The iPhone 15 supports iOS 27, but it is not seen as especially attractive to buy new in 2026, an assessment said.

On Aug. 17, IT outlet Engadget said the iPhone 17e could be a better overall choice than the iPhone 15.

Apple releases a new iPhone every year, but hardware changes by generation are often not large. Steady operating system updates also allow older models to be used for a relatively long time. With iOS 27 due to be released and supporting the iPhone 11 and the second-generation iPhone SE, the iPhone 15 also has no major problem using the latest software for the time being.

Its baseline performance and camera are also considered adequate. Although it is two generations old, discounts continue through retailers and carriers. If the price is sufficient, it can still be considered as a purchase candidate.

The iPhone 15 also has areas where it outdoes the iPhone 17e. The iPhone 15 has a dual rear camera, while the iPhone 17e uses a single camera. If the main purpose is everyday photos or shooting for social media, the difference in camera setup may not be large enough to determine a purchase.

The key is price. The iPhone 15 can receive software support for years to come, but if a newer model such as the iPhone 17e can be bought at a similar price, there is less reason to choose the older model.

Some carriers have even shown cases where prices were reversed. At T-Mobile, the iPhone 15 was sold at a higher price than the iPhone 17e. Contrary to the common perception that an older model will be cheaper, it means a newer budget model can be more advantageous in the actual purchase price.

If planning to use a phone for a long time, the timing of the purchase should also be considered. Both products are sufficient for use now, but choosing a more recent model is advantageous for securing a longer future period of software support. If camera use is important, the iPhone 15's dual-camera setup can still be a factor in the choice.

This does not mean the iPhone 15 is no longer a usable device. But consumers buying a new product in 2026 may need to first weigh the actual purchase price gap with the iPhone 17e. If the price difference is not large and a dual camera is not essential, the assessment said the balance could tilt toward the newer iPhone 17e.