Apple cut the U.S. starting price of the iPhone 15 from $799 to $699 when it introduced the iPhone 16 on September 9, 2024. That made the iPhone 15 the lower-priced standard iPhone, while the iPhone 16 occupied the new $799 tier. The arrangement was temporary: Apple’s $599 iPhone 16e took the lower-price role on February 28, 2025, and Apple removed the iPhone 15 from its direct lineup after announcing the iPhone 17 on September 9, 2025.
What changed after the iPhone 16 launch?
The iPhone 15 was not transformed into a budget design. Apple simply kept the previous-generation standard model on sale at a lower price, a familiar way to create two price tiers without removing a mainstream option.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $410.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $308.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $410.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $404.41 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $438.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Date | Apple lineup event | What it meant for the entry point |
|---|---|---|
| September 22, 2023 | iPhone 15 goes on sale at $799 | Current standard-generation starting model |
| September 9, 2024 | iPhone 16 announced; iPhone 15 reduced to $699 | iPhone 15 becomes the cheaper standard iPhone |
| February 19, 2025 | iPhone 16e announced | Apple introduces a $599 lower-priced model |
| February 28, 2025 | iPhone 16e becomes available | iPhone 15 is no longer the cheapest new iPhone |
| September 9, 2025 | iPhone 17 announced; iPhone 15 removed from Apple’s direct lineup | Remaining iPhone 15 stock moves to other sellers |
| August 18, 2026 | Apple’s U.S. store lists iPhone 17e from $599 and iPhone 16 from $699 | iPhone 15 is not part of Apple’s current new-phone range |
Apple’s reported price change and discontinuation are documented by MacRumors. Current U.S. availability and prices should be checked on Apple’s buy-iPhone page.
Was the iPhone 15 actually Apple’s cheapest iPhone?
Only with a precise date and definition. From September 9, 2024 through February 27, 2025, it was Apple’s cheapest new standard iPhone at $699. The iPhone SE (third generation) was cheaper during part of that period, but it belonged to a different product role, with a small LCD display, Home button and older design.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
From February 28, 2025, the iPhone 16e became the least-expensive new iPhone at $599. After September 9, 2025, Apple no longer sold the iPhone 15 directly. As of August 18, 2026, Apple lists the iPhone 17e from $599 and the iPhone 16 from $699; the iPhone 15 may still appear as leftover, refurbished or used inventory.
Why the $699 iPhone 15 was still attractive
The discounted phone retained most of the features buyers associated with a modern mainstream iPhone. Apple’s specifications list a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, Dynamic Island, A16 Bionic, USB-C, IP68 water and dust resistance, and 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities (Apple technical specifications).
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Display: a 6.1-inch OLED panel rather than the older SE-style LCD and Home-button design.
- Cameras: a 48MP main camera, 12MP Ultra Wide camera and a 2x telephoto option produced from the main sensor.
- Connectivity: USB-C, which simplified charging alongside newer iPads, Macs and accessories.
- Design: Dynamic Island and an all-screen front made it look like a current-generation phone.
- Storage: three capacities gave buyers more choice than a deliberately constrained entry model.
That is why “lower-priced” was more accurate than “low-end.” The iPhone 15 was a discounted previous-generation flagship-style phone, not an inexpensive phone built around an old compact chassis.
iPhone 15 versus iPhone 16: the practical trade-off
The iPhone 16 was $100 more at Apple’s list price when both occupied the lineup. The right choice depended on whether the newer platform and longer likely feature runway justified that difference after promotions.
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- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
| Consideration | iPhone 15 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Position in 2024 lineup | Previous-generation standard model at $699 | New standard model at $799 |
| Processor generation | A16 Bionic | Newer generation platform |
| Apple Intelligence | Not positioned as an Apple Intelligence device | Designed for Apple Intelligence features |
| Camera layout | 48MP main plus 12MP Ultra Wide; 2x option from the main sensor | Newer-generation camera and control features; see Apple’s comparison |
| Value case | More conventional flagship features for less money | Newer hardware and feature compatibility |
Apple’s model comparison is available at apple.com/iphone/compare. Carrier trade-in credits can reverse the apparent $100 difference, so compare the total installment cost, required plan, trade-in value and whether the phone is locked—not just Apple’s list prices.
Apple Intelligence changes the definition of “budget”
The iPhone 15’s A16 Bionic platform does not make it an Apple Intelligence model. That does not prevent ordinary iOS updates by itself, but hardware-dependent Apple Intelligence features are a separate question. Buyers should not treat general iOS compatibility as proof that every new feature will run on the iPhone 15.
Rank #4
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Apple changed its affordable-phone strategy with the iPhone 16e. The $599 model used a newer, AI-capable platform and a 6.1-inch display, but it was not a feature-for-feature replacement for the iPhone 15. Its lower price came with deliberate compromises, including a less versatile camera setup than the iPhone 15’s main-plus-Ultra-Wide arrangement. The Associated Press described its $599 launch and February 28, 2025 availability in its launch report.
iPhone 15 versus iPhone 16e
| Buyer priority | More suitable direction | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest new-iPhone price during 2025 | iPhone 16e | Started at $599 |
| Apple Intelligence access | iPhone 16e | Built around newer AI-capable hardware |
| Ultra Wide photography | iPhone 15 | Includes a dedicated 12MP Ultra Wide camera |
| Dynamic Island and USB-C at a reduced standard-model price | iPhone 15 | Combines those features with the conventional dual-camera layout |
| Newer processor for a long ownership period | iPhone 16e | Newer platform may offer a longer feature runway, although Apple does not promise a fixed number of update years |
Why Apple discontinued the iPhone 15
Apple generally removes older standard models from its direct store when a new major generation arrives. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus left Apple’s direct lineup after the iPhone 17 announcement on September 9, 2025 (MacRumors).
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Discontinued by Apple does not mean unavailable or unsupported immediately. New remaining stock can persist at carriers and authorized retailers, while Apple-certified refurbished, retailer-refurbished and used devices may remain available for longer. Availability, storage, battery condition and warranty vary.
Checks for a remaining or refurbished iPhone 15
- Confirm whether it is new, Apple-certified refurbished, retailer-refurbished or used.
- Check battery health, activation-lock status and parts-and-service history.
- Verify that the device is unlocked or compatible with your carrier.
- Read the return window and warranty terms.
- Compare its total price with a current iPhone 17e or iPhone 16, not with the old $699 list price.
Who should still consider an iPhone 15?
It made sense when
- You wanted the lowest-priced standard-size OLED iPhone.
- You valued an Ultra Wide camera, Dynamic Island and USB-C.
- Apple Intelligence was not important to you.
- A carrier or retailer discount made it substantially cheaper than newer models.
It was a poor fit when
- The iPhone 16 or a newer model cost only slightly more after credits.
- You planned to keep the phone for many years and prioritized the newest platform.
- The available unit had uncertain battery health, a short warranty or a carrier lock.
- You specifically wanted Apple Intelligence features.
What buyers should choose now
For the lowest-priced new iPhone sold directly by Apple, start with the iPhone 17e at $599. For a current standard model, the iPhone 16 starts at $699 in Apple’s U.S. store (Apple). A certified-refurbished iPhone 15 can still be sensible if its price, warranty, battery and camera advantages beat those alternatives; inventory changes frequently at Apple’s refurbished store.
Use Apple Trade In or a carrier promotion only after checking the valuation, qualifying plan, installment duration and bill-credit schedule. AppleCare+ at apple.com/applecare is most defensible for buyers keeping the phone several years or wanting accidental-damage coverage; its price depends on model, coverage and purchase date.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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