The next iPhones have not been officially released yet, but one question is already coming up: will Apple’s next model cost even more?
Between rising component costs, new artificial intelligence features, storage, displays, cameras, and 24-month device financing plans, buying a brand-new iPhone can quickly become expensive. For many consumers, the real deal in 2026 could be elsewhere: choosing a refurbished iPhone and pairing it with a cheaper BYOD mobile plan.
Before financing the latest iPhone as soon as it launches, it is worth asking a simple question: do you really need the newest model, or do you mostly need a reliable phone and a plan that does not stretch your budget?
Why the next iPhones could cost more
Apple has not confirmed the prices of its next models, but several signs point to rising pressure across the industry. High-end smartphones now include increasingly expensive components: more powerful chips, more memory, faster storage, more advanced displays, and new AI-related features.
Even if the base price of a future iPhone remains stable, versions with more storage, Pro models, or devices financed through certain mobile plans could still represent a major expense.
The sticker price is only part of the story. Over two years, you also need to consider the cost of the mobile plan, monthly device payments, taxes, and any added options.
That is exactly where refurbished devices become interesting.
Refurbished no longer means an old phone forgotten in a drawer
For a long time, buying a refurbished phone could feel like a risky compromise. Today, that is not necessarily the case. A recent refurbished iPhone can still deliver excellent performance for most everyday uses.
A refurbished iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16 can still be a strong option for:
- calls, texts, and FaceTime;
- social media;
- everyday photos and videos;
- Apple Pay;
- work or school apps;
- GPS;
- streaming;
- web browsing;
- 4G LTE or 5G plans, depending on the model.
For many users, the difference between a recent refurbished iPhone and the very latest iPhone will be less noticeable than the difference on the monthly bill.
See our refurbished iPhone shop.
The real calculation: new iPhone or refurbished iPhone with a BYOD plan?
When you buy a new iPhone through a mobile provider, the price is often split into monthly payments. That can be convenient, but it can also make the phone feel cheaper than it really is.
A device payment of $20, $30, or $40 per month may seem reasonable. But over 24 months, that quickly adds up to several hundred dollars, before even counting the mobile plan itself.
With a refurbished iPhone purchased separately, you can often choose a BYOD plan, which means you bring your own phone. These plans are often more flexible and can cost less than plans tied to a financed new device.
The best mobile plan is not always the one that comes with the newest phone. Sometimes, the best plan is the one that lets you avoid financing a phone altogether.
Who is a refurbished iPhone a good idea for?
Refurbished can be an excellent choice for several types of users.
For students, every dollar matters. A recent refurbished iPhone with a BYOD plan can help them keep a good phone without turning their mobile bill into a tiny digital rent payment.
For parents, it can also be a more reasonable option for a first phone or to replace a broken device, especially if the main goal is to stay reachable, use essential apps, and have a good camera.
Refurbished iPhones are also a good fit for users who want to stay in Apple’s ecosystem without paying for the latest model. If you like iOS, iMessage, FaceTime, AirDrop, and Apple Pay, you do not necessarily need the newest iPhone to enjoy them.
Finally, it is a logical option for anyone trying to lower their monthly bill. If saving money is your priority, the refurbished iPhone + BYOD plan combination is clearly worth comparing.
See our article: Best refurbished iPhone.
What to check before buying a refurbished iPhone
The real question is not only “new or refurbished?” It is: “which phone actually fits my usage and my total budget?”
Before choosing a refurbished iPhone, take the time to check a few important details.
Start with the battery condition. It is one of the most important points on a refurbished phone. Check whether the battery has been replaced, whether a minimum capacity is guaranteed, or whether the seller clearly states its condition.
Also check the warranty and return policy. A good refurbished phone should come with a clear warranty, especially if you are buying online.
Make sure you are choosing the right model. An iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are not the same device. Storage, size, camera quality, and certain features can vary.
Finally, make sure the phone is unlocked and compatible with the mobile provider you want to use.
Refurbished + BYOD plan: the combination to watch
One of the biggest advantages of buying a refurbished iPhone is that it gives you more freedom to shop for your mobile plan. You can compare BYOD plans available in your province based on your data needs and your budget.
For light use, a plan with less data may be enough if you are often on Wi-Fi. For heavier use, you can look for a plan with 25GB, 50GB, or even 100GB of data. The key is not to pay for a brand-new phone and an expensive plan if your needs do not justify it.
On PlanHub.ca, you can compare mobile plans available in your area and see which options are best when you bring your own phone.
Should you wait for the next iPhone release?
If your current phone still works properly, waiting can be a smart strategy. The release of a new iPhone can sometimes affect the prices of previous models, refurbished devices, and carrier offers.
But if your phone is already too slow, the battery no longer lasts, or you are paying too much for a plan with an older device, it may be worth comparing your options now.
The best time to save money is not always the day a new model launches. It is often the moment when you take the time to compare the total cost.
FAQ
Is a refurbished iPhone the same as a used iPhone?
Not exactly. A used iPhone is usually sold as-is. A refurbished iPhone has normally been checked, cleaned, tested, and restored before being sold. However, quality depends on the seller and the warranty offered.
Does a refurbished iPhone work with all mobile plans?
If it is unlocked and compatible with Canadian networks, it should work with several providers. You should still check compatibility before buying.
Is refurbished a good option for students?
Yes, especially if the goal is to reduce the total cost. A refurbished iPhone paired with a BYOD plan can be an excellent combination for a student who wants to stay connected without paying the price of a brand-new phone.
Is it better to buy a new or refurbished iPhone?
It depends on your usage. If you want the latest features, the best camera, or the newest model, buying new can make sense. If you mainly want a reliable iPhone at a better price, refurbished is worth comparing.
