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Apple didn't make the first smartphone, but the original iPhone changed the world. Today there are multiple models to choose from in Australia, so choosing the best iPhone for you can be a challenge.
According to data from Telsyte, iOS powered smartphones made up 44 percent of Australian phones sold in the first half of 2024. That is a remarkable market share for a single company that makes not only the software, but the hardware for these devices as well.
Each year, Apple tends to announce a new family of iPhones in September. But with previous models still available to buy, plus the more budget friendly "e" series launching mid-cycle, choosing the best iPhone for your needs isn't as straightforward as buying the newest model.
These are the best Apple iPhones I've tested:
Overall: Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Shock! Horror! The best iPhone to buy in 2026 is the flagship model!
In all seriousness, though, this phone is exceptional. While Apple has made some serious upgrades to the iPhone 17, getting it to the point that it is clearly better value for money, the inclusion of a third camera lens, and more processing power makes this difficult to fault.
Because of its premium price tag, it's probably not suited to everyone. If you are budgeting, the iPhone 17 will give you 90% of the performance at 70% of the price.
But what I love about the 17 Pro isn't its affordability. It's the raw power.
From a camera perspective, that comes with the third lens, and the fact that all three lenses are 48MP monsters. It guves you a full gamut of shooting options, from gorgeous portraits to stunning landscapes, and even nice macro shots.
For professional users, you can shoot in pro-grade codecs for shooting 4K video. For those who just like playing games, pair it with a gaming controller like the BackBone Pro and you can enjoy games like Red Dead Redemption wherever you are.
Nick Broughall
For most people: Apple iPhone 17
For most people, this is the iPhone to buy right now. I hinted at it above, but for 70% of the price of the iPhone 17 Pro, you get 90% of the performance.
Given how good Apple Silicon is, that's saying something.
The biggest sacrifice here is the telephoto camera lens. The main Fusion lens will still give you a 2X zoom at 24MP, but if you like shooting from far away, the Pro's additional camera is a nice inclusion.
But if you tend to take regular portraits or landscapes, the the iPhone 17's camera is perfectly good.
The phone itself has the same display as the Pro, and a lot of the same features, thanks to iOS 26. For the first time on standard iPhone, that includes a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate.
My biggest disappointment with this generation of standard iPhone is the removal of the iconic pink colour that launched with the iPhone 16. It was a gorgeous statement device, and the replacement colours don't compare.
Nick Broughall
Best for bargain hunters: Apple iPhone 16
The 2024 range of iPhones launched without one of the biggest marketing points: Apple Intelligence. While that may have been disappointing at launch, what it meant is that the core iPhone 16's processor has seen a significant upgrade over the iPhone 15 range.
In benchmarks, the iPhone 16 outperforms the iPhone 15 Pro from the previous generation. That's huge.
Apple has also brought the Action Button from the 15 Pro to the standard model, while introducing the new camera control button as well.
This means that despite one less camera lens and only a 60Hz display, the iPhone 16 goes toe to toe with the iPhone 16 Pro Max on performance.
Now that it has been superceded, the iPhone 17 is the choice for most people. But if you can find it at a discounted price, the iPhone 16 is still an incredible device.
Nick Broughall
For fashionistas: Apple iPhone Air
I probably wouldn't buy the iPhone Air for myself. There are a significant number of sacrifices, particularly when it comes to the camera, that Apple made in order to create a phone this thin.
But it is thin. And it looks fantastic.
Replacing the iPhone 17 Plus in the 2025 lineup of iPhones, the Air is in a class of its own for Apple fans. The 6.5-inch screen is stunning, and the device is light and feels great in the hand.
With a titanium frame and a A19 Pro chip running the show, this is a premium device, with a premium price tag. Unfortunately though, it's mostly style.
Compared to the iPhone 17, which is $400 cheaper, you walk away with a thinner device but a lesser camera and smaller battery.
The camera is the biggest loss though. For a premium device, losing the capacity to take ultra-wide landscapes and macro shots is too big of a sacrifice.
If you really love the look of the Air, you won't be too disappointed. It's still a solid phone. But for me, the extra cost for lesser features isn't worth it.
Nick Broughall
Best for refurbished: Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Apple's Pro model of its 2023 iPhone took a few big leaps over previous generations. The most obvious changes come as the USB-C port and the Action button, which replaces the silent mode switch present from the earliest iPhones.
But it's the iterative updates that really make this phone sing. The A17 Pro processor is incredible, offering massive performance, with an improved GPU that can deliver console-level graphics.
The camera is equally impressive, taking beautiful, vibrant photos. Arguably, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly better camera with its 5x zoom capability, but I think the extra bulk isn't worth the extra zoom.
Apple has officially discontinued the iPhone 15 Pro, but you can still buy it at retail, and it's available with some significant discounts if you shop refurbished.
Nick Broughall
How I chose the best iPhone in Australia
I've reviewed hundreds of phones over my career, and more than 30 since I launched BTTR. In that time I learned that review sites - including this one - are subjective by nature. Everybody has a different opinion of what is best.
So for this guide, I’ve recommended my top iPhone choices from the models I have tested. As I continue to test more mobile phones from Apple, I’ll update this guide to ensure it is regularly up to date.
Apple iPhones I've reviewed at BTTR for this guide
What to look for when choosing the best iPhone in Australia
Whether you're after the latest and greatest model or an older refurbished iPhone, the factors you need to consider when buying an iPhone are the same.
Camera requirements
While there are a lot of minor differences between the current generation of iPhone models, the biggest factor differentiating the Pro and standard lineups is the cameras.
If you want to take a lot of high-quality photos in a range of lighting situations, then you may appreciate the Pro family of iPhones. You will probably get better photos, and that could be worth the premium price you pay.
Screen size
Decide how big you want your screen to be when choosing your next iPhone. Apple has regular and large sized models in both its standard and Pro range of phones.
This gives you the flexibility of a device that sits in one hand reasonably well, or a device that mostly requires two hands to use.
If you want a smaller device, then you will need to look at options like the iPhone 13 Mini or the iPhone SE, both of which are quite dated now.
Performance
With the iPhone 16 family of phones, Apple improved the processor across both its core and Pro lineups to support Apple Intelligence.
The result is that while the A18 Pro chip in the iPhone 16 Pro models is better across the board, there's not that big of a difference – at least in benchmark terms – between the two chips.
For the iPhone 16 family, the Pro series is best if you need the phone to do things like edit video or record professional video and audio.
Also, make sure that you get the best mobile plan for your new iPhone. Not all plans take advantage of the most recent iPhones' 5G capabilities, for example.
Features
Apple has started differentiating its Pro models in the past few years with exclusive features. In 2022, only the Pro models offered the Dynamic Island, though that feature is now available on the standard since the iPhone 15.
In 2023, the iPhone 15 Pro models boast the customisable Action button. The Action button arrived on all the iPhone 16 phones, as did the new camera shutter button.
As of 2023, all new iPhones also come with USB-C charging instead of Lightning.
If you want any particular feature or connection type, limit your search to devices that have it.
Price
As with anything, price is a key component. All Apple iPhones have a premium price tag attached, but you get a lot of quality for your investment.
But understand which phone sits within your budget to help you make your decision.
Current iPhone deals
