Buying a used iPhone is one of the smartest ways to save on premium hardware. The hard part is knowing which generation actually delivers value versus which ones are overpriced, underpowered, or nearly out of software support. This guide ranks every current-generation iPhone by real-world value so you can buy with confidence.
Quick Answer
The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are the sweet-spot buys right now: strong A-series chips, full iOS support, and steep depreciation from retail. The iPhone 15 is the right pick if you want USB-C and a longer support runway at a modest premium. Avoid the iPhone 12 unless you are buying purely on price and understand the tradeoffs.
How Long Do iPhones Stay Supported
Before buying any used iPhone, the iOS support window should be your starting point. Apple does not publish a fixed end-of-life date, but the pattern is clear: iPhones typically receive major iOS updates for six to seven years from release. Once a device falls off the iOS update list, it stops receiving security patches, and new apps start dropping support over the following year or two.
The practical buying floor: any iPhone that is one major iOS version behind should raise a flag. An iPhone that cannot run the current iOS is not just missing features. It is accumulating unpatched security vulnerabilities and will increasingly fail to run apps that require the latest OS version.
As of 2026, iOS 26 is the current major release. The iPhone 12 series (released 2020) is running on borrowed time, likely receiving its final major iOS update this cycle or next. Everything from iPhone 13 forward has at least two to three years of solid iOS support ahead.
| iPhone Model | Released | OS Support Window | Update Window Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 / Air / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max | Sept 2025 | iOS 26 → ongoing | ~2032 |
| iPhone 16e | Feb 2025 | iOS 18 → ongoing | ~2032 |
| iPhone 16 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max | Sept 2024 | iOS 18 → ongoing | ~2031 |
| iPhone 15 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max | Sept 2023 | iOS 17 → ongoing | ~2030 |
| iPhone 14 / Plus / Pro / Pro Max | Sept 2022 (Plus: Oct 2022) | iOS 16 → ongoing | ~2029 |
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | March 2022 | iOS 15 → ongoing | ~2029 |
| iPhone 13 / mini / Pro / Pro Max | Sept 2021 | iOS 15 → ongoing | ~2028 |
| iPhone 12 / mini / Pro / Pro Max | Oct–Nov 2020 | iOS 14 → ongoing (through iOS 27) | ~2027 |
| iPhone SE (2nd gen) | April 2020 | iOS 13 → ongoing (through iOS 27) | ~2027 |
| iPhone 11 / Pro / Pro Max | Sept 2019 | iOS 13 → ongoing (through iOS 27) | ~2026 |
| iPhone XR / XS / XS Max | Sept–Oct 2018 | iOS 12 → iOS 18 (final) | 2024 (security ~2027) |
| iPhone X | Nov 2017 | iOS 11 → iOS 16 (final) | 2022 (security ~2025) |
| iPhone 8 / 8 Plus | Sept 2017 | iOS 11 → iOS 16 (final) | 2022 (security ~2025) |
The Value Sweet Spot Right Now
Used iPhone pricing follows a predictable curve: new models launch, older models drop sharply in resale value within the first six to twelve months, and then pricing stabilizes. The best time to buy a used iPhone is after that first drop, while the device still has several years of software support ahead.
Right now, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 sit squarely in that window. Both run on Apple’s A15 Bionic chip (one of the most capable chips in the consumer market), both have full iOS support, and both have lost 40 to 60 percent of their original retail value in the used market. You are getting flagship-tier performance from two or three years ago at a fraction of the original price.
The iPhone 15 is the right call if you want USB-C (Apple’s shift away from Lightning happened here), satellite connectivity, and a longer support runway without paying flagship-new prices.
iPhone vs. Android Resale Value: A Data-Driven Comparison
Generation-by-Generation Rundown
This table covers every generation worth considering. Use it to match your budget and needs to the right model before shopping.
iPhone 16 Series (2024): Current Flagship
| Model | Chip | Used Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | A18 | $600 to $750 | Mainstream buyers who want current-gen |
| iPhone 16 Plus | A18 | $650 to $800 | Battery-first buyers, larger screen |
| iPhone 16 Pro | A18 Pro | $800 to $1,000 | Camera power users, Apple Intelligence |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro | $900 to $1,100 | Top-tier camera plus largest display |
Best for: Anyone who wants the latest hardware and expects to hold the phone for five-plus years. Apple Intelligence features (on-device AI) are exclusive to the A18 chip.
Watch-outs: Prices are still high on the used market. The savings over new are modest right now. If your budget is flexible, waiting six to twelve months for prices to drop further is a reasonable move.
Used price bands: Prices vary. Check current used iPhone 16 series listings on Swappa for real-time used market pricing.
iPhone 15 Series (2023)
| Model | Chip | Used Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | A16 | $450 to $600 | USB-C converts, mainstream buyers |
| iPhone 15 Plus | A16 | $500 to $650 | Large screen without Pro price |
| iPhone 15 Pro | A17 Pro | $600 to $750 | ProRAW/ProRes video, titanium build |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | A17 Pro | $700 to $850 | Best pre-A18 camera system |
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C, strong A16/A17 performance, and several years of iOS support ahead.
