The Best iPhones for Seniors, Tested and Reviewed by Tech Experts
The iPhone SE is our favorite iPhone model for seniors because it keeps things simple and affordable, starting at $429.
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- Costs $429
- Up to 14 hours of talk time
- 12 MP camera
Our tech expert team evaluated 10 of Apple’s best iPhone models and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.
Our tech expert team evaluated 10 of Apple’s best iPhone models and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.
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iPhones are easy to use and come with best-in-class accessibility features that make life a lot easier if you have trouble with arthritis or find it difficult to read on smaller screens. With several models to choose from, which iPhones are the best for seniors?
Our tech experts have tested and evaluated 10 of Apple’s best phones and narrowed down the list to our top picks for older adults. We selected models based on several criteria, including price, value, accessibility features, durability, and camera quality. From our research and testing, we chose the iPhone SE, iPhone 13, and iPhone 15 Plus as our favorite models for older adults.
Our editor's grandma testing out an iPhone on AT&T's service.
Our Methodology
Showing my grandma how to use an iPhone
How We Tested the Best iPhones
Apple puts out new iPhone models every year, so finding the best iPhone for seniors required us to test and examine every model’s unique features. When I say “us,” I mean my grandma and me. We tried each iPhone together, discussed our likes and dislikes, and got the direct feedback of a senior with each model. Plus, my grandma and I have both been iPhone users for many years, so we’re familiar with the user experience and pros and cons of these products.
We spent a lot of time with each phone, taking photos and videos, trying health and safety features, and testing how accessible each phone is for seniors. Here is what our testing process looked like:
- We researched the most popular, affordable, and feature-rich iPhones online to narrow down our list. Then, we looked at available phone plans to ensure that each model was accessible through some of the most popular and senior-friendly carriers.
- We ordered our top picks, unboxed them, and tested them over a two-week period.
- After over 200 hours of research and testing, we narrowed down our list of the best iPhones for seniors to just three models.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Like all our top cell phone picks for seniors, our top iPhones had to meet certain criteria to make the cut. We considered a variety of factors, including price, senior-friendly features, call quality, and screen size. Our top three criteria, which you will see discussed for each iPhone below, are:
- Accessibility: Accessibility can cover a wide range of things, from how easy it is to pick up and hold an iPhone to special features for seniors with hearing or vision issues. We examined each iPhone to see how easy it is for a senior to physically handle it, turn it on and off, and use its basic and advanced features.
- Durability: We look for iPhones that are made from strong, durable materials and include extra precautions to make them as resistant to water, dust, and fall damage as possible.
- Camera quality: Taking high-resolution photos is one of the smartphone features that appeals to many seniors, but not all iPhone cameras are exactly alike. We examined the specs of each camera and tested them to see what the photo and video quality really look like. We also considered how easy it is to use the camera on different iPhone models.
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts try the latest products and tech for older adults. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing phones for seniors — including various iPhone models — along with the cell phone plans available through regional and nationwide carriers. We consult with seniors to learn about their personal experiences with different phone models, including what they like, what they dislike, and features they would like to see in the future.
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1. iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular - Best Basic iPhone for Seniors
What we like most
- Costs $429
- Up to 14 hours of talk time
- 12 MP camera
iPhone SE from Consumer CellularOverview:
Testing out the iPhone SE
Overview
Many older “iPhoniados” consider the SE one of the best models Apple ever built. With streamlined and advanced features, you’re getting a great value on this phone. It has a 12 MP camera, voice assistant, and all of Apple’s industry-leading accessibility features. Best of all, in case you don’t have the budget to shell out $800 or more on an iPhone 15 Plus, the third-generation SE starts at $429 (with a Consumer Cellular senior plan, you can pay as little as $20 per month for your plan).
Expert InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertApple releases new models and discontinues old models very regularly, but the iPhone SE is a tried-and-true model the company has offered for years. It keeps things simple and affordable, which I’m a big fan of.The SE’s smallish 4.7-inch display might not be the ideal choice for some older folks who have trouble reading. But my grandma and I found the bright, crystal-clear Retina HD touch screen easy to see and grip. Plus, I was able to stream 4K YouTube videos and FaceTime my grandma in high definition. In case you’re the family photographer, the SE comes with 64 GB of memory (or up to 256 GB if you’re willing to pay more).
