You're standing in the Apple Store—or more likely, scrolling through a browser tab at 11:00 PM—staring at a screen full of sleek glass and titanium. You just want to know one thing: what does a new iPhone cost right now?
It sounds like a simple question. It isn't.
Apple’s 2026 lineup is a bit of a maze. Between the ultra-thin experimental models, the "budget" phones that still cost more than a week's rent, and the Pro Max giants, the price range is wider than ever. Honestly, if you walk in without a plan, you’re basically handing over your wallet and saying, "Surprise me."
Let’s break down the actual out-of-pocket costs for every new model currently on the shelf as of early 2026.
The 2026 Lineup: From the "Budget" 16e to the Pro Max
If you're looking for the absolute entry point into a brand-new, current-gen device, you're looking at the iPhone 16e. It’s the closest thing we have to a "cheap" iPhone that doesn't feel like a relic from the past. It starts at $599. That gets you 128GB of storage. If you want more breathing room, the 256GB version jumps to $699. It's a solid phone, but it lacks some of the flashy "Apple Intelligence" features that the newer chips handle better.
Then we have the standard iPhone 17. This is the one most people end up buying. Interestingly, Apple did something weird this year—they kept the price at $799, but they doubled the base storage to 256GB. It’s effectively a price cut if you’re the kind of person who always used to pay for the first storage upgrade anyway.
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The "Thin" Surprise: The iPhone Air
The wild card for 2026 is the iPhone Air. It’s the thinnest phone Apple has ever made, coming in at a ridiculous 5.64mm. Because it uses the high-end A19 Pro chip but keeps a single-camera setup, the pricing is a bit awkward.
- iPhone Air (256GB): $999
- iPhone Air (512GB): $1,199
- iPhone Air (1TB): $1,399
It’s a luxury item for people who hate bulky cases and heavy pockets. Is it worth a thousand bucks? That’s between you and your bank account.
The Pro Tier: Where the Numbers Get Scary
If you need the "best" of everything—the three lenses, the 120Hz ProMotion display, and that new Cosmic Orange finish everyone is talking about—you’re stepping into the Pro territory. The iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099. That’s a $50 hike over last year’s Pro, but again, Apple is justifying it with a 256GB base storage tier.
Then there is the king of the hill: the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
You’re looking at $1,199 just to get in the door. If you’re a creator or someone who shoots a lot of 4K video and you want the 2TB storage option, sit down before you read this: it’s $1,999. Yes, two thousand dollars for a phone. For that price, you could buy a decent used car or a very high-end MacBook Pro.
What Does a New iPhone Cost When You Add the "Hidden" Fees?
The sticker price is never the final price. Unless you live in a state like Oregon or New Hampshire, sales tax is going to bite. In a place like California or New York, a $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max quickly becomes roughly **$1,300** at checkout.
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And don't forget AppleCare+.
If you’re carrying a glass sandwich that costs a grand, you probably want insurance. AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss is currently running around $11.99 a month or a one-time payment of about $269.
Expert Tip: Watch out for the "Connectivity Discount." Most prices you see on Apple's site (like the $799 for the iPhone 17) include a $30 discount that requires immediate carrier activation with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. If you want a truly "unlocked" phone to use with a smaller carrier like Mint or Visible, you might have to pay that extra **$30 upfront**.
Why the "Storage Tax" is Getting Worse
There’s a quiet war happening in the supply chain. Memory costs—specifically DRAM and NAND flash—have spiked. Analysts at Morgan Stanley have been pointing out that while Apple is trying to keep the "starting at" prices stable to keep people happy, they are making up for it by charging a premium for higher storage tiers.
This is why we're seeing the "Storage Tax." Upgrading from 256GB to 512GB used to be a standard $100–$200 jump. Now, on some models, that jump is getting steeper because Apple’s cost for those chips has increased by nearly 230% over the last year.
The Trade-In Math: How to Actually Afford This
Most people aren't actually dropping $1,200 in a single go. The real answer to what does a new iPhone cost often depends on what is currently in your pocket.
Apple’s trade-in values for 2026 are decent if you have a relatively recent phone:
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- iPhone 16 Pro Max: Up to $670
- iPhone 16 Pro: Up to $550
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: Up to $470
- iPhone 14: Up to $220
If you trade in a 16 Pro Max for a 17 Pro Max, your monthly payment on a 24-month installment plan drops from $50/month to something closer to $22/month. It makes the pill a lot easier to swallow, but remember: you're basically entering a forever-lease with Apple.
Is the iPhone SE Still an Option?
Technically, yes. The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) from 2022 is still hanging on at $429. However, in 2026, buying a phone with a Home button and a tiny 4.7-inch screen feels like buying a brand-new VCR. It works, but the world has moved on. If you’re on a strict budget, you’re almost always better off buying a refurbished iPhone 15 for around $450 than a new SE.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you are ready to pull the trigger, don't just click "buy" on the first thing you see.
First, check your carrier's "Loyalty" deals. In 2026, carriers like AT&T and Verizon are desperate to keep subscribers and are often offering $800–$1,000 off an iPhone 17 Pro with a trade-in, even if your old phone is cracked. The catch? You’re locked into a 36-month contract.
Second, evaluate your storage needs. With iCloud+ being so integrated into iOS 26, do you really need 512GB of local storage? Most people can get by with 256GB and a $2.99/month iCloud subscription, saving you $200 upfront.
Finally, look at the iPhone 16 Plus. Now that the 17 series is out, the 16 Plus has dropped to $699. It has a massive screen, incredible battery life, and most of the features 90% of users actually need. It’s arguably the best value in the entire lineup right now.
To get the best price, your next move should be to log into your wireless carrier's app and see if you have a "targeted" upgrade offer. These are often better than the public deals shown on their homepages.