Choosing the best iPhone in 2026 isn’t as simple as picking the newest model. Apple’s current lineup includes premium flagships, design-focused phones with lighter builds, budget-friendly options, and last-generation models that remain highly relevant. For Australian buyers, pricing, local availability, and refurbished options often matter just as much as specifications.
If you’re unsure where to start, it’s helpful to examine how Apple’s lineup has evolved. Just a couple of years ago, the decision was far more limited, as outlined in our earlier breakdown of the best iPhones of 2025 and how to choose between them.
Here’s how the current iPhone range stacks up today, and which models are actually worth your money in Australia.
The Best iPhone for Most People in Australia
Apple iPhone 17
For most users, the iPhone 17 strikes the best balance between performance, features, and long-term value.
Apple has significantly closed the gap between its standard and Pro models, and the iPhone 17 benefits from that shift more than any previous base iPhone. It offers flagship-level performance, excellent battery life, and a high-refresh display without pushing into extreme pricing.
Key highlights
- 6.3-inch OLED display with 1–120Hz adaptive refresh
- Apple A19 chip
- 48-megapixel main camera with improved low-light performance
- Strong all-day battery life
- Full support for iOS 26 and Apple’s latest AI features
In everyday use, the iPhone 17 feels fast, fluid, and dependable. Unless you rely heavily on professional-grade camera tools, there’s little reason to spend more.
Apple Intelligence, iOS Updates, and Long-Term Support
One of the biggest factors when buying an iPhone today is software longevity. Apple’s newer models are designed to work closely with its evolving AI features, live translation tools, and system-wide intelligence updates.
Many of these capabilities were first introduced with earlier software changes, which we explored in detail in our deep dive into the next generation of iPhone software and the changes introduced with iOS 18. That foundation has carried forward into iOS 26, shaping how modern iPhones perform over time.
This long update cycle is a major reason even non-Pro models remain good value for years.
Best Premium iPhone: When You Want Everything
iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple’s Pro models still represent the top end of the lineup, but they now cater to a narrower audience.
You’ll get:
- A brighter OLED display
- A dedicated telephoto camera
- Larger battery capacity (especially on Pro Max)
- Additional video and photography tools
However, the price jump is substantial, and the advantages are most noticeable only if you regularly shoot photos or videos at a professional level.
For most users, the standard iPhone 17 delivers nearly the same experience for significantly less money.
Best Lightweight and Design-Focused iPhone
iPhone Air
The iPhone Air is Apple’s most design-driven phone in years. It’s slimmer, lighter, and easier to hold than any other iPhone in the current lineup.
Why do people like it
- Extremely lightweight build
- Large OLED display in a thin body
- Good battery efficiency despite its size
- Smooth performance thanks to the A19 chip
The trade-offs come in the form of a single rear camera and a higher price relative to its feature set. This is a phone you buy for comfort and aesthetics rather than raw value.
Best Budget iPhone You Can Still Buy New
iPhone 16E
The iPhone 16E is Apple’s most affordable new iPhone, though “budget” is relative.
It offers:
- A 6.1-inch OLED display
- Apple A18 chip
- Reliable battery life
- Clean, simple camera system
You’ll miss out on features like MagSafe and higher refresh rates, but for everyday use, it remains a solid and predictable phone.
This model is particularly appealing if you’re upgrading from an older iPhone, such as the SE or iPhone 11.
Best Previous-Generation iPhone Still Worth Buying
iPhone 16
The standard iPhone 16 remains a smart option if you can find it at the right price.
It delivers:
- Strong camera performance
- Premium build quality
- Excellent battery life
- Ongoing iOS support for years to come
At discounted prices, it can represent a better value than newer entry-level models.
Where Australians Are Buying iPhones Today
Buying directly from Apple is no longer the only sensible option. Many Australians now look beyond the Apple Store to find better value, especially on refurbished or lightly used devices.
Local buyers often turn to:
- Apple Australia (new devices at full retail pricing)
- JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman
- Major carriers such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone
- Specialist refurbished retailers offering warranty-backed devices
If you’re unsure how refurbished iPhones compare to new ones, our comprehensive guide for Australian buyers breaks down the differences clearly and explains what to look for before purchasing.
The Apple Ecosystem Advantage
For many users, buying an iPhone is also about how it fits into the wider Apple ecosystem. Features like device syncing, health tracking, and continuity across devices play a major role.
That’s especially true if you already use an Apple Watch. If you’re considering pairing a new iPhone with a smartwatch, our detailed look at Apple Watch Series 9 and its role in Apple’s ecosystem is worth reading.
Which iPhone Should You Buy?
- Buy the iPhone 17 if you want the best all-rounder with long-term value
- Buy the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max if photography or video is a priority
- Buy the iPhone Air if design and comfort matter most
- Buy the iPhone 16E if you want the most affordable new iPhone
- Buy refurbished if you want flagship performance for less money
Final Verdict
In 2026, the best iPhone isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. Apple’s lineup has matured to the point where mid-tier models deliver nearly everything most people need, while premium devices cater to increasingly specific use cases.
For most Australians, the iPhone 17 represents the smartest purchase, especially when bought through local retailers or reputable refurbished sellers. It offers longevity, performance, and polish without unnecessary extras.
If you’re upgrading this year, focus less on hype and more on how the phone fits your daily use. That’s where the real value lies.w
