iPhone 18 Pro at $1,749: Is the iPhone 15 Pro a Better Buy in 2026?
Every September brings the same question: is it absolutely necessary to buy the new iPhone?
This year, the question is particularly relevant.
Apple has just unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The new features are impressive, but so are the prices: in Canada, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,749 CAD, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,899 CAD.
With the price of electronic devices under pressure, is it really necessary to spend nearly $2,000 to enjoy a premium iPhone experience?
Not necessarily.
For many users, refurbished iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max models now offer a particularly attractive balance of performance, Pro features, and price.
The New iPhones Are Here… with Higher Prices
Apple unveiled its new Pro generation on September 9, 2026.
The iPhone 18 Pro now starts at $1,749 CAD, and the 18 Pro Max at $1,899 CAD.
To put this figure into perspective, when the 256 GB iPhone 15 Pro Max launched in Canada in 2023, its starting price was also $1,749 CAD.
In other words, the price that allowed you to buy the top-of-the-line Pro Max model three years ago now corresponds to the starting price of the new Pro model.
Of course, generations have evolved, and storage capacities are not all identical. But the overall trend is clear: buying a new iPhone Pro is still a major investment.
This is precisely where the refurbished market becomes appealing.
What About Tariffs?
Tariffs have been a major talking point for several months, particularly in Canada and the United States.
Since September 8, 2026, Canada has notably applied a 50% surcharge on smartphones considered to be of American origin.
However, an important distinction must be made: this does not mean that an iPhone sold in Canada automatically costs 50% more. Canadian duties apply based on the product's country of origin, not simply because Apple is an American brand.
Nevertheless, the context remains relevant for consumers.
Trade tariffs, component costs, supply chains, and inflation can all contribute to making the electronics market more expensive and less predictable.
For someone looking to replace their phone, the real question is therefore less:
"What is the latest iPhone?"
and more:
"Which iPhone gives me the most for my money?"
Why the iPhone 15 Pro Remains Highly Relevant in 2026
Three years after its launch, the iPhone 15 Pro has not suddenly become a slow or outdated phone.
It still has several features typically associated with a premium device.
A17 Pro Chip
Both the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max use the A17 Pro chip.
It remains powerful enough for demanding everyday tasks: multitasking, gaming, photography, video, professional apps, and modern iOS features.
It also allows both models to support Apple Intelligence, a major advantage over several older generations.
120 Hz ProMotion Display
Both devices feature a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120 Hz.
In practical terms, animations, scrolling, and navigation appear much smoother than on a standard iPhone limited to a lower refresh rate.
This is one of the features you immediately notice when switching from a standard model to a Pro model.
Titanium Design
With the 15 Pro generation, Apple introduced a titanium chassis.
The result: a premium, durable device that is lighter than some previous Pro generations.
It also features the Action button, which allows you to customize a shortcut directly on the device.
USB-C
Another advantage that has aged very well: the iPhone 15 Pro uses USB-C.
For many people, this means fewer different cables between the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other electronic devices.
Pro models also support faster USB 3 transfers with compatible equipment.
iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max?
The two phones share many features, but they are not aimed at exactly the same user.
| iPhone 15 Pro | iPhone 15 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1 in | 6.7 in |
| Chip | A17 Pro | A17 Pro |
| ProMotion | Yes, up to 120 Hz | Yes, up to 120 Hz |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 48 MP |
| Telephoto | 3x | 5x |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Intelligence | Compatible | Compatible |
| Original advertised video battery life | Up to 23 h | Up to 29 h |
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro if…
You want a more compact, one-handed premium phone.
It offers essentially the same Pro experience in a 6.1-inch format.
Choose the iPhone 15 Pro Max if…
You place a high value on a large display, battery life, and photography.
Its 5x telephoto lens is also a major advantage if you regularly take photos of distant subjects.
The Real Advantage in 2026: Let Someone Else Absorb the Depreciation
This is probably one of the most appealing benefits of refurbished devices.
A premium phone loses a significant portion of its value in its first few years.
When you buy a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro in 2026, you still get many of the device's premium features, without paying its 2023 launch price.
This is particularly appealing for Pro generations.
A device can be three years old without offering an experience that is three times worse.
That is why we prefer to look at the relationship between the current price and the experience offered, rather than simply the year printed on the box.
Is the iPhone 18 Pro Better?
Yes.
A device that is three generations newer naturally brings improvements.
The iPhone 18 Pro, in particular, introduces the A20 Pro chip, a new generation of camera with variable aperture, battery life improvements, and new Siri AI capabilities.
The question, therefore, is not whether the iPhone 18 Pro is technologically superior.
It is.
The real question is:
Do you need these improvements enough to justify the price difference?
For someone who absolutely wants the latest Apple technology, the new iPhone is obviously appealing.
But for someone who is primarily looking for:
- a 120 Hz display;
- excellent performance;
- a 48 MP camera;
- a device compatible with Apple Intelligence;
- USB-C;
- a premium titanium design;
- several years of use ahead;
the iPhone 15 Pro remains extremely competitive.
Why Choose a Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro at Top notch?
A good price is only valuable if the device is reliable.
At Top notch, our refurbished devices undergo more than 80 Phonecheck inspection points. We check the IMEI, essential device functions, cameras, sensors, audio, and connectivity.
Our iPhones also feature a battery capacity of at least 85%, unless otherwise stated.
You can choose the cosmetic grade that best suits your budget—Good, Very Good, or Like New—without sacrificing essential device checks.
And because buying refurbished should remain simple, our eligible devices come with the Top notch warranty.
So, Should You Buy the Latest iPhone?
Not necessarily.
If you absolutely want the latest Apple technology and price is not your main consideration, the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are naturally the models to look at.
But if your goal is to get the most phone possible for your budget, the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max deserve serious consideration in 2026.
They still offer a premium experience, solid performance, highly capable cameras, USB-C, ProMotion, and Apple Intelligence compatibility.
And refurbished, their value for money becomes much harder to ignore.
View Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Models at Top notch
Discover our available iPhone 15 Pro models and choose the capacity, color, and grade that suit your budget.
View Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max Models at Top notch
For those who want more battery life, a larger display, and the 5x telephoto lens, discover our refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max models.
FAQ
Is the iPhone 15 Pro Still Worth It in 2026?
Yes. Its A17 Pro chip, 120 Hz ProMotion display, 48 MP main camera, USB-C, and Apple Intelligence compatibility still make it a highly competitive premium device.
What Is the Difference Between the iPhone 15 Pro and the 15 Pro Max?
The 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch display and a 3x telephoto lens. The 15 Pro Max has a 6.7-inch display, superior battery life, and a 5x telephoto lens.
Is the iPhone 15 Pro Compatible with Apple Intelligence?
Yes. The iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max use the A17 Pro chip and are compatible with Apple Intelligence.
Do the 50% Tariffs in Canada Apply to All iPhones?
No. The new 50% Canadian countermeasures target smartphones considered to be goods of American origin. They do not mean that a 50% tariff is automatically added to every iPhone sold in Canada.
What Is the Price of the New iPhone 18 Pro in Canada?
At launch, the iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,749 CAD, and the iPhone 18 Pro Max at $1,899 CAD.
Sources
Apple Newsroom Canada — official announcements for the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Government of Canada — tariff countermeasures that came into effect on September 8, 2026.