Watch-outs: The jump from iPhone 14 to 15 is meaningful mainly if USB-C and the A17 Pro matter to you. The standard iPhone 15 uses the A16, the same chip as the iPhone 14 Pro, so you are getting solid performance either way.
Used price bands: Prices vary. Check current used iPhone 15 series listings for up-to-date pricing.
iPhone 14 Series (2022): Value Sweet Spot
| Model | Chip | Used Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | A15 Bionic | $300 to $430 | Best overall used value right now |
| iPhone 14 Plus | A15 Bionic | $350 to $480 | Big-screen buyers on a budget |
| iPhone 14 Pro | A15 Bionic | $430 to $580 | Always-on display, 48MP camera |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | A15 Bionic | $480 to $650 | Max camera plus battery at depreciated price |
Best for: The iPhone 14 is the single best value for most buyers right now. Flagship-quality A15 Bionic chip, solid camera system, strong iOS support window, and the used market has priced it well below original retail.
Watch-outs: The iPhone 14 standard and Plus use the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13 Pro. You are getting the same processing power as a 2021 pro model. Emergency SOS via satellite is here, which the 13 series lacks.
Used price bands: Prices vary. Check current used iPhone 14 series listings on Swappa for real-time pricing.
iPhone 13 Series (2021): Value Sweet Spot
| Model | Chip | Used Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 | A15 Bionic | $230 to $350 | Budget-conscious buyers wanting flagship performance |
| iPhone 13 mini | A15 Bionic | $200 to $300 | Small-phone enthusiasts (last true compact flagship) |
| iPhone 13 Pro | A15 Bionic | $300 to $420 | ProMotion 120Hz, better cameras at a fair price |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | A15 Bionic | $350 to $480 | Best battery in any used iPhone at this price |
Best for: The iPhone 13 is arguably the best bang-for-buck in the entire used iPhone lineup for buyers who do not need USB-C or Apple Intelligence. The A15 Bionic is no slouch in 2026. The 13 mini is the last good small iPhone Apple made.
Watch-outs: No Emergency SOS satellite. No always-on display. Lightning connector (not USB-C). Two to three years of iOS support remaining. These are real tradeoffs, but they may not matter depending on your needs.
Used price bands: Prices vary. Check current used iPhone 13 series listings for current pricing.
iPhone 12 Series (2020): Proceed with Caution
| Model | Chip | Used Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | A14 Bionic | $150 to $250 | Price-only buyers who understand the tradeoffs |
| iPhone 12 mini | A14 Bionic | $130 to $210 | Ultra-budget small phone |
| iPhone 12 Pro | A14 Bionic | $180 to $270 | Not recommended over 13 Pro at current prices |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | A14 Bionic | $200 to $290 | Same concern as 12 Pro |
Best for: Pure budget buys where $150 to $250 is a hard ceiling and you understand you are getting a phone with a short iOS support runway.
Watch-outs: The iPhone 12 is approaching the iOS support floor. It is likely one to two major iOS versions from end of support. At current used prices, the iPhone 13 is not much more expensive and delivers meaningfully more runway. Unless the price gap is significant, the iPhone 13 is the smarter pick.
Recommendation: Buy only if you find a notable price gap versus a 13. Otherwise, step up.
Check current used iPhone 12 series listings for prices.
iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022): Budget Option
| Model | Chip | Used Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) | A15 Bionic | $150 to $230 | Home-button fans, tight budgets, kids’ phones |
Best for: The SE 3rd gen has the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13, which is remarkable for the price. If you want a small, affordable iPhone with a home button and Touch ID, this is the only current option.
Watch-outs: Small 4.7″ screen, no Face ID, no 5G mmWave (sub-6GHz only in most markets), no ProMotion, and it shares the same iOS support window concerns as the iPhone 12 due to its older design chassis. The camera is also the weakest on this list.
Check current iPhone SE 3rd Gen prices
Storage, Battery Health, and Color: What Actually Matters Used
Storage
For most buyers, 128GB is the floor and 256GB is the sweet spot. If you shoot a lot of video or keep large media libraries locally, 256GB or 512GB is worth the premium. The jump from 64GB to 128GB is meaningful. The jump from 256GB to 512GB is mostly for power users.
Do not buy a used iPhone with 64GB unless you primarily stream everything and use iCloud heavily. You will run out of space faster than you expect.
How Much Storage Do You Need on a Used Phone?
Battery Health
Apple reports battery health as a percentage in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Battery capacity degrades with use over time, so this number is lower on older or heavily used phones. Swappa has no minimum battery-health percentage to list a device: the requirement is a fully functional battery (one that properly charges and discharges).
