The best iPhone to buy in Australia in 2025
I've tested a bunch of iPhones and researched the rest to come up with this list of the best iPhone to buy right now.
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 additional devices like the iPhone SE released periodically, choosing the best iPhone for your needs isn't as straightforward as buying the newest model.
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.