» Related Reading: How to use FaceTime
The SE’s smallish 4.7-inch display might not be the ideal choice for some older folks who have trouble reading. But my grandma and I found the bright, crystal-clear Retina HD touch screen easy to see and grip. Plus, I was able to stream 4K YouTube videos and FaceTime my grandma in hi-def. Also, in case you’re the family photographer, the SE comes with 64 GB of memory (or up to 256 GB if you’re willing to pay more).
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FaceTiming with my grandma on our iPhones
Pros & Cons:Pros About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- Has all the standard iPhone features, such as regular security updates and fast speeds
- Crisp Retina HD display for easy reading
- Touch ID for easy access without passcodes
- Professional camera with 4K video streaming
- Built-in voice assistant
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility for seniors with hearing loss
- Water- and dust-resistant design
Cons About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- 4.7-inch screen is on the smaller side
- Less advanced features than newer models
Our Hands-on Experience:Accessibility
The iPhone SE is one of the easiest iPhones to access for seniors. The home button’s Touch ID feature lets you hold your finger on the button (without pressing down) to unlock your phone. We were prompted to set this feature up as soon as we turned the phone on, and my grandma had no issue with the instructions. It is important to note that you have to set up the feature using a specific finger and remember which finger you used. My grandma defaulted to her thumb since it felt natural to hold the phone and use her thumb to press the home button.
» Further Reading: Best Smartphones for Seniors
The iPhone SE and all iPhones also have a ton of built-in features that make it easier for seniors to use their phones with fewer issues. When my grandma went into the Accessibility section of the settings menu, she was pleasantly surprised by all the options available. For example, the VoiceOver feature lets you tap once on an item on your screen and have the phone read it out loud to you. You can then double-tap the item to open it or proceed. My grandma loved this feature because she occasionally clicks on things accidentally and then later struggles to get back to the previous screen.
Durability
Unlike the iPhone 13 and later iPhone models, the iPhone SE does not have flat aluminum siding. As a result, it is not that resistant to cracks. That means if you drop your iPhone SE, there’s a good chance the back glass will break — especially if it doesn’t have a case. The third-generation iPhone SE has a strong screen that is more resistant to cracking, but it doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield protection of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Plus.
FYI: How much storage does the iPhone SE’s 256 GB give you? That amount of storage would allow you to store more than 20,000 photos or over 100 videos!
The iPhone SE is water resistant in depths of up to 1 meter, however, and it is sealed against dust. I’m notorious for dropping my phone in water, so I can attest to this water-resistant design. As long as you’re careful with your phone and willing to invest in a case, you can probably enjoy your iPhone SE for years to come.
Camera Quality
The iPhone SE has the “worst” camera of any iPhone on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. The 12 MP camera can take solid HD photos and videos. Like all iPhones, it has both front- and rear-facing cameras for standard photography and selfies.
My grandma and I took photos and videos with the iPhone SE and iPhone 15 Plus side by side, and there was a noticeable difference in image quality, especially when using the front-facing selfie camera. That’s because the iPhone SE has only a 1.2 MP front-facing camera, which can create somewhat grainy pictures. The iPhone SE’s main camera can still shoot decent photos and videos. You may prefer a more advanced version of the iPhone if camera quality is a big issue for you, but the iPhone SE is still a good option.
A photo of a furry friend taken with the iPhone SE
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2. Apple iPhone 13 from AT&T - Best Advanced iPhone for Seniors on a Budget
What we like most
- Costs $629.99
- Up to 19 hours of talk time
- 12 MP camera
Apple iPhone 13 from AT&TOverview:
The back of the iPhone 13
Overview
It isn’t just the senior features that make the iPhone 13 a hit with older smartphone users. Its 6.1-inch screen and bright Super Retina XDR OLED display make it a great choice for those with vision issues. During testing, I noticed that text, images, and videos were brighter, larger, and easier to see than they were on the iPhone SE. The iPhone 13 has Ceramic Shield protection for break- and water-resistant glass. Its Face ID technology is also great for those who like the idea of picking up their phone and starting to use it without any passcodes or even Touch ID. For seniors who like Touch ID or are accustomed to previous iPhone models, however, the lack of a home button may take some getting used to.