One disclosure rule applies specifically to iPhones: if battery health is below 80% and the Apple battery message is showing in Settings, the seller must disclose that on the listing. When shopping, check the listed battery health and factor in the possibility of a future battery replacement (typically $50 to $100 through Apple or a reputable repair shop) when comparing prices.
For a full breakdown of what battery health numbers mean and when low capacity is a deal-breaker, see the iPhone battery health guide.
iPhone Battery Health: What to Check on a Used iPhone
Color
Color does not affect performance, but it affects resale if you plan to sell later. Neutral colors (black, white, silver, midnight) tend to have broader buyer demand. Limited-run colors can be harder to sell later.
Unlocked vs. Carrier-Locked
Buy unlocked whenever possible. An unlocked iPhone works on any compatible carrier, gives you negotiating power on your plan, and is easier to resell.
Carrier-locked iPhones are tied to a specific network. They can often be unlocked after meeting carrier requirements (usually paying off the device), but the process adds friction. On Swappa, listings display carrier status. Filter for unlocked to see the full range of options.
Unlocked vs. Carrier-Locked Phones: What It Means When Buying Used
Where to Buy a Used iPhone Safely
The used iPhone market ranges from legitimate peer-to-peer sellers to outright scams. The risks to know: devices with bad IMEI/ESN (reported lost, stolen, or carrier-blacklisted), Activation Lock left on, and condition misrepresentation.
How to Check If a Phone Is Stolen (Free IMEI Check)
iCloud Activation Lock: How to Avoid It on a Used iPhone
Buying on Swappa removes most of this friction. Every listing is staff-reviewed before going live. Swappa requires:
- Clean IMEI/ESN (no blacklist, no carrier debt)
- No Activation Lock or iCloud lock
- No cracked glass or water damage at listing
- Fully functional battery (charges and discharges normally)
- Battery health disclosure if below 80% with an Apple warning showing
Payments go through PayPal (with buyer and seller protection and dispute resolution) or Stripe for select sellers. If a device is not as described, you are entitled to a return and refund. The 3% buyer fee is refunded on a proper PayPal refund. Swappa’s fees are flat: 3% buyer fee, 3% seller fee, lower than auction-site fees. Support is available 24/7/365 with an average response time around 20 minutes.
FAQ
What is the best used iPhone to buy in 2026?
For most buyers, the iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 offer the best combination of performance, iOS support runway, and value in the current used market. The iPhone 14 is slightly better on price-to-value given its satellite SOS feature and longer support window. If budget is the main constraint, the iPhone 13 is a close second.
Is it safe to buy a refurbished or used iPhone?
Yes, with the right protections in place. The key risks are blacklisted IMEIs, Activation Lock, and misrepresented condition. Buying through a marketplace like Swappa that reviews listings before they go live and requires clean IMEI, no Activation Lock, and accurate condition grades removes most of these risks.
How many years of updates does a used iPhone get?
Apple typically supports iPhones for six to seven years from release. A used iPhone 14 (released 2022) should receive major iOS updates through roughly 2028 to 2029. The iPhone 12 (released 2020) is likely at or near its final major iOS updates.
What battery health should I look for in a used iPhone?
Check the listed battery health percentage and factor in any potential future replacement cost when comparing prices. Swappa requires sellers to disclose battery health below 80% when the Apple battery message is active. Lower battery health is normal on older or well-used devices. If the phone is fully functional and the price reflects the condition, a lower battery health is not automatically a deal-breaker. For more on what the numbers mean, see the dedicated iPhone battery health guide.
Should I buy an unlocked or carrier-locked used iPhone?
Unlocked is almost always the better choice. It gives you carrier flexibility, easier resale, and often a wider selection. Carrier-locked phones can be unlocked, but it adds steps. Filter for unlocked on Swappa to compare options.
Is the iPhone 12 still worth buying used?
Only if the price is meaningfully lower than an iPhone 13 and you understand it is nearing the end of its iOS support window. At current used market prices, the gap between a 12 and a 13 is often small enough that the 13 is the smarter buy.
The Bottom Line
The used iPhone market has excellent options at almost every price point right now. If you want the safest, most versatile buy, the iPhone 14 or iPhone 13 are the smart picks: flagship A15 Bionic performance, full iOS support ahead, and prices that reflect real depreciation. Step up to the iPhone 15 for USB-C and a longer runway. Go with the iPhone 16 if you want Apple Intelligence and current-gen hardware. Avoid the iPhone 12 unless the price gap versus a 13 is significant.
Whatever you buy, make sure the IMEI is clean, Activation Lock is off, and battery health is disclosed. Swappa handles all of that before a listing goes live.
Related Articles:
iPhone vs. Android Resale Value: A Data-Driven Comparison
iPhone Battery Health: What to Check on a Used iPhone
iCloud Activation Lock: How to Avoid It on a Used iPhone
