Which refurbished iPhone should you buy in 2026?

Short answer: for most people, a refurbished iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 is the smart buy: both run iOS 27 and cost a fraction of their launch price. Pick an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 if you want Apple Intelligence, and iPhone 15 or newer for USB-C. Every price below comes from Back Market's official feed and updates every day.

Refurbished isn't the compromise it used to be. Every model in our table runs Apple's latest software, comes with at least a 12-month warranty from Back Market, and is tested before it ships. Across the refurbished iPhones in today's feed, the typical (median) price is 62% below the RRP listed in the feed. That's money you can put towards a good case, a SIM-only plan or simply keep.

Our picks by budget

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Every refurbished iPhone compared

Prices from Back Market's official product feed, checked 3 Nov 2026, 06:18 GMT. Prices change often: the price on Back Market's site is the one you pay.

How to choose in four questions

1. How long will you keep it?

Software support is the big one. According to Apple, iOS 27 runs on every iPhone from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) onwards. Apple's UK security statements for recent models (we checked iPhone 15 and iPhone 16) commit to security updates for a minimum of five years from when the model was first supplied. As a rule of thumb, the newer the model, the longer you can expect updates: if you keep phones for three years or more, aim for an iPhone 13 or newer.

2. Do you want Apple Intelligence?

Apple's list is short: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Air and every iPhone 16 and 17 model. If you're not fussed about AI writing tools and image features, an iPhone 13 or 14 does everything else beautifully for much less.

3. Lightning or USB-C?

iPhone 15 and later use USB-C, the same cable as most laptops, iPads and Android phones. Older models use Lightning. It's a small thing, but one cable for everything is lovely.

4. Which size and camera?

Most standard and Pro models have a 6.1 to 6.3-inch screen; Plus and Pro Max models are 6.7 inches or bigger; the iPhone SE is a compact 4.7 inches. Pro models add a telephoto lens. If photos matter most, an older Pro can be a better buy than a newer standard model at the same price.

How much storage?

128GB suits most people who use iCloud or Google Photos. Choose 256GB if you shoot lots of video or keep music and films offline. Storage can't be upgraded later, so it's worth getting it right, and the step up from 128GB to 256GB is often small on refurbished models.

Before you buy: three quick checks

• Battery: check the seller's battery minimum (Back Market promises at least 80% of the original capacity). Once it arrives, see Settings › Battery › Battery Health. Apple: iPhone battery and performance explains what the numbers mean.
• Unlocked: all the phones in our table are listed as unlocked, so they work with any UK network. Pop your SIM in and make a call on day one.
• Warranty and returns: Back Market gives a 12-month warranty and 30 days to change your mind. Read the full comparison in our refurbished buying guide.

Pair it with a SIM-only plan

A refurbished iPhone plus a SIM-only plan is usually far less than a new phone on contract over two years. Find a plan on our SIM-only comparison, check plans that won't rise mid-contract, and see our eSIM plans (every iPhone in our table supports eSIM).

Why it feels good, too: according to France's environment agency ADEME, a refurbished smartphone has a far lower annual climate impact than a new one. Read Why buy new when it works? for the sourced numbers.

Sources

• Apple: how to download iOS 27 (compatible models)
• Apple: how to get Apple Intelligence
• Apple: identify your iPhone model
• Apple: UK product security (PSTI) statements
• Apple: iPhone battery and performance
• Prices: Back Market UK product feed via Awin, checked 3 Nov 2026, 06:18 GMT.

Questions

Which refurbished iPhone is best value in 2026?

For most people, an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 is the sweet spot: both run iOS 27 and refurbished prices are a fraction of their launch price. If you want Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 15 Pro is the oldest model that supports it; if you want USB-C, go for iPhone 15 or newer.

Will a refurbished iPhone get iOS updates?

Every iPhone from the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (2nd generation) onwards can run iOS 27, according to Apple. Apple's UK product security statements for recent iPhones give a minimum of five years of security updates from the date the model was first supplied.

Which refurbished iPhones support Apple Intelligence?

According to Apple, Apple Intelligence needs an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone Air or any iPhone 16 or 17 model. The standard iPhone 15 and 15 Plus don't support it.

How much battery health should a refurbished iPhone have?

The big UK refurbished sellers promise at least 80% of the original battery capacity, and some premium grades promise more. Our refurbished buying guide compares the battery minimums, warranties and returns.

Is an older refurbished iPhone like the iPhone 11 still worth it?

It can be, if you want a working iPhone for the lowest price: the iPhone 11 runs iOS 27. It's the oldest model on Apple's list, so it's likely to be the first to lose new iOS versions. If you plan to keep the phone for several years, a newer model is a safer bet.