Did You Know? More than half of American smartphone users choose iPhones over Android phones.
My grandma loved the vibrancy and bright colors of the iPhone 13’s Super Retina XDR OLED display. The True Tone automatic brightness adjuster makes it easy for most seniors to read in just about any lighting environment.
» Resources for Seniors: Smartphone Apps and Resources for People With Vision Loss or Impairment
For that kind of state-of-the-art digital experience, you’d probably expect the iPhone 13 to cost a lot more than the SE. It costs more, but the iPhone 13 is not the newest generation of iPhone, so it’s now one of the more affordable high-end iPhones on the market at just $629.99 (128 GB) or up to $729.99 (256 GB). As long as internal storage is not a major issue, you can save a bundle by opting for the 128 GB iPhone 13, especially compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Apple iPhone 13 from AT&T
- Offers an enhanced iPhone experience compared to the SE
- Affordable starting price
- 6.1-inch screen for easier reading with larger type
- 12 MP front- and rear-facing camera system
- Break- and water-resistant screen glass
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility for seniors with hearing loss
Cons About Apple iPhone 13 from AT&T
- Might be a little large and clunky for some seniors
- 128 GB of storage can get used up quickly
- Lack of home button and Touch ID comes with a learning curve
Our Hands-on Experience:Accessibility
My grandma felt a little confused when we first unboxed the iPhone 13. She had more experience with older iPhones, which feature a home button, so the switch to the iPhone 13 wasn’t perfectly smooth. She liked the Face ID feature in theory, but in practice she found that it wasn’t always convenient or reliable. For example, when the phone required her Face ID to authorize a purchase, the phone couldn’t recognize her face from a few different angles or in darker lighting. Eventually, she input her passcode. That said, Face ID is a great feature for seniors with mobility issues, even if it may come with a learning curve.
Like the other iPhone models on our list, the iPhone 13 has plenty of accessibility features. I was able to change text size, zoom in, reduce transparency, or use the iPhone hands-free with the sound of my voice. For those with hearing loss, your iPhone can display subtitles and captions, transcribe audio messages, connect with hearing aids, and much more.
» Related Reading: Best Hearing Aids in 2024
Durability
Like most iPhones, the iPhone 13 is best protected when it has a case. Even without a case, the iPhone 13 is more durable than the iPhone SE. The Ceramic Protection screen is resistant to fall damage, and it is also water- and dust-resistant. I wasn’t throwing the iPhone around during testing, but I experienced a few accidental drops and the phone didn’t show much wear and tear. (No screen cracks, thank goodness!)
» Also Read: The Best Senior Phone Plans
My grandma and I agreed that the iPhone 13 felt sturdy to hold, but also a bit heavy. Weighing 6.14 ounces, the iPhone 13 is quite a bit heavier than the iPhone SE (5.08 ounces), but still not nearly as heavy as the iPhone 15 Plus (7.09 ounces). Fortunately, my grandma and I had no issues holding and using the iPhone 13 for extended periods of time.
A side-by-side comparison of the iPhone SE and iPhone 13
Camera Quality
The iPhone 13’s 12 MP dual-camera system is excellent. It’s a pretty big step up from the iPhone SE, especially if you like to take selfies. My grandma and I really liked using the many camera features, including cinematic mode, time lapse, and slow motion. We could even do the 0.5x zoom-out feature to make sure everything fit into the frame without having to step back or move around a lot. If you compare the photo taken below with the photo we took using the iPhone SE, you can tell that the image is crisper and clearer, and the colors are more vibrant.
A photo taken using the iPhone 13 camera
Senior Savings Tip: Looking for a discount on the things you like best? Check out our senior discount guide for special deals on travel, leisure, eating out, and more!
