What Is the Latest iPhone? iPhone 17 Series 2026 Guide

Wondering which iPhone is the newest one out right now? You’re not alone — with Apple’s expanding lineup, it’s easy to lose track. The iPhone 17 series landed in September 2025, and it includes four models: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air. This guide cuts through the clutter to tell you exactly which iPhone is the latest, what it costs in Ireland, and which older models still get updates.

Latest iPhone model: iPhone 17 series (released September 2025) ·
Current iPhone lineup: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 16, iPhone SE ·
Oldest still supported iPhone: iPhone 6s (2015) – receives iOS 15 security updates ·
iPhones unsupported from 2026: iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X ·
Best time to buy: September (post-launch) or during Black Friday

Have the iPhone 17 come out?

Yes — Apple launched the iPhone 17 series in September 2025. The lineup includes four models: the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and a new thinner model called the iPhone Air. All four are available to buy now through Apple Ireland official product page and major Irish retailers.

What models are in the iPhone 17 series?

• iPhone 17 – the standard model with 48MP camera and great battery life
• iPhone 17 Pro – adds triple-lens camera, ProMotion display, and faster chip
• iPhone 17 Pro Max – largest screen and best camera system
• iPhone Air – ultra-thin design with core iPhone experience

Apple Ireland also offers the more affordable iPhone 17e, which Switcher.ie Irish mobile deals comparison site describes as “delivering the core iPhone 17 experience at a lower price, while omitting premium features such as a dual-camera system, ProMotion display, and advanced photography tools.”

When was the iPhone 17 released?

The iPhone 17 series hit shelves in Ireland in September 2025. The exact date followed Apple’s traditional fall launch cycle, with pre-orders opening a week before in-store availability.

Which iPhones are outdated in 2026?

Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS updates for around 5 to 7 years. In 2026, three models that launched in 2017 — the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X — will lose software update support, according to Apple’s update page. That means these phones will no longer receive security patches or new iOS features.

What iPhones will no longer be supported in 2026?

The pattern: iPhones from 2017 lose support in 2026, while models from 2018 onward still receive updates.

What is the oldest iPhone that can still be updated?

As of 2026, the iPhone 6s — released way back in 2015 — still receives iOS 15 security updates from Apple. That’s an extraordinary 11 years of support for a phone that most users would have retired years ago. But it won’t get any major iOS upgrades beyond 15.

The trade-off: while the iPhone 6s works for basic tasks, it misses out on modern features like Face ID, wireless charging, and faster processors. For daily use, an iPhone 11 or later is far more practical.

How much is the iPhone 17 to buy now?

Pricing in Ireland varies by model and storage. Here’s a snapshot from Apple Ireland official product page and verified by Irish retailer sites.

How much is the iPhone 17 Pro in Ireland?

The iPhone 17 Pro starts at €1,339 on Apple Ireland for the 128 GB version. Switcher.ie Irish mobile deals comparison site shows similar pricing on Vodafone plans, with upfront costs starting around €309.99 on contract.

How much is the iPhone 17 Pro Max in Ireland?

The iPhone 17 Pro Max with 256 GB storage lists at €1,239 from Apple Ireland. The price jumps for higher storage tiers, but the base 256 GB is the entry point this year.

Back Market Ireland refurbished electronics marketplace notes that even older flagships like the iPhone 13 can be up to 70% less than brand new — a useful benchmark if €1,200+ feels steep.

What is the best iPhone to buy?

The answer depends on your budget and priorities. Here’s how the current lineup stacks up for Irish buyers in 2026.

• Best for most people: iPhone 17 – great camera, strong battery, latest design, €979
• Best for photographers: iPhone 17 Pro – triple lens, ProRAW, telephoto zoom, from €1,339
• Best for budget: iPhone SE (2022) – lowest price, but older design and single camera
• Best value refurbished: iPhone 15 (refurbed.ie Irish refurbished electronics platform calls it their best seller, often under €500)

Which iPhone should you buy in 2026?

If you want the latest features and plan to keep the phone for 4+ years, the iPhone 17 is the sweet spot. For advanced camera work, step up to the Pro. If you’re on a tighter budget, the iPhone 16 still costs €879 new or can be found refurbished for under €700 on refurbed.ie Irish refurbished electronics platform.

Is the iPhone 17 going to be different?

Compared to the iPhone 16, the iPhone 17 brings a faster chip, improved 48MP camera, and longer battery life. But the design is similar — the biggest change is the new iPhone Air model for those who prioritise thinness.

When is the best time to buy a new iPhone?

Timing your purchase can save you hundreds of euros. Here’s what the data shows.

When do iPhone prices drop?

Irish retailers typically reduce iPhone prices three times a year:

1. September – right after launch – the previous year’s model drops by about €100–150
2. Black Friday (November) – dealers like Harvey Norman and Switcher offer bundle deals and cashback
3. Post-iPhone 18 launch (September 2026) – iPhone 17 prices will drop further

Cellmigo mobile accessories and guide blog notes that in many markets, older model prices have drifted close to newer ones, so waiting often pays off.

What month is the best time to buy a new iPhone?

For the current flagship iPhone 17, the best moment is September 2026 — just after the iPhone 18 launch, when prices on the 17 series will see their first official cut. If you need a phone sooner, Black Friday 2026 is your next best bet.

Comparison: iPhone 17 vs iPhone 16 vs iPhone SE

Three iPhones, three price brackets, one choice: which one fits your needs?

The implication: the iPhone 17 costs €100 more than the iPhone 16 but brings a better camera and one extra year of iOS support. The SE is for those who prioritise price above all else.

Specifications: iPhone 17 series

Four models, four spec profiles — here’s how they differ on the essentials.

The trade-off: if you don’t need ProMotion or the telephoto lens, the standard iPhone 17 delivers 90% of the experience for 30% less.

Timeline: iPhone model support life cycle

The pattern: Apple supports iPhones for roughly 5–7 years with major updates, then another 2–3 years with security-only patches. The iPhone 6s (2015) is the outlier with 11 years of security support.

Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s not

Expert perspectives

“The iPhone 17e delivers the core iPhone 17 experience at a lower price, while omitting premium features such as a dual-camera system, ProMotion display, and advanced photography tools.”

— Switcher.ie Irish mobile deals comparison site

“A perfect-working-condition iPhone 13 can be up to 70% less than brand new.”

— Back Market Ireland refurbished electronics marketplace

“The iPhone 15 is our best seller — it’s the sweet spot between price and performance for Irish buyers.”

— refurbed.ie Irish refurbished electronics platform

For Irish buyers in 2026, the latest iPhone is the iPhone 17 series — but that doesn’t automatically make it the right choice. If you want the newest features today and plan to hold onto your phone for 4+ years, the iPhone 17 at €979 is the standout recommendation. For budget-conscious users, refurbished iPhone 15 models from refurbed or Back Market offer huge savings with modern features. And if you’re still holding an iPhone 8 or iPhone X, the decision is forced: 2026 is your last year of support. The choice for Irish shoppers is clear: buy the iPhone 17 now, or wait for September 2026 and save €150–200.

For a full breakdown of each model and its pricing, refer to our newest iPhone 17 series guide which covers the entire lineup in detail.

Frequently asked questions