iPhone 15 Prices in the United Kingdom: Current Costs, Buying Guide & FAQs
Price: £569-759
Apple iPhone 15 (256 GB)
The iPhone 15 lineup (standard, Plus, Pro and Pro Max) launched in September 2023 and has been discontinued by Apple as newer models (iPhone 16/17/18 series) took over. It remains a strong value option in 2026 thanks to its A16 Bionic chip (or A17 Pro on Pro models), 48MP camera system, Dynamic Island, USB-C charging, and solid software support. New sealed units are limited mostly to third-party retailers, while Apple’s official Certified Refurbished store and many independent refurbishers offer the best value.
Current Prices in the UK
Apple Official (Certified Refurbished – SIM-free, unlocked)
These come with a new battery, outer shell, USB-C cable and Apple’s standard one-year warranty (extendable via AppleCare). Prices as of mid-October 2026:
| Model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 | £569 | £659 | £829 | Colours: Black, Pink, Blue, Green, Yellow |
| iPhone 15 Plus | £659 | £739 | £909 | Larger 6.7-inch display |
| iPhone 15 Pro | £679 | £759 | Higher | Titanium finishes (Black, White, Natural, Blue) |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | From ~£849+ | Higher | Higher | 1TB options also available |
Apple no longer sells brand-new iPhone 15 models directly.
Third-party new / SIM-free (sealed or near-new)
Expect £598–£700 for a 128GB iPhone 15 from retailers such as John Lewis, Argos, Carphone Warehouse or specialist phone sites. Higher storage and Pro models cost more. Availability fluctuates.
Refurbished / used (third-party)
- Good-to-excellent condition: typically £300–£500 for 128GB iPhone 15 (Back Market, Reebelo, eBay, MusicMagpie, etc.).
- Pro models start around £400–£500 for 128GB in fair-to-excellent condition.
Always check seller ratings, battery health (ideally 85%+), grade (Fair/Good/Excellent), and return policy.
Contract deals (pay monthly)
Contracts remain popular. As you can find:
- From around £15–£25/month + £0–£140 upfront for 24-month deals on 128GB models (often refurbished or new stock from networks/MVNOs such as iD Mobile, giffgaff, Three, Vodafone, O2).
- Higher data allowances (100GB–unlimited) push monthly costs up.
- Total cost of ownership over 24 months is frequently higher than buying SIM-free + a cheap SIM-only plan.
Original launch prices (for reference)
- iPhone 15: £799 (128GB) / £899 (256GB) / £1,099 (512GB)
- iPhone 15 Pro: from £999
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: from £1,199
Prices have fallen substantially since launch.
Buying Guide: How to Get the Best Deal
- Decide on condition
- Apple Certified Refurbished — Closest to new, best warranty and quality control. Recommended for most buyers.
- Third-party refurbished — Biggest savings; stick to reputable platforms with good returns and battery guarantees.
- Brand-new sealed — Premium for peace of mind if you find stock.
- Used (private/eBay) — Lowest prices but highest risk; insist on battery health screenshots and buyer protection.
- Storage & model choice
- 128GB is fine for most users (photos/videos go to iCloud or optimised storage).
- Step up to 256GB if you shoot a lot of 4K video or keep many apps offline.
- Pro models add titanium build, 120Hz ProMotion display, better cameras (including telephoto) and Action button. Worth it if you prioritise photography/video or longevity.
- SIM-free vs contract
- SIM-free + cheap SIM-only usually works out cheapest over 24 months (e.g., pair a £350–£570 handset with a £5–£15/month SIM).
- Contracts spread the cost and sometimes include extras, but watch for annual price rises (common in UK deals) and total payable.
- Where to buy
- Apple Store (refurbished) — best official option.
- Comparison sites: MoneySavingExpert, Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, Smartphone Checker.
- Retailers: John Lewis, Currys, Argos, Carphone Warehouse, Amazon (check seller carefully).
- Refurb specialists: Back Market, Reebelo, MusicMagpie.
- Check coverage with Ofcom’s checker before locking into a network.
- Extra savings tips
- Trade in an old phone (Apple or third-party).
- Look for student/education or employee purchase discounts if eligible.
- Timing: prices often drop further after major iPhone launches.
- Finance: Apple’s Flexible Finance or 0% interest options at some retailers.
Key Specs Snapshot (iPhone 15 / 15 Plus)
- Display: 6.1-inch / 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED
- Chip: A16 Bionic
- Camera: 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide (2x optical zoom quality)
- Battery: All-day use (Plus lasts longer)
- Ports: USB-C
- Colours: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink
- Water resistance: IP68
Pro models upgrade to A17 Pro, titanium frame, ProMotion 120Hz, triple-camera system and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 15 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes for most people. It remains fast, has excellent cameras for its age, receives ongoing iOS updates, and is significantly cheaper than current flagships. It lacks the newest Apple Intelligence features available on more recent Pro models, but everyday performance is still excellent.
Should I buy new, refurbished or used?
Apple Certified Refurbished is the sweet spot for most buyers (quality + warranty). Third-party excellent-grade refurbished offers bigger savings if you buy from a trusted seller.
What’s the cheapest way to get one?
Refurbished 128GB model (£300–£450 range) + a low-cost SIM-only plan. Contracts can look cheap monthly but often cost more overall.
How long will it get software updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 6–8+ years of major iOS updates. The iPhone 15 should remain supported well into the late 2020s / early 2030s.
Can I use any network SIM?
Yes — Apple and most reputable refurbished units are unlocked/SIM-free and work with any UK network (physical SIM + eSIM).
What about battery life and health?
Apple refurbished units ship with new batteries. On third-party units, check the battery health percentage (Settings > Battery > Battery Health) and aim for 85% or higher.
Are there any known issues?
Early units had some overheating reports that were largely resolved via software. Overall reliability is high.
Where can I check live deals right now?
Apple’s refurbished store, MoneySavingExpert’s mobile finder, Uswitch, and retailer sites. Prices and stock change frequently.
The iPhone 15 remains one of the better-value iPhones you can buy in the UK in 2026, especially if you prioritise proven performance and camera quality over the absolute latest features. Shop around, prioritise warranty and battery health, and consider the total cost (handset + ongoing SIM) rather than just the monthly figure.