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3. iPhone 15 Plus - iPhone 15 Plus
What we like most
- Costs $799
- Up to 27 hours of talk time
- 48 MP main camera
iPhone 15 PlusOverview:
Using the iPhone 15 Plus
Overview
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a large screen (6.69 inches), and the aluminum casing is both durable and light compared to phones with a similar screen size. That said, the iPhone 15 Plus is still pretty heavy at 7.09 ounces. The weight is partly because the phone packs a large battery that offers a talk time of up to 27 hours. This means you could spend an entire day speaking on your iPhone 15 Plus without having to reach for the charger! During testing, the 15 Plus’ battery life was noticeably longer than my iPhone’s battery life. (I have the 14 Pro, which is no longer sold by most carriers.)
» Learn About: Best 5G Phones for Seniors
With a starting price of $799 (128 GB), you might think that the iPhone 15 Plus is outside your price range. Fortunately, if you get your phone through AT&T or other major carriers, you can get your new iPhone 15 Plus for as little as $23.06 per month. The iPhone 15 Plus may be too much phone for older adults who just need a simple smartphone, but it is a good choice if you want a large, bright screen and a phone that doesn’t need to be charged very often.
» Further Reading: Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use
Pros & Cons:Pros About iPhone 15 Plus
- Talk time of up to 27 hours
- 6.69-inch screen
- 48 MP main camera with Dynamic Island
- A16 Bionic processing chip
- USB-C charging port
- Roadside assistance and emergency SOS via satellite
Cons About iPhone 15 Plus
- High starting cost
- Large size and weight may be too cumbersome for some seniors
- Not a huge upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro
Our Hands-on Experience:Accessibility
My grandma and I immediately noticed the similarities between the iPhone 15 Plus and my personal iPhone, the iPhone 14 Pro. The 15 Plus has a bigger screen, which my grandma liked for reading texts and surfing the internet, but, once again, she felt that the phone was a bit heavy to hold for extended periods of time. Otherwise, she had no issues navigating the iPhone 15 Plus.
Along with all of the accessibility features of the iPhone 13 (including Face ID), the iPhone 15 Plus has a Dynamic Island. This is a small notch at the top of the screen that hides the front-facing camera and Face ID sensor. It also functions as a one-stop shop to get notifications and access your favorite apps that are running in the background. I really like the feature for older adults, because you can simply tap the notch to go straight to apps you’re using, such as Facebook and YouTube, without having to scroll through dozens of apps. The Always On display also made it easier for my grandma to check the time, date, weather, and even outdoor air quality without opening the iPhone.
The iPhone's dynamic island can provide quick access to apps like Spotify.
We tested the roadside assistance and emergency SOS features by going to an area with no Verizon signal, and they both worked great. We were able to connect with a roadside-assistance agent within about five minutes and an emergency-response agent in less than one minute. This feature adds a lot of peace of mind. In case of an emergency, you can call for help even in areas without cell service. This makes the iPhone 15 Plus a potential replacement or supplement for medical alert devices.
» Useful Resource: A 2024 Guide to Medical Alert Systems
Durability
The iPhone 15 Plus features a strong glass Super Retina XDR OLED display screen. Not only does this make it extremely bright and responsive, but it also makes it resistant to water, dust, and scratches. The reinforced aluminum casing may not be as strong as the iPhone 14 Pro’s stainless-steel exterior, but it does allow the 15 Plus to be a little lighter, despite the larger battery. The iPhone 15 Plus is similar in durability to the iPhone 13, but if you really want to protect your investment, I’d recommend getting a good phone case. I didn’t experience any scratches, dents, or cracked screens during testing, even though I’m pretty hard on my devices.
» Resource Guide: Cell Phones for Seniors: A Buyer's Guide
Camera Quality
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts the same camera system as my iPhone 14 Pro (48 MP/1 MP/12 MP). This means you can take amazing photos, videos, and selfies. As a bonus, the iPhone 15 Plus comes with some cool new features, such as a portrait mode that lets you focus on different faces or parts of the photo after the picture has been taken. My grandma and I liked playing around with the camera, but we didn’t notice a big difference compared to photos I’ve taken on my iPhone 14 Pro. If you’re buying an iPhone for the camera alone, you could save yourself some money and enjoy the same quality with the iPhone 14 Pro if you can find a refurbished model.
