The best iPhones in 2026: Which one should you buy?

Your ideal iPhone storage size depends on how you use your phone:

• 128GB – recommended for everyday use: calls, texts, and apps

• 256GB – better if you take lots of photos and videos, stream music or play games

• 512GB or 1TB – best for heavy users who store large amounts of content on their smartphone

Keep in mind that iPhone storage can’t be expanded after purchase. However, you can subscribe to iCloud to store photos, videos, and files online, freeing up space on your phone.

The right upgrade depends on your current phone, your priorities, and your budget. Here are some tips to point you in the right direction:

• Consider the time jump. If your current phone is more than three generations old, any new model will feel like a substantial leap. You should feel the difference in faster performance, better battery life, and an improved camera system.

• Consider your needs. If you shoot a lot of videos, game regularly, or use your phone for work, a Pro or Pro Max model will make a noticeable difference. For everyday use, the standard iPhone is the right choice.

• Don’t downgrade on storage. If you’re frequently running low, use your upgrade as an opportunity to go bigger.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to choose an iPhone that stands the test of time:

• Think about the chip. Apple supports iPhones with software updates for around five to seven years. The newer the chip, the more years of updates you have ahead of you. If longevity matters, prioritise the latest generation.

• Go Pro if you can. Pro models receive the biggest performance and camera upgrades each cycle.

• Buy more storage than you need today. Apps, photos, and videos only get bigger over time. Running out of space is one of the fastest ways to make a phone feel old.

• Choose a neutral colour. They’re versatile, suit most cases and accessories, and tend to hold their resale value better than bolder options.

• Look after your phone. A case and a screen protector can help to keep your phone safe. For suitable options, see which accessories we sell

A phone in good condition is worth significantly more when it’s time to upgrade. Find out what your current iPhone is worth on our trade-in page

Apple launches a range of iPhone models each year, aimed at different types of users. Here’s how to work out which one of the most common models is right for you:

• Standard iPhone – for the everyday user. It’s capable and great value, handling daily tasks with ease.

• iPhone Pro – worth the upgrade if you shoot a lot of photos and videos, want a sharper display, or use demanding apps. A solid choice for work and creative use.

• iPhone Pro Max – everything the Pro offers, plus a larger screen and longer battery life. Ideal if you game regularly, consume a lot of content, or simply prefer a bigger smartphone.

Yes, Apple’s smartphones are among the best for gaming, largely due to these factors:

• Performance – Apple’s A-series chip is built into every iPhone and delivers smooth, responsive gameplay, even on graphically demanding titles.

• Game library – the App Store has one of the largest and highest-quality mobile gaming libraries, including titles not available on Android.

• Apple Arcade – Apple’s gaming subscription gives you access to hundreds of ad-free, premium games for a fixed monthly price.

• Battery – gaming drains battery faster than most other tasks. If you’re a heavy gamer, Pro Max models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro Max, will make a noticeable difference due to their larger battery capacity.

Important returns information: iPhone 18 Pro Max returns are subject to specific return requirements and must be returned in store. See Vodafone Returns and Exchange Policy Effective as of 12 September 2026 (PDF) for more information. Applicable for purchases made from 12 September 2026. 

Display size: The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.27 inches (iPhone 18 Pro) or 6.86 inches (iPhone 18 Pro Max) diagonally. Actual viewable area is less. 

Claims: “3x better scratch resistance than iPhone 16 Pro”, “40% better GPU performance than iPhone 17 Pro” and “up to 3 more hours video playback than iPhone 17 Pro” – compared with previous‑generation iPhone. 

All battery claims depend on the mobile network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPhone units. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/compare for more information. 

“Faster wired charging, up to 50% in around 15 minutes with compatible adapter.” – Testing conducted by Apple in July 2026 using pre-production iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max units and software, and either USB‑C Charge Cable or Apple MagSafe Chargers (1‑metre Model A3502 and 2‑metre Model A3503), both with Apple 40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max (Model A3351). Wired fast charge supported with 60W-capable USB‑C cable and USB PD 3.1 (or better) power adapters with Adjustable Voltage Supply (AVS). Fast‑charge testing conducted with drained iPhone units. Times measured from the appearance of the Apple logo as the unit started up. Charge time varies with adapter, settings, usage and environmental factors; actual results will vary. 

Crash Detection – iPhone 14 and later can detect a serious car crash and call for help. Requires a mobile data connection, satellite connectivity or Wi‑Fi calling. 

Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported. 

Data plan required for connection to 5G networks. 5G is available in selected markets and through selected network providers. For details on 5G support, contact your carrier and see apple.com/iphone/cellular

Use of eSIM requires a wireless service plan (which may include restrictions on switching service providers and roaming, even after contract expires). Not all network providers support eSIM. Use of eSIM in iPhone may be disabled when purchased from some providers. See your provider for details. To learn more, visit apple.com/uk/esim

“Unique iOS experiences.” – Features are subject to change. Some features, applications and services may not be available in all regions or all languages. 

Display size: The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 5.36 inches (iPhone Duo outer display), 6.06 inches (iPhone 16e, iPhone 17e), 6.12 inches (iPhone  16), 6.27 inches (iPhone 17, iPhone 18 Pro), 6.55 inches (iPhone Air), 6.86 inches (iPhone 18 Pro Max) or 7.58 inches (iPhone Duo inner folding display) diagonally. Actual viewable area is less. 

“12MP Centre Stage front camera” – Action mode available on iPhone 14 models and later, excluding iPhone SE, iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e. Audio Mix available on iPhone 16 models and later. Camera Control available on iPhone 16 models and later, excluding iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e. Centre Stage front camera available on iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air. 

All battery claims depend on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage and many other factors; actual results will vary. Battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPhone units. See apple.com/uk/batteries and apple.com/uk/iphone/compare for more information. 

Crash Detection – iPhone 14 and later can detect a serious car crash and call for help. Requires a mobile data connection, satellite connectivity or Wi-Fi calling. 

Wi‑Fi 7 available in countries and regions where supported. 

Data plan required for connection to 5G networks. 5G is available in selected markets and through selected network providers. Speeds vary based on site conditions and network. For details on 5G support, contact your provider and see apple.com/uk/iphone/cellular

iPhone Duo and iPhone Air models are activated with an eSIM and do not support a physical SIM. Use of an eSIM requires a network provider that supports eSIM and a wireless service plan. See your provider for details. To learn more, visit apple.com/uk/esim

Apple Intelligence is available with Siri and device language set to Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish or Vietnamese.  Some features may not be available in all regions or languages. Some devices may not be available in all regions.

Siri AI is available in beta in iOS 27 and requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled device set to a supported language. Available in English to start. Siri AI will not be initially available in the EU on iOS. Certain Apple Intelligence features that rely on server-side models are subject to daily usage limits, including but not limited to Siri AI, Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, Image Playground, and AFM 3 Cloud models in Shortcuts. Daily limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies and other factors.

Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee in the future. Use of these features is subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms and Conditions. Learn more at apple.com/uk/apple‑intelligence