iPhones aren't cheap, but there are certain times of year when buying a new one will cost you a lot less than others. Get your timing right, and you could save yourself hundreds of pounds on the exact same phone. Get it wrong, and you'll be paying full whack while everyone else bags a bargain a few weeks later.
So before you hit "buy now," here's everything you need to know about when to buy, when to wait, and how to make your money go further as a student.
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Last updated: 22nd September 2026
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When is the best time to buy an iPhone?
Right after a new launch
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max landed on 18 September 2026 (from £1,199 and £1,299), with the brand's first foldable, the iPhone Duo, following on 23 October 2026 from £1,999. Every time a new line launches, the older generations get a price cut, so the weeks right after a launch are one of the best times to pick up a still-very-capable older model for less. Check out our round-up of the best iPhone deals for students to see what's currently discounted.
Black Friday and Christmas
Black Friday 2026 falls on 27 November, and it's consistently one of the biggest discount events of the year for tech, iPhones included. Deals then tend to roll straight into the Christmas sales period, so if you can hold off buying in autumn, late November through December is prime bargain-hunting territory. We've pulled together our best Black Friday tips to help you plan ahead and avoid the sold-out scramble.
January sales
Once the Christmas rush dies down, retailers use January to clear stock, which makes it a genuinely great time to get a good deal on an iPhone. Prices on the previous year's flagship models often dip further here, especially once the new launch cycle starts getting talked about again from spring onwards.
Amazon Prime Day (there are now two)
Amazon now runs two big student-friendly sale events in the UK each year: the main Prime Day in June, and Prime Big Deal Days on 6–7 October. Both are a fantastic opportunity to score a bargain on iPhones and accessories, especially if you're a Prime Student member. Take a look at our guide to the best Amazon Prime Day deals for students so you don't miss the ones worth grabbing.
Should I buy a refurbished iPhone?
If you don't need the very latest model, refurbished is where the real savings are. Apple's own Certified Refurbished store offers savings of up to 15% versus buying new, and every device comes with a fresh battery, a full functional test, and a one-year warranty, so you're not compromising on reliability to save money.
Marketplaces like Back Market are also worth a look. Their student discount currently gets you £20 off (plus a few months of free Spotify Premium) on orders over £250, once you've verified your student status — handy if you're kitting yourself out for uni on a budget. For more ways to save on tech across the board, check out our guide to the best uni laptops, and browse the latest Apple student discounts before you check out.
Worth knowing: Apple's UK education discount applies to Mac, iPad and Apple Watch, but not to new iPhones directly, so refurbished and marketplace deals are usually your best bet for a specifically iPhone-shaped saving as a student.
When is the worst time to buy an iPhone?
Avoid buying in July, August or early September if you can help it. New models land every September, so anything you buy in the weeks before launch will be at full price, and outdated within weeks. If you can bear to wait it out over the summer, you'll get more phone for your money by holding off until after launch.
When do iPhone prices drop?
You can expect to find iPhones drop in price all around Black Friday and January sales. Plus many shops will already have discounts on some of the older models. So make sure you shop around for the best deal. It can definitely be worth your while going for a slightly older model to score a cheaper price.
Current iPhone lineup and prices (UK, September 2026)
Model | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
£1,999 | Apple's first foldable, out 23 October 2026 | |
£1,299 | Latest flagship, biggest screen and battery life | |
£1,199 | Latest flagship, smaller form factor | |
£1,099 | Slim design, single rear camera | |
£899 | Still a strong all-rounder at a lower price | |
£799 | Previous generation, now discounted post-launch | |
£699 | Apple's current budget option |
As always, take these as a starting point rather than gospel — prices shift around sale events, so it's always worth comparing before you buy.
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