A photo taken on the iPhone 15 Plus
Choosing the Best Phone Carrier for Your iPhone
Once you settle on an iPhone, you still need to pick the right cellular carrier. Yes, that’s another choice to make, but it’s better to err on the side of too much research than going in unprepared. Whether this is your first smartphone or you’re thinking about switching carriers, here are a few things you’ll want to consider.
Paying for Your iPhone With the Major Cellular Carriers
Paying for Your iPhone Up Front
If you’ve got the cash, paying up front frees you from getting locked into a contract with a provider. These days, most major carriers with postpaid plans (where you pay your bill at the end of the month based on usage) don’t require a contract if you own your phone.
The advantage here is you can always take your iPhone to another carrier if you’re not happy with your current service. Most carriers these days also have a bring-your-own-phone (BYOP) policy, so using your iPhone with another service won’t be a problem.
Paying for Your iPhone by Installment
The advantage here is you can always take your iPhone to another carrier if you’re not happy with your current service. Most carriers these days also have a bring-your-own-phone (BYOP) policy, so using your iPhone with another service won’t be a problem.
Data, Coverage, and Senior Perks
How you pay for your iPhone isn’t the only thing you need to think about when choosing a phone carrier. There are plenty of other things to consider, such as data limits, talk and text limits, discounts for multiple lines (this will come into play for families), senior perks and discounts, and 4G and 5G coverage. To save you some time, here’s a breakdown of how our favorite cellular providers for seniors stack up.
| Plan | Starting monthly price for one line | Contract | Data limits for top plans | Unlimited talk and text | 5G | Multiline discounts | Discounts for seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile
Essentials Choice 55 |
$45 | No | Unlimited, but slower after 50 GB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Consumer Cellular | $20 | No | Unlimited, but slower after 35 GB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AT&T
Unlimited 55+ |
$60 | No | Unlimited, but slower at peak times | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but only for Florida residents |
| Verizon 55+ Unlimited | $62 | No | Unlimited, but slower at peak times | Yes | No | Yes | Yes, but only for Florida residents |
| Mint Mobile 55+ | $15 | No | Unlimited, but slower after 40 GB | Yes | Yes | No | No |
T-Mobile
Back in 2017, former T-Mobile CEO John Legere made the bright decision to put the kibosh on senior mobile plans that belittled their target audience: Americans 65 and over. This is exactly what we found when we reviewed T-Mobile’s 55+ phone plans: cheap single lines starting at $45 per month with unlimited talk, text, and data that are available to anyone 55 and older. To learn more about how the company’s prices compare with other providers, check out our T-Mobile pricing guide.
Like all the other plans on our list, T-Mobile’s basic one-line plan comes with SD streaming and gets cheaper per line the more lines you add. One advantage that sets T-Mobile apart, besides its no-frills pricing, is that it currently dominates the 5G market with about 42 percent national coverage. Its closest competitor, AT&T, is at 18 percent.
Senior Saving Tip: If you’re into streaming, T-Mobile’s top-tier plans come with Apple TV+ included at no extra cost!
Throttling policies — when your provider slows your internet down at peak traffic times — remain a little murky for other big carriers, but T-Mobile is up front about it. You may notice a drop in speed, but only after you burn through 50 GB of data in a month.
Watch the video below to learn more about T-Mobile’s plans for seniors.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is a postpaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that has been around since 1995. Don’t be intimidated by the MVNO terminology. All it means is that Consumer Cellular doesn’t have its own wireless network, which is true of many cell phone plan providers. Instead, it uses the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, so you know you’re connected to one of the country’s largest carriers.
Consumer Cellular is known for its customizable and affordable plans that range from $20 to $50 per month with 1 GB to unlimited data limits, respectively. Data speeds drop after about 35 GB. Many of Consumer Cellular’s plans are geared toward low-data users.
» Shop Unlimited: Best Senior Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
AARP members get a 5 percent discount on Consumer Cellular’s plans, which is a great perk. The carrier also has a great track record when it comes to customer service. In 2021, J.D. Power, a global leader in consumer insights and ratings, awarded Consumer Cellular the highest customer satisfaction score (871) out of all MVNOs. If you want to know more about what to look for in your provider, take a look at our Consumer Cellular review.
