Is an Old iPhone Still Worth Buying in 2026?

12 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

Yes, an old iPhone can still be a smart buy in 2026, but only the right one. A used iPhone 13, 14 or 15 gives you years of updates, a great camera and strong resale value for far less than a new model. Older phones like the iPhone 11 or anything before it are a different story: cheap to buy, but close to the end of their useful life.

The key things to weigh are iOS update support, battery health, PTA status and price. Here is how to decide.

How long do iPhones get iOS updates?

Apple usually supports an iPhone with major iOS updates for around six to seven years after launch, and often keeps sending security fixes for a while after that. This is longer than most Android phones get, and it is a big reason iPhones hold their value in Pakistan.

What this means in 2026:

iPhone 15 and 16 series: plenty of years of updates left.
iPhone 13 and 14 series: still well supported, with a few good years ahead.
iPhone 11 and 12 series: in the last stretch of their support. Fine for now, but expect them to drop off the list sooner.
iPhone XS, XR and older: no longer get the latest iOS. Apps will slowly stop supporting them, and banking apps are often the first to go.

Battery health matters more than the model

On an old iPhone, the battery is usually the weakest part. Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health before you buy:

85% or more: good for a full day of normal use.
80 to 84%: usable, but negotiate a little off the price.
Below 80%: budget for a replacement and make sure the price reflects it.

A replacement battery is fine, but look in Settings > General > About for a "Unknown part" or non-genuine battery message. A genuine replacement adds value; a cheap one can mean poor backup.

Older iPhones that still make sense

These rough used price ranges are a guide only. They move with the dollar rate, stock, storage, battery health and PTA status, and PTA approved units sit at the top of each range. Always compare live ads.

iPhone 13 and 13 Pro: a great all-rounder with a strong battery for its age. Roughly Rs 90,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh used. The 13 Pro adds a 120Hz screen and telephoto camera. See iPhone 13 ads, and read our iPhone 13 Pro buying guide.
iPhone 13 Pro Max: one of the best batteries Apple has made. Often around Rs 1.3 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. See ads
iPhone 14 and 14 Pro: the 14 Pro brings the Dynamic Island and a 48MP camera. Roughly Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 2.2 lakh depending on model. See iPhone 14 Pro ads
iPhone 15 and 15 Pro: USB-C charging and a longer update runway. Usually around Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2.8 lakh. See iPhone 15 ads

If your budget is higher, a used 15 Pro Max or 16 series phone gives you the longest life of all the older models.

Older iPhones to avoid

iPhone X, XS, XR and older: no longer on the latest iOS, worn batteries and weak resale. Only worth it as a very cheap backup phone.
iPhone 11: still works well for WhatsApp and social media, but updates are running out and most units need a battery. If you're tempted, read our iPhone 11 price guide first.
iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini: lovely size, but small batteries that struggle once health drops.
Any 64GB model: storage fills up fast with WhatsApp media and iOS updates.
Non-PTA older iPhones on a SIM: the tax can be close to the phone's value. See PTA vs non-PTA iPhone prices.

What to check before you pay

Every used iPhone needs the same basic checks: PTA status on 8484, iCloud signed out and Find My turned off in front of you, battery health, replaced parts and Face ID. Our complete guide to buying a second hand iPhone in Pakistan goes through each step, and you can find the IMEI with our guide on how to check your mobile IMEI number.

Old iPhone or new Android?

If your budget is under about Rs 60,000, a new or nearly new Android phone will usually beat an old iPhone on battery, screen and storage. Compare with our best mobile under 60000 picks before you decide. Above that, a used iPhone 13 or 14 is often the better long-term buy because it holds its resale value so well.

Find the right older iPhone

Browse used iPhones on VerifiedPhones and filter by PTA status and city, or check phones under Rs 60,000 to compare. Upgrading from an older iPhone? Post your phone free and put its value towards your next one.