Apple currently sells seven iPhone models ranging from $599 to $1,199, but the right choice depends almost entirely on budget and how long a buyer expects to keep the device.
The iPhone 17 at $799 is the recommended pick for most people, according to the report. It sits in a practical middle ground — capable enough to satisfy the majority of users without demanding the premium attached to the Pro lineup.
Those watching spending have a new option. Apple recently released the iPhone 17e at $599, filling the budget slot in the current lineup and making this a reasonable moment to buy if an upgrade is overdue.
Where the Money Goes at Each Tier
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus — priced at $699 for both — occupy the midrange. Buyers who want more than the 17e but aren’t ready to spend flagship money land here.
At the top, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 and the iPhone 17 Pro Max reaches $1,199. The report labels these the “ultimate” option without specifying exactly what separates them from the standard 17 beyond positioning.
The iPhone Upgrade Program, which lets buyers swap to a new model annually and includes two years of AppleCare+, is described as broadly not worth it for most people. Upgrading every year is expensive, and the program makes financial sense only for a narrow group of buyers who would do so regardless.
Carrier Purchases vs. Buying Direct
Most US buyers purchase through carriers, which locks the device to that network and can complicate switching providers or using international SIM cards while traveling.
Buying directly from Apple generally produces an unlocked phone. Choosing a carrier through Apple.com still yields an unlocked device in most cases — with one exception: AT&T installment-plan purchases remain locked. For financed purchases through carriers on Apple.com, only T-Mobile and Verizon models ship unlocked. AT&T and Boost Mobile financed options are locked, equivalent to buying directly from those carriers.
Carrier promotional deals — often advertised aggressively — typically require new lines, trade-ins, or plan upgrades, with savings delivered as bill credits over time rather than upfront. The report notes these offers are less compelling than they appear.
Sellers trading in an old device before upgrading may find better returns through third-party platforms such as Swappa, Gazelle, or Back Market rather than Apple‘s own trade-in program. iPhones hold resale value well, particularly in good condition.
Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence feature suite, launched with the iPhone 16 range via iOS 18.1 and carries over to the current lineup. The report does not evaluate its usefulness beyond noting it was the most heavily promoted feature of that generation.
Photo by Pixabay
This article is a curated summary based on third-party sources. Source: Read the original article