AT&T
AT&T has great national 4G coverage (68 percent), so if you’re still on 4G and you live outside of town, that coverage alone may steer you toward the industry goliath.
When we tested AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan for seniors, we found that we got the best value when we signed up with a partner or family member. If you do the same, you’ll see your monthly rate drop to $40 per line, provided you enroll in autopay. It’s also very likely you’ll catch a deal from time to time on specific phones, even iPhones.
FYI: AT&T is a trusted nationwide carrier, which means you won’t have to worry about unexpected charges or scams targeting seniors
Now for the elephant in the room. We’re talking about Florida, of course. AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan is only for residents of Florida. But this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. AT&T offers other unlimited plans (available to customers of all ages) that may be suitable for your needs if you don’t live in Florida.
Verizon
Verizon’s senior package is almost identical to AT&T’s. Verizon’s plan costs just $2 more per line, and both plans offer the same discount for multiple lines and have the same throttling policy.
Where Verizon stands out is its national 4G coverage. Verizon claims to cover 98 percent of the U.S. population, which would make Verizon your go-to provider if you live off the grid. I always have better service with Verizon in rural areas. Whether I’m camping, on the coast, or just in a small town far from a big city, I typically have better rural coverage with Verizon than I do with AT&T. If you’re into your 5G, on the other hand, Verizon’s 12 percent coverage is not its best selling point.
As with AT&T, you need to live in Florida to take advantage of Verizon’s cellular plan for older Americans. Even if you don’t, you still have an option. One thing we discovered in our complete analysis of Verizon’s cell service is that it has plenty of unlimited plans for customers of all ages.
Did You Know? Subscribing to a special senior plan isn’t the only way you can save on your monthly bills. Some cellular carriers let you bundle your mobile, internet, and TV services into one discounted bill.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is the new kid on the cellular block. Taking its lead from T-Mobile, Mint is straight-talking, a little sassy (Ryan Reynolds is its public face), and all about the service. This isn’t a coincidence: Mint Mobile rents out T-Mobile’s towers, which also gives it the best 5G coverage in the U.S.
Mint Mobile also offers a plan exclusively for seniors called Mint 55+. It costs just $15 per month and offers 5 GB of data, free international calls to select countries, and free hotspot data. Plus, customers 55 or older get free MINTech Advisor support to help with any setup or tech questions you may have.
Even if you don’t want the 55+ plan, all of Mint Mobile’s plans are pretty cheap. Mint has made a name for itself with its basic plan, which costs only $15 per month. (If you’re reaching for your credit card, know that the basic plan comes with only 5 GB of data per month.) But even Mint’s most expensive unlimited plan, at $35 per month, will fit most budgets. For comparison, that’s still $10 less per month than T-Mobile’s cheapest unlimited plan for seniors.
Did You Know? If you feel overwhelmed reading all the prices for different phones and plans, take a break by checking out these 13 things that are free for seniors.
The only big difference — and this may boil down to personal preference — is that Mint’s plans are all prepaid, meaning you buy your minutes and data as you go. As we found out in our full review of Mint Mobile’s plans, you also have an incentive to buy in bulk. When you buy 12 months of Mint’s service up front, for instance, you continue to pay the introductory rate of $30 per month. Otherwise, your monthly bill will shoot up by $5 to $10.
» Learn More: Best Prepaid Phone Plans for Seniors
Does Apple Have a Senior Mode?
iPhones have a built-in senior mode — called Assistive Access — for older adults and those who may have difficulty using smartphones due to cognitive decline or disabilities. All essential iPhone apps, such as weather, mail, and photos, are designed to work with Assistive Access, and many apps you can find on the iOS app store are also compatible.
FYI: According to a survey conducted by Fable, 81 percent of respondents report that accessibility barriers greatly reduce their ability to enjoy their smartphones.
Assistive Access is primarily designed to make things on your iPhone easier to see and interact with. Icons, images, and text look bigger, important actions are more identifiable, and it’s generally easier to navigate the phone and know what you can do on any given screen.
How to Set Up Assistive Access
Using Assistive Access on an iPhone
We’ll go through the steps to set up Assistive Access on your iPhone, but it may be a good idea to get the help of a trusted caregiver if you’re unsure about following these steps on your own.
