Is the iPhone 15 Still Worth Buying in 2026?
The iPhone 15 faces a tough value proposition in 2026. Despite retail availability, lack of iOS 27 AI tools and competition from the newer iPhone 17e limit its…
The iPhone 15 remains widely available at retail carriers and refurbished shops, but its value proposition has shifted dramatically. While the device still offers solid everyday performance, a split in Apple's software ecosystem and the arrival of cheaper, more powerful hardware make the base 2023 model a difficult recommendation for buyers in 2026.
According to pricing data, a pre-owned, unlocked iPhone 15 in excellent condition sells for about $540 at retailers like Best Buy. Meanwhile, the brand-new iPhone 17e retails for $600. Some carriers, including T-Mobile, are even charging slightly more for a brand-new iPhone 15 than the newer iPhone 17e. This pricing structure creates an immediate hurdle for the older device, which is now two generations old and soon-to-be three.
The AI Divide on iOS 27
Software longevity is typically a strong suit for Apple, with the company supporting devices for five to seven years. Apple confirmed at WWDC that the upcoming iOS 27 will support every model dating back to the iPhone 11. However, the update highlights a clear hardware limitation for the base iPhone 15.
Siri AI, the headline feature of the new operating system, requires an iPhone 15 Pro or newer to function. Consequently, base iPhone 15 owners will receive the OS update but will miss out on the highly anticipated AI tools.
This software exclusion could negatively impact the device's resale value. Sarah McConomy, COO of price comparison site SellCell, shared data on historical depreciation when older models lost software support. Following the launch of iOS 17, the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X saw their resale values fall by an average of 3.4% in the first three months, and 6.6% over six months.
While McConomy noted that the impact of losing system support is usually "measured rather than dramatic" because older phones have already gone through most of their depreciation, the situation for the iPhone 15 is unprecedented. No historical benchmark exists for AI-related depreciation. If consumers begin prioritizing AI-capable devices, the value gap between AI-supported and non-AI phones could widen significantly.
How the iPhone 15 Compares to the iPhone 17e
For buyers looking at the $540 to $600 price bracket, the newer iPhone 17e presents a formidable alternative. The budget-friendly model borrows several premium hardware features from the main iPhone 17 line, making it a stronger performer than the iPhone 15 in key areas.
The iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip, which features a four-core GPU. It also doubles the starting storage capacity to 256GB, compared to the 128GB starting configuration of the base iPhone 15. Additionally, the iPhone 17e features MagSafe magnetic technology and is protected by Apple's updated Ceramic Shield 2, making it highly resistant to scratches from pocket lint and easier to read under direct light.
The main advantage of the older iPhone 15 is its dual-camera system, compared to the single rear camera on the iPhone 17e. However, for users who only snap casual photos for social media, the performance gap may not be noticeable. On the front, the iPhone 15 features the pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout for Face ID and Live Activities, whereas the iPhone 17e still relies on an older, iPhone 13-style notch.
Ultimately, the iPhone 17e offers more advanced internal hardware, twice the starting storage, and a longer pathway of software updates for just $60. Unless a dual-camera setup or the Dynamic Island is a personal priority, the older iPhone 15 struggles to justify its price tag in today's market.
