Walking into an Apple Store in 2026 feels a little different than it used to. Maybe it's the sleek, impossibly thin iPhone 17 Air sitting on the pedestals, or maybe it's the fact that "starting prices" don't really tell the whole story anymore. If you're asking how much does it cost for a iphone right now, the answer is a moving target. It depends on whether you're buying it outright, trading in a cracked iPhone 14, or signing your life away to a carrier for three years.
Honestly, the sticker shock is real for some, but surprisingly absent for others. Apple has managed to keep the entry point for its flagship at $799 for several years now, and the iPhone 17 stuck to that script. But when you start looking at the Pro Max or the new ultra-thin "Air" model, the math gets messy.
The 2026 Lineup: What You'll Actually Pay
Right now, Apple's shelf is crowded. You've got the brand-new iPhone 17 series that dropped late last year, the budget-friendly iPhone 16e, and some lingering stock of the older iPhone 16.
If you want the latest and greatest, here is the current damage to your wallet:
The iPhone 17 starts at $799. The big win here is that Apple finally ditched the 128GB base model, so you’re getting 256GB for that price. It's a solid value move. Then there is the iPhone 17 Air, which is the one everyone is talking about because it’s basically a sliver of glass. It’ll cost you $999. It's pricey for what it is, but you're paying for the design.
If you’re a "Pro" user, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199. If you want the massive 2TB storage option on the Pro Max—maybe you're filming 4K ProRes video for a living—you’re looking at $1,999. Yes, two thousand dollars for a phone.
The Budget Options Are Actually Good
Not everyone needs a titanium frame. The iPhone 16e, which replaced the old SE line last February, is still the go-to for most people who just want a phone that works. It starts at $599. It looks like an iPhone 14, but it has the A18 chip, which means it handles all the new AI features without breaking a sweat.
If $600 is still too much, the iPhone 16 is still in the lineup starting at **$699**. It’s a bit of a weird middle child now, but it’s there if you want a "modern" design without the iPhone 17 price tag.
Why the Price Isn't Always the Price
Nobody really pays $1,200 upfront anymore. If you go through a carrier like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, they are basically throwing these things at you—provided you stay with them for 36 months.
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I’ve seen deals this month where you can get an iPhone 17 Pro Max for "free" or for about $5 a month. The catch? You need a "high-end" unlimited plan that costs $80+ a month and a decent trade-in.
Speaking of trade-ins, Apple just adjusted their values on January 15th. If you have an iPhone 16 Pro Max in good condition, Apple will give you up to $650 for it. An iPhone 15 Pro gets you around $380. It’s not great, but it takes the sting out of the $1,000+ price tags.
Hidden Costs: AppleCare and Power Bricks
Remember that the phone in the box is just... the phone. A USB-C cable is included, but the brick isn't. Add $19 for that. Then there is AppleCare+. For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, you’re looking at $13.99 a month or a flat $269 for two years.
If you're prone to dropping your phone on concrete, it’s basically mandatory. A screen replacement out-of-warranty on the new 17 Pro Max is enough to make you weep—somewhere in the neighborhood of $379.
Used and Refurbished: The Secret Menu
If you want to know how much does it cost for a iphone on the secondary market, the numbers get much friendlier. Sites like Back Market or Swappa are currently flooded with iPhone 14 and 15 models.
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An iPhone 14 in "good" condition is hovering around $275 right now. That is an insane amount of phone for under $300. It still gets the latest iOS updates and the battery life is decent. Even the iPhone 15, with its USB-C port, has dropped to around **$450** on the used market.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re ready to pull the trigger, don't just click "buy" on the first site you see.
- Check your carrier's "loyalty" portal first. Often, they have deals for existing customers that aren't advertised on the front page. You might find an iPhone 17 for half off without needing a new line.
- Evaluate your storage. Since the iPhone 17 starts at 256GB, most people don't need to upgrade. Don't waste the extra $200 on the 512GB tier unless you literally never delete photos.
- Wait for March? Rumors are swirling about a potential refresh for some accessory lines or even a mid-cycle color drop. If you don't need a phone today, waiting six weeks could net you a "new" color or a slight price dip on the 16 series.
- Compare the Trade-in. Apple’s trade-in is convenient, but sites like Gazelle or even selling it yourself on Facebook Marketplace can often get you $100–$150 more than Apple's "up to" credit.
The reality of 2026 is that an iPhone costs whatever you're willing to pay per month. Whether that's $0 with a trade-in or $83 a month for the 2TB monster, the options are there. Just make sure you read the fine print on those 36-month contracts before you sign.