Which iPhone should you choose in 2026?

Is iPhone Duo the right choice for you?

Announced: September 2026 • Available from October 2026

iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable iPhone and introduces an entirely new way to use iPhone. When closed, it works as a compact smartphone with an outer display. Open it and you get a large 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display designed for entertainment, productivity and multitasking. Apple says the inner display is 50% larger than the display on iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The foldable design enables several new iOS 27 experiences. Split View multitasking allows two compatible apps to be used side by side, while the phone can be positioned at different angles for watching videos, following workouts, taking FaceTime calls or recording hands-free video. The outer display can also be used normally without opening the device.

The construction combines a Grade 5 titanium frame and titanium hinge cover with Ceramic Shield protection on the front and back. iPhone Duo is also IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. The inner display uses a scratch-resistant coating and a nano-texture finish designed to reduce glare.

Performance comes from the same A20 Pro chip used in the iPhone 18 Pro generation. Apple has paired it with vapor-chamber thermal management to maintain high performance during demanding workloads, gaming and on-device AI tasks.

The 48 MP Dual Fusion camera system combines a 48 MP Fusion Main camera with a 48 MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera. The folding design also enables unique photography features such as Duo Preview, which lets the person being photographed see a live preview on the outer display. Other Duo-specific camera features include Smart Take, Kid Cue and Duo FaceTime.

The dual-battery system provides all-day battery life. Apple rates iPhone Duo for up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display or up to 44 hours using the outer display. Fast wired charging can reach approximately 50% charge in around 20 minutes.

Key features: Foldable design, 7.6-inch Super Retina XDR inner display, A20 Pro chip, Grade 5 titanium construction, 48 MP Dual Fusion camera system, Split View multitasking, dual-battery system and IP68 protection.

Notes: Significantly more expensive than a conventional iPhone and larger when unfolded. The camera system is versatile, but users who prioritise the most advanced photography and video capabilities should still consider iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max.

Why choose the iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max?

Announced: September 2026

iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are Apple's most advanced conventional smartphones for 2026. Both are powered by the new A20 Pro chip, manufactured using a 2-nanometre process and designed to deliver major improvements in performance, graphics and on-device AI.

A redesigned thermal system with a next-generation vapor chamber improves sustained performance considerably, making the new Pro models especially suitable for demanding games, video editing, photography and other intensive workloads.

The biggest upgrade is the camera system. The new 48 MP Fusion Main camera introduces a variable aperture for the first time on an iPhone. The camera can automatically adjust the aperture depending on lighting and depth of field, while Pro users can manually control aperture, shutter speed and white balance directly in the Camera app.

The camera can open the aperture as wide as ƒ/1.48 for low-light photography or narrow it down to ƒ/4 to keep more of a scene in focus. New Photographic Styles, improved computational photography and additional professional controls provide even more flexibility for both photos and video.

Apple has also redesigned the Dynamic Island, making it smaller while allowing it to display more information. It can now show up to three Live Activities at the same time.

Battery life has also improved significantly. On eSIM-only versions, Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro for up to 36 hours of video playback and the iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to 45 hours. Faster charging allows the iPhone 18 Pro to reach approximately 50% charge in around 15 minutes with a compatible wired charger.

Both models run iOS 27 and support the latest Apple Intelligence features as well as the new Siri AI. Availability of AI features depends on language and region, and the newest Siri AI features may not initially be available in Finnish.

Key features: A20 Pro chip, variable-aperture 48 MP Fusion Main camera, advanced Pro camera controls, redesigned Dynamic Island, next-generation vapor chamber, improved battery life, Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

Notes: Premium pricing. Pro Max is larger and heavier, but provides the longest battery life. Some Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features depend on language and regional availability.

What does the iPhone 17 offer?

Released: September 2025

iPhone 17 remains the best all-round choice for many users. Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display supports ProMotion up to 120 Hz, giving the standard iPhone a smooth and responsive display experience.

The A19 chip provides excellent everyday performance, gaming capabilities and support for Apple Intelligence. Its 48 MP Dual Fusion camera system offers high-quality photography without the complexity or price of the Pro models.

The 18 MP Center Stage front camera improves selfies, video calls and front-facing video, while Ceramic Shield 2 provides improved scratch resistance.

Key features: A19 chip, 6.3-inch ProMotion display, 48 MP Dual Fusion camera system, 18 MP Center Stage front camera, Ceramic Shield 2 and MagSafe.

Notes: Does not offer the advanced variable-aperture camera controls, Pro camera system or A20 Pro performance of iPhone 18 Pro.

Is the iPhone Air the right choice for you?

Released: September 2025

iPhone Air is designed for users who value a particularly thin and lightweight smartphone without giving up high-end performance. Its polished titanium frame and exceptionally slim construction make it one of the most distinctive models in Apple's lineup.

The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display supports ProMotion up to 120 Hz, while the powerful A19 Pro chip provides flagship-level performance.

The 48 MP Fusion Main camera combines several focal lengths into a compact single-camera design. The 18 MP Center Stage front camera also improves selfies, video calls and video recording.

Key features: Extremely thin and lightweight design, titanium frame, 6.5-inch ProMotion display, A19 Pro chip, 48 MP Fusion Main camera and Ceramic Shield 2.

Notes: The thin design means fewer rear-camera options than the Pro models. iPhone Air also uses eSIM instead of a physical SIM card.

How does the iPhone 17e differ from other models?

Released: March 2026

iPhone 17e brings the performance of the iPhone 17 generation to a more affordable price point. The A19 chip provides fast everyday performance and support for Apple Intelligence while keeping the phone positioned below the standard iPhone 17.

The Super Retina XDR display delivers excellent image quality, while the 48 MP Fusion camera provides detailed photos and useful optical-quality zoom options from a simplified camera system.

Unlike the previous iPhone 16e, iPhone 17e also supports MagSafe, making it compatible with Apple's magnetic chargers and accessories.

Key features: A19 chip, Apple Intelligence, 48 MP Fusion camera, MagSafe support and strong price-performance ratio.

Notes: 60 Hz display and a simpler camera system than iPhone 17.

Is the iPhone 16e still a good buy?

Released: February 2025

iPhone 16e remains one of the most affordable ways to get a modern iPhone with Apple Intelligence support. Its A18 chip still provides strong everyday performance and should remain suitable for normal use for years to come.

The 48 MP Fusion camera works as a versatile two-in-one camera system, while the Super Retina XDR OLED display provides excellent contrast and image quality.

iPhone 16e also includes important safety features such as Crash Detection and satellite connectivity where supported.

Key features: Affordable price, A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, 48 MP Fusion camera, OLED display and USB-C.

Notes: No MagSafe and no ProMotion display. Older processor and simpler camera system than the newer models.

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max

Released: September 2025

iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max remain powerful professional smartphones. Their A19 Pro chip, vapor-chamber cooling and 48 MP Pro Fusion camera system provide excellent performance for photography, video, gaming and demanding applications.

Both models feature Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion, an 18 MP Center Stage front camera and advanced telephoto capabilities. The iPhone 17 Pro Max also offers a larger 6.9-inch display and longer battery life.

Key features: A19 Pro chip, 48 MP Pro Fusion camera system, ProMotion display, vapor-chamber cooling and advanced telephoto camera.

Notes: Replaced by iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which introduce A20 Pro, variable aperture, more advanced Pro camera controls and improved battery life.