Refurbished iPhone buying guide (US)
Short answer: iOS 27 runs on iPhone 11 and later, so a refurbished iPhone 13 or newer leaves you years of updates. US models from the iPhone 14 onward have no SIM tray, so make sure your carrier supports eSIM. Buy unlocked, check Activation Lock is off, and get a 1-year warranty.
No prices yet, on purpose. We only publish a price when it comes from a retailer's own data on the day we check it, and our US retailer feeds aren't connected yet. Until they are, these pages are free buying advice with no shop links and nothing for sale.
Which iPhones still get updates?
Apple released iOS 27 on September 14, 2026. It supports these iPhones (Apple):
| Gets iOS 27 | Models |
|---|---|
| Yes | iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 families (including mini, Plus, Pro and Pro Max), iPhone 16e, 17e, iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, iPhone Duo, and iPhone SE (2nd generation and later) |
| No | iPhone XS, XR and older |
The iPhone 11 family and the iPhone SE (2nd generation) are the oldest models on the list, so they are the most likely to be dropped next. Apple Intelligence features in iOS 27 need an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max or any iPhone 16 or later (Apple).
SIM tray or eSIM only?
| iPhone | Bought in the US | Bought elsewhere (e.g. UK) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14, 15, 16 and 17 families, 16e, 17e, 18 Pro | eSIM only (no SIM tray) | Most have a nano-SIM tray plus eSIM |
| iPhone Air, iPhone Duo | eSIM only | eSIM only |
| iPhone 13 and earlier, SE (2nd and 3rd gen) | nano-SIM plus eSIM | nano-SIM plus eSIM |
What this means for you: a refurbished US iPhone 14 or newer can only be activated with an eSIM, so check that your carrier or prepaid plan offers eSIM before you buy.
Five checks before you buy
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Unlocked or carrier-locked | A locked phone works only with one carrier until that carrier unlocks it. Unlocked gives you a free choice of carrier and prepaid plan. |
| Activation Lock off | If the phone is still linked to the previous owner's Apple Account you can't set it up. Apple says not to take a device that shows “iPhone Locked to Owner” (Apple). |
| Clean IMEI | Make sure the phone isn't reported lost or stolen and has no unpaid finance on it. Reputable refurbishers check this for you. |
| Battery health | Shown in Settings › Battery › Battery Health. Many US sellers' warranties exclude normal battery wear, so ask for the figure if it isn't listed. |
| Warranty and return window | Aim for at least 1 year of warranty and 30 days to return it. Use the return window to test the cameras, speakers, Face ID and charging. |
Warranty and returns at the big US refurbished sellers
| Seller | Warranty | Returns | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Certified Refurbished | Apple's standard one-year limited warranty; AppleCare can be added. Refurbished iPhones get a new battery and outer shell. | Free shipping and returns | Apple |
| Back Market (US) | 1-year limited warranty from the seller, starting on delivery. Battery wear from normal use is excluded. | 30 days from delivery, free, including change of mind | Back Market US help center, “Returns and refunds policy” (updated September 8, 2026) |
| Amazon Renewed | Amazon Renewed Guarantee. Some listings use a shorter return period plus a third-party warranty instead. | 90 days (Renewed), 365 days (Renewed Premium) | Amazon |
| Best Buy (Geek Squad Certified Refurbished) | 90-day Geek Squad limited warranty | Standard 15 days; 14 days for activatable devices such as phones, which can carry a restocking fee | Best Buy returns, Geek Squad warranty |
In the UK? See refurbished iPhone prices in pounds.
Questions
Which refurbished iPhone should I buy in the US?
For most people an iPhone 13 or newer: iOS 27 supports iPhone 11 and later, so a newer model leaves more years of updates. If you want Apple Intelligence features, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max or any iPhone 16 or later.
Do US iPhones have a SIM tray?
US models from the iPhone 14 onward have no SIM tray and can only be activated with an eSIM. iPhone 13 and earlier take a nano-SIM and an eSIM.
Will a refurbished iPhone work on any US carrier?
An unlocked iPhone can be used with any carrier that supports it, subject to the carrier's own compatibility check. A locked one works only on its original carrier until that carrier unlocks it.
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