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down to the third section and press Accessibility.
- Scroll down to the bottom section (General) and press Assistive Access.
- Press Set Up Assistive Access.
- Press Continue.
- Confirm that the Apple ID shown is associated with the primary user of the device and then press Continue. If you need to change the Apple ID, press Change Apple ID before continuing.
- Choose whether you’d like icons to appear in Rows or Grids (Apple indicates that Grids may be more prominent), and then press Continue.
- Select which apps you want to be optimized for Assistive Access. Keep in mind that many apps may ask you to make additional choices or enable or disable specific features.
- Once you’ve selected all the apps you want to be optimized for Assistive Access, press Continue.
- The next screen will provide you with additional information about how Assistive Access works and the features you can use with it. Once you’ve read through this information, you can press Continue.
- If you have a passcode, fingerprint ID, or Face ID enabled, you’ll need to use one of them to confirm that you are the primary user of the device. Press Continue when ready or press Change Security Settings.
- Set a passcode that will be used to exit Assistive Access.
- Select Set Recovery Apple ID if you want a backup method in case you forget your passcode, or press Not Now to skip this step.
- The next screen will tell you how to exit Assistive Access on your iPhone. Press Continue when ready.
- Finally, press Start Using Assistive Access or, if you want to start using it another time, press Enter Later.
- If you pressed Enter Later, you can begin using Assistive Access at any time by going back to Settings > Accessibility > Assistive Access > Start Assistive Access.
Keep in mind that these are just the basic steps to set up Assistive Access, and you may find that your iPhone feels quite limited without additional changes in settings. When we wanted to take screenshots of the large icons after starting Assistive Access, for instance, we realized that the traditional screenshot method on the iPhone 13 (pressing the Volume Up and Power button simultaneously) no longer worked. Instead, we needed to go through additional steps to add Assistive Touch in Settings before we could take screenshots in Assistive Access.
That said, Assistive Access does make the iPhone extremely easy to use. Rather than swiping up to open the home screen, for example, we could simply press a large Open button at the bottom of the screen. It’s a great feature for older adults with vision loss or those who struggle to remember how to do things on their phones without on-screen guidance.
More Cell Phone Resources for Seniors
If you’re looking for a certain type of cell phone or you just want to compare all the options, check out our resources below. We’ve tested, compared, and ranked cell phones for a variety of different needs.
- Best Free Phones for Seniors
- Best Flip Phones for Seniors in 2024
- Best Cell Phones for Visually Impaired Seniors in 2024
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Hearing Loss
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Dementia
- Best Android Phones for Seniors
- Best Big-Button Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Cheap Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Samsung Phones for Seniors
- Best Voice-Activated Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Unlocked Phones for Seniors
- Best VoIP Phones for Seniors
Frequently Asked Questions About iPhones for Seniors
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Which is the cheapest iPhone for seniors?
The cheapest iPhone on our list is the iPhone SE (third generation), which starts at $329.
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How long will my iPhone get updates?
Apple should be offering updates and support for iPhones with the A13 (SE) and A16 chips well into 2027.
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Do I have to sign a contract to buy an iPhone through any of the carriers you mentioned above?
No. If you pay for your iPhone up front, you’ll pay for your cellular service month to month without a contract. If you opt for installments, however, you will be locked into a plan.
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How much storage do iPhones come with?
Built-in iPhone storage varies from 64 GB to 1 TB. The more storage you get, the more expensive your iPhone will be.
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Do iPhones come with accessibility features for seniors?
Yes! iPhones are well known for their senior-friendly accessibility features. If you go with any of our top models, your phone will come with full hearing aid compatibility, speech-to-text, text magnification, wide screens (some wider than others), and cutting-edge water and damage resistance.
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Do I have to have an Apple ID (account) to switch to an iPhone?
No, you don’t have to have an Apple ID to use an iPhone. Also, iPhones these days are compatible with your favorite Android apps (Google Drive, Gmail, and even Google Photos), so you can sync your iPhone with the rest of your devices even if they aren’t Apple products.
Pew Research Center. 2021. Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2021.
Apple Support. 2024. About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later.