Apple makes iPhones at different price points, with different screen sizes and even with different features – truly, something to offer just about everyone.
Which, of course, makes it difficult if you’re the person trying to find a new iPhone but aren’t quite sure where to begin.
The best iPhone for a senior would obviously be different than for a teenager who just wants the fastest iPhone possible for playing games all day.
But in my opinion… There are actually two great iPhone models for seniors, both of which are worth a closer look.
The Best “Standard” iPhone for Seniors: the iPhone SE

First introduced in 2020, the iPhone SE has a starting price of just $399 – making it the most affordable iPhone on the market and perfect for seniors who may be on a fixed income. Despite this, it also comes with the A13 processor – meaning that you can reasonably expect to get updates for the iOS operating system for at least four years, possibly more.
The camera is more than acceptable even though it only has a single lens, and it still uses Touch ID for authentication instead of Face ID. It’s also physically small, making it perfect for situations where size is still a concern.
Learn more about the iPhone SE on Amazon
The Best “Big” iPhone for Seniors: the iPhone XR

But if you’re a senior who wants a larger phone, look no farther than the iPhone XR. It starts at a $499 price point and even though it only has an A12 processor, it still has all the speed you need for sending messages, spending time on social media and more. It, too, is expected to receive iOS software updates for the next several years so you don’t have to worry about it getting obsolete.
It does have Face ID as opposed to Touch ID, which may come with a learning curve if you’ve been using the latter all these years.
Learn more about the iPhone XR on Amazon
If you have Senior Friends who may also be interested in these iPhone recommendations, please use the share buttons to share this post on Facebook & Twitter. I appreciate you helping to spread the word about my iPhone Blog! 🙂
I bought an IPhone 11 recently. I don’t like the way I have to swipe for everything, so I went back to my IPhone 7 which I truly love. I’ll keep the 11 as a spare!
I’m a senior, currently using an Iphone 7. I’ve had it for about a year and it does everything that I want & need. Is there any way to find out how long I can expect to receive IOS updates? When that happens, I’ll look into both the SE and the XR. I mostly use my phone for texts, emails and a few games, plus an occasional photo.
Thanks for the tips and suggestions. Always helpful.
I enjoyed reading this pages to help me with my IPhone. I’m 87 years old. And deaf. I uses sign language. Went to the school for the deaf. Thanks again
Is there any help for my IPad Mini 2. Version 12.5.1.? I’m a senior and I really like the size but it does not always work properly.
I am getting a iPhone 12. Should I wait for the iPhone 23 for a bigger battery. O use my iPhone for kindle reading 75 % of the time the rest is senior games mail and searching the internet?
I’m an almost 77 year old senior, and I want the newest iPhone when I need a new phone. We’re not all computer illiterate
I’m 72 and love my iPhone 10SMax. It is large and easy to read articles and email. It’s size and weight were an adjustment at first but I’m used to it now. It is fun to do exercise classes with! I may downsize for the next one. Thank you for your suggestions!
I am 84, have a 6S and am minimally computer literate. I have a suggestion: When Apple issues an update the new features are well publicized in every announcement, including yours. However, most of these new features do not apply to my phone. It would be helpful if these announcements would include the minimum versions for which the new features are applicable.