
iPhone 13 Pro: Worth Buying? Price, Support & Availability
You’re probably here because you’ve heard the iPhone 13 Pro is still a solid phone, but you’re not sure if buying one in 2025 or 2026 makes sense when Apple has already moved on. The truth is, this model came out in September 2021 with a €1,149 launch price (Swappie Ireland Blog), and now you can find refurbished units for as low as €309.
Release date: September 2021 ·
Processor: A15 Bionic ·
Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED ·
Storage options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB ·
Battery capacity: 3095 mAh ·
iOS support end (estimated): 2027
Quick snapshot
- Direct from Apple with warranty (Apple Ireland)
- Price: ~€550-€700 depending on storage (Apple Ireland)
- Near-new condition, fully tested (Apple Ireland)
- Limited availability (Apple Support)
- Price: €309-€500 for good condition (Swappie Ireland)
- 12-month warranty often included (Swappie Ireland)
- Wide selection of conditions and storage (Swappie Ireland)
- Return policies vary (Back Market Ireland)
- Possible to find sealed new units (Currys Ireland)
- Price: €700-€900 or more (Currys Ireland)
- Full manufacturer warranty if still active (Currys Ireland)
- Scarce in 2025 (Tom’s Guide)
- Lowest price: €200-€400 (eBay Ireland)
- No warranty unless seller offers (eBay Ireland)
- Risk of hidden defects or fake (eBay Ireland)
- Requires thorough inspection (PCMag)
Nine key specs, one pattern: the iPhone 13 Pro still matches many current flagships on paper, but its real value lies in the price.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 24, 2021 |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | 3095 mAh (Li-Ion) |
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion |
| Cameras | 12 MP triple (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) with LiDAR |
| iOS version at launch | iOS 15 |
| Current latest iOS | iOS 18 (as of 2025) |
The implication: the A15 Bionic and 120Hz display are still competitive, but the battery capacity is smaller than newer models and may degrade on used units.
Can you still buy an iPhone 13 Pro from Apple?
Apple no longer sells the iPhone 13 Pro as new from its official store in Ireland (Apple Ireland). The iPhone 15 series launched in September 2023 marked the discontinuation. However, refurbished units occasionally appear in Apple’s Certified Refurbished programme in some regions (Apple Support).
Where can I buy an iPhone 13 Pro?
- Third-party refurbished marketplaces: Back Market Ireland (Back Market) and Swappie Ireland (Swappie) both list units from €309.
- New old stock from carriers like Vodafone Ireland or retailers like Currys may still be available, but stock is scarce in 2025.
- Local classifieds and eBay offer private sales with the lowest prices but no warranty.
What is the best place to buy an iPhone 13 Pro?
Apple’s Certified Refurbished store is the safest bet if you can find stock — the device comes with a full warranty and genuine parts (Apple Ireland). Among third-party sellers, Swappie and Back Market both include a 12-month warranty and free returns, which reduces risk (Swappie Ireland).
Can I buy an iPhone 13 Pro unlocked?
Yes. Unlocked variants are widely available from carriers and third-party sellers (Currys Ireland). Buying unlocked gives you the flexibility to switch networks, and many refurbished units on Back Market are already unlocked.
The catch: unlocked units often cost slightly more than carrier-locked ones, but the long-term flexibility usually justifies the premium.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro good to buy now?
With the A15 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 Pro still handles demanding apps and games without stutter (PCMag). The 120Hz ProMotion display remains a standout feature, and the triple-camera system with LiDAR is excellent for photos and video (Tom’s Guide). Battery life on a fresh unit is solid, but used devices may have degraded cells (GSMArena).
Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying now?
Yes, if you are looking for premium features at a mid-range price. The iPhone 13 Pro shares many features with the iPhone 14 Pro, including the same chip, display technology, and camera hardware (Wikipedia). The main trade-off is software support — you lose a year of updates compared to buying a newer model.
Is it worth buying an iPhone 13 Pro in 2026?
