in credit just because their battery health was at 78% instead of 81%. If you're planning to upgrade, check your settings. If you’re near that 80% mark, trade it in now before that one extra charge cycle costs you half the value of the phone.
The Carrier Trap vs. Buying Unlocked
You’ve seen the ads. "FREE iPhone 17 Pro!"
Nothing is free. You know this. Basically, the carriers give you that $1,100 credit, but they lock you into a 36-month unlimited plan that costs $75 or $90 a line. If you try to leave early, you owe the remaining balance of the phone.
Buying unlocked from Apple or a place like Best Buy costs more upfront, but it gives you freedom. You can take your phone to a budget carrier like Mint or Visible and pay $25 a month instead of $90. Over three years, you actually save money buying the phone at full price.
Hidden Costs You’re Probably Forgetting
The phone isn’t the only thing you’re paying for.
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- AppleCare+: It’s $11.99 a month or about $199 for two years. If you drop your phone and break that "Ceramic Shield" screen, a replacement without AppleCare is north of $300.
- The Brick: Apple still doesn't give you a charging brick. That’s another $19.
- Cases and Protectors: Don't be the person who spends $1,200 on a phone and $0 on a case. A decent one is $30-$50.
When Is the Best Time to Buy?
The sweet spot is usually late August, right before the new models drop, or January during the post-holiday slump. Right now, in January 2026, we’re seeing some of those "New Year" promotions where carriers are desperate to hit their Q1 targets.
If you don't need the latest and greatest, the iPhone 16 is currently the best value. It’s got enough power to run the newest iOS features but has seen a price cut since the 17 came out.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Wallet
Stop looking at the MSRP and start looking at your specific situation.
Check your current phone's battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If it is above 80%, get a trade-in quote from Apple and your carrier today. If it’s below 80%, consider a third-party buyer like Swappa or Back Market, as they are sometimes more lenient than the big carriers.
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Calculate the total cost of a carrier "deal" over 36 months versus buying an unlocked iPhone 16e or a refurbished iPhone 15. For most people, the refurbished route with a prepaid plan is the fastest way to save $500 a year on mobile costs.