Britta O'Boyle, a technology journalist with 15 years of experience, has evaluated the current lineup of iPhones available as of October 2026. With five models ranging in price from £699 to £2,499, selecting the right iPhone has become increasingly complex as older models remain on the market alongside the latest offerings. The current lineup includes the iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with a folding option, the iPhone Duo, expected to be released in mid-October for £3,199.
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O'Boyle identified the Apple iPhone 17 as the best overall option, praised for its combination of features and price. At £799, it offers advanced specifications similar to the iPhone 18 Pro, including a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While it lacks the optical zoom of the Pro model, it features a dual 48-megapixel camera setup capable of capturing high-quality images in varied lighting conditions.
The Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are highlighted as best value options, providing solid performance and good battery life despite being a generation behind. Their displays operate at a 60Hz refresh rate, which is less smooth than newer models, yet they remain competitive options in the market.
For those prioritizing photography, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are recognized for their exceptional camera capabilities, featuring advanced photography technology such as an enhanced variable aperture and 8x optical zoom. Despite their higher price points, they are regarded as leaders in performance and camera quality.
The iPhone Air stands out for its sleek design and lightweight build at just 5.6mm thick, incorporating a vibrant display. However, it offers only a single rear camera, which some might find limiting.
Finally, the iPhone 17e is noted as the best budget option, with a compact design, good performance, and a capable camera, making it a suitable entry point into the Apple ecosystem. Priced at about £700 less than the iPhone 17, it promises great value for users looking to upgrade from older models or those new to the iPhone lineup.