By 2026, the iPhone 13 Pro will likely be on its last year of major iOS updates (estimated to end in 2027) (Tom’s Guide). If you plan to keep the phone for only two years, it makes sense. For long-term use (4+ years), you’re better off with a newer model.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro good for gaming and photography in 2025?
Yes. The A15 Bionic matches the performance of the iPhone 14 Pro and handles the latest games at high settings (PCMag). For photography, the 12MP triple lens system with night mode, Deep Fusion, and ProRAW remains competitive with many 2023 flagships (The iOutlet Ireland).
What this means: for a buyer who values camera quality and smooth performance but doesn’t need the absolute latest chip, the iPhone 13 Pro is a smart pick, especially at refurbished prices.
How much should I pay for an iPhone 13 Pro?
In May 2026, refurbished iPhone 13 Pro prices start at €323 on Back Market Ireland (Back Market Ireland), a drop from €429 in August 2025. Swappie lists units from €309 with a 12-month warranty (Swappie Ireland). The original launch price in Europe was €1,149 (Swappie Ireland Blog), so a refurbished unit can be up to 70% less than brand-new cost (Back Market Ireland).
What is the price of iPhone 13 Pro in Ireland?
- Refurbished “good” condition: €309–€400 (Back Market, Swappie)
- Refurbished “excellent” or “Apple Certified”: €550–€700
- New old stock (sealed box): €700–€900
- Used private sale: €200–€400 (Currys Ireland)
How do prices compare between refurbished and used units?
Refurbished units from reputable sellers include a warranty and are tested for full functionality, while private used sales are cheaper but carry higher risk (Swappie Ireland). The price difference between “good” and “mint” refurbished is typically €100–€150.
Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone 13 Pro unlocked or locked to a carrier?
Unlocked models generally cost €50–€100 more upfront, but you avoid carrier restrictions and can sell the phone later more easily (Currys Ireland). For most buyers, the added flexibility is worth the extra cost.
The trade-off: if you find a carrier-locked unit with a subsidy, the total cost may be lower, but you are tied to that network for the contract duration.
What year will the iPhone 13 Pro stop working?
Apple typically provides 5–6 years of major iOS updates from the device’s release date (Tom’s Guide). For the iPhone 13 Pro, that means the last major update is expected around 2027. Security patches may continue for one to two years after (Apple Support). After that, apps will gradually stop supporting iOS 19 or 20 (Wikipedia).
How long will my iPhone be supported?
Based on Apple’s track record with the iPhone 6s (7 years of updates) and iPhone X (6 years), the iPhone 13 Pro should receive updates until 2027–2028 (Tom’s Guide). iOS 18 is currently the latest version (2025).
Will the iPhone 13 Pro get iOS 20?
Unlikely. Historical patterns suggest the iPhone 13 Pro will stop at iOS 19 or 20 if support reaches 6 years. iOS 20 would land in 2026, which would be year 5 — possible but not guaranteed.
What happens when iOS updates stop?
You will still be able to use the phone, but new app features and security patches will stop arriving. Banking apps may eventually require a newer OS version, and your device will become more vulnerable to malware (Swappie Ireland Blog). For most casual users, this is a 1–2 year window before real inconvenience kicks in.
Why this matters: if you plan to keep the iPhone 13 Pro for three years or more, you should be prepared to upgrade around 2027–2028.
Is there any problem with the iPhone 13 Pro?
Like all iPhones, the 13 Pro has known weaknesses. The most common hardware issues are battery degradation (original capacity is 3095 mAh, and used units often have 80–85% remaining) (GSMArena), camera lens scratches, and display burn-in on heavy-use units (PCMag). Software issues like random reboots were reported early on but were mostly fixed in iOS 16 and 17 updates (Apple Support).
Common iPhone 13 Pro issues: battery, camera, and screen
- Battery: Expect lower capacity on used models. Replacing the battery costs around €99 at an Apple Store.
- Camera: The sapphire crystal lens covers are scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof. Check for fine scratches before buying.
- Screen: OLED burn-in (persistent image retention) can appear on units with heavy screen-on time. Test with a solid white image.
How to check for problems before buying a used iPhone 13 Pro
Use Apple’s serial number lookup to verify activation lock and warranty status (Apple Support). Run the diagnostic test for battery health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health). For screen issues, display a white background and look for burn-in. If buying from a marketplace, ask for a 14-day return policy.
The implication: buying from a refurbisher with a warranty is strongly recommended for most Irish buyers, as the average used unit carries hidden defects that can cost €100+ to fix.
A buyer who picks a refurbished iPhone 13 Pro from Swappie or Back Market pays around €350 and gets a phone that performs like a 2023 flagship. The trade-off is the looming 2027 update cutoff. For a 2-year plan, it’s a near-perfect deal. For a 4-year plan, it’s a ticking clock.
Seven critical dimensions, one pattern: the iPhone 13 Pro is essentially an iPhone 14 Pro with one less year of support.
| Specification | iPhone 13 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | A15 Bionic | A16 Bionic |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Display | 6.1″ 120Hz ProMotion | 6.1″ 120Hz ProMotion |
| Main camera | 12 MP f/1.5 | 48 MP f/1.8 |
| Battery | 3095 mAh | 3200 mAh |
| Launch price | €1,149 | €1,329 |
| Refurbished price (2026) | €323–€700 | €550–€900 |
Upsides
- Outstanding performance with A15 Bionic and 120Hz display
- Excellent camera system with LiDAR for portraits and low light
- Up to 70% cheaper than new model when refurbished
- Still receives iOS 18 updates (2025)
Downsides
- Battery may already be degraded on used units
- Major iOS updates stop by ~2027
- No longer sold new by Apple; only refurbished or used
- Camera hardware is outmatched by iPhone 14 Pro’s 48 MP sensor
Timeline signal
- September 2021: iPhone 13 Pro released with iOS 15 (Wikipedia)
- September 2023: iPhone 15 series launched; iPhone 13 Pro discontinued by Apple (Apple Ireland)
- 2025–2026: iPhone 13 Pro still receives iOS 18 and security updates (Tom’s Guide)
- 2027 (estimated): Last major iOS update expected (Apple Support)
- Beyond 2027: Security patches may continue 1–2 years; apps gradually drop support (Swappie Ireland Blog)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Apple no longer sells iPhone 13 Pro as new from its official online store (Apple Ireland)
- iPhone 13 Pro will not receive major iOS updates beyond ~2027 based on Apple’s historical support cycle (Tom’s Guide)
- Refurbished and used units are available from multiple third-party sellers (Back Market Ireland)
What’s unclear
- Exact year Apple will stop issuing security patches for iPhone 13 Pro
- Future price trajectory as supply dwindles
- Battery condition on individual used units
What others are saying
“We visited an Apple Store in Dublin and were told the iPhone 13 Pro is no longer in stock as new.”
— User on Apple Support Community
“According to our analysis of Apple’s support timeline, the iPhone 13 Pro will see iOS updates until 2027, similar to the iPhone X.”
— Tom’s Guide
“The iPhone 13 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front that provides 4x better drop performance compared to previous models.”
For Irish buyers looking at the iPhone 13 Pro in 2025 or 2026, the decision is clear: if you want premium performance at a fraction of the price and plan to upgrade within two years, grab a refurbished unit from a trusted seller like Back Market or Swappie. If you need a phone that will stay current for four years or more, the iPhone 14 Pro (or newer) is the safer bet because its support horizon extends to 2029. For the budget-conscious shopper in Ireland, the iPhone 13 Pro remains a compelling value — but only if you accept the ticking clock on software updates.
Frequently asked questions
Does the iPhone 13 Pro support 5G?
Yes, it supports sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G in supported regions (Wikipedia).
What colors is the iPhone 13 Pro available in?
Graphite, Gold, Silver, Sierra Blue, Alpine Green (GSMArena).
Is the iPhone 13 Pro water-resistant?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating (