Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Which Discounted iPhones To Avoid Before iPhone 18 Pro
Some older iPhones may look cheap during 2026 sales, but they may not be good bargains.
The iPhone XR, XS and XS Max cannot use iOS 26.
Even older models such as the iPhone 6s, 7 and 8 are difficult to repair.
The iPhone 11 still gets updates, but it cannot use Apple Intelligence and may need a new battery.
The base iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 also do not support Apple Intelligence.
The iPhone 12 and 13 use the older Lightning charging connection, while the iPhone 15 uses USB-C.
Apple Intelligence is available on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but not the base iPhone 15.
Before buying a discounted phone, check its battery health and make sure it is not locked to someone else’s Apple Account.
A low price is worthwhile only if the phone can remain useful for several years.
The iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 6s, 7 and 8 should be avoided because of outdated software or repair concerns.
The iPhone 11 still receives iOS updates but does not support Apple Intelligence and may need a battery replacement.
Base iPhone 12, 13 and 14 models lack Apple Intelligence, while the iPhone 12 and 13 also use Lightning ports.
The base iPhone 15 offers USB-C but does not support Apple Intelligence, unlike the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Before buying, check Apple Intelligence compatibility, battery health above 80 percent and whether the phone is removed from the previous owner’s Apple Account.
- Who
- Consumers considering discounted iPhones, with Apple’s older iPhone models discussed.
- What
- The article recommends avoiding several discounted iPhone models in 2026 because of software, artificial-intelligence, battery, connectivity and repair limitations.
- When
- The advice applies to purchases made in 2026; the article was last updated September 3, 2026.
- Where
- The cited deal is a Flipkart listing for the iPhone 15 at Rs 58,900.
- Why
- Rising memory costs, aging batteries, limited software support, lack of Apple Intelligence and declining resale values make some older models less useful.
- iPhone 15 deal
- Flipkart listed the iPhone 15 starting at Rs 58,900, with EMI options from Rs 4,909 per month.
- iOS 26 support
- The iPhone XR, XS and XS Max do not support iOS 26; the iPhone 11 and newer models listed in the article do.
- Apple Intelligence
- The iPhone 11, base iPhone 12, 13, 14 and 15 models do not support Apple Intelligence.
- Charging port
- The iPhone 12 and 13 use Lightning, while the iPhone 15 uses USB-C.
- Battery check
- Buyers are advised to look for battery health above 80 percent.
- Account check
- A discounted iPhone should be unlinked from the previous owner’s Apple Account before purchase.
- Market pressure
- The article attributes rising device costs during 2026 to higher memory prices driven by AI-computing demand.