Apple launched the iPhone 15 in September 2023 at $799. By June 2026, it is three years old, officially discontinued, and no longer sold new by Apple. Yet it is still showing up on carrier websites, second-hand platforms, and refurbished stores — and plenty of people are still asking whether it is worth buying. The honest answer: it depends entirely on what you are paying and what you are comparing it to.
What the iPhone 15 Gets Right
The iPhone 15 brought three genuinely significant upgrades over its predecessor when it launched — and those upgrades still matter in 2026:
- USB-C: The iPhone 15 was the first standard iPhone to drop Lightning in favour of USB-C, making it compatible with the cables you already use for your laptop, iPad, and Android devices.
- Dynamic Island: Previously exclusive to the Pro models, Dynamic Island came to the standard iPhone 15 for the first time. It replaces the notch with an interactive pill that shows timers, music controls, navigation, and alerts.
- 48MP main camera: A major jump from the 12MP sensor in the iPhone 14, the 48MP Fusion camera captures significantly more detail and produces excellent daylight photos. The 12MP ultrawide adds versatility for wide-angle shots.
The A16 Bionic chip — the same processor used in the iPhone 14 Pro — still handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and casual gaming smoothly in 2026. Performance has not degraded meaningfully. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display (2556×1179, up to 2,000 nits peak) remains sharp and bright. Battery life lasts a full day for moderate users, and the IP68 rating (water resistant to 6 metres for 30 minutes) remains intact years later.
What the iPhone 15 Gets Wrong
There are real limitations you need to know before buying:
- No Apple Intelligence: Apple's AI features — Writing Tools, Image Playground, Priority Notifications, AI-enhanced camera processing — require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. The standard iPhone 15 is excluded entirely. If Apple Intelligence is important to you, this is a hard disqualifier.
- 60Hz display: In a world where most smartphones — including Android mid-rangers — offer 90Hz or 120Hz screens, the iPhone 15's 60Hz panel feels noticeably dated during scrolling and animations.
- Only 6GB RAM: While enough for most tasks, the iPhone 17e ships with 8GB of RAM at a similar price, which gives better longevity for future iOS versions.
- No Action Button: The programmable Action Button, introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and now standard on the iPhone 17, is absent here.
- Discontinued: Apple no longer sells it. If something goes wrong outside warranty, finding genuine Apple support is harder.
How Much Does It Cost in 2026?
Pricing varies by condition and source:
- New from carriers (US): Approximately $629 — but this is poor value given the iPhone 17e starts at $599 with a newer chip and Apple Intelligence support.
- Refurbished (US): $320–$580 depending on storage and condition. At $320–$400, it becomes a genuinely practical buy.
- Refurbished (UK): From approximately £399 in good condition.
Software Support: How Long Is Left?
Apple typically supports iPhones for six to seven years from launch. The iPhone 15 launched in September 2023, which means it will likely receive iOS updates until approximately 2029–2030. It currently runs iOS 26 and has several more years of updates ahead — a meaningful differentiator over similarly priced Android devices.
Should You Buy the iPhone 15 in 2026?
Here is the honest breakdown:
- Buy it if: You find a refurbished unit for under $400, you are upgrading from an iPhone 11, 12, or XR, you do not care about Apple Intelligence, and you want a reliable, familiar iPhone experience at a low price.
- Skip it if: You are buying new — the iPhone 17e at $599 is a better phone in almost every way (newer chip, 8GB RAM, MagSafe, Apple Intelligence). Or if you are buying refurbished and can stretch to an iPhone 15 Pro for a small premium, do it — you get a 120Hz display, Apple Intelligence support, and a more capable camera system.
Bottom line: The iPhone 15 is not a bad phone. It is a capable, well-built device that will continue to receive iOS updates for several more years. But unless you are buying it refurbished at a significant discount, there are better options at the same or lower price in 2026. If someone offers you a clean refurbished iPhone 15 for $350, take it. If you are considering buying one new, look at the iPhone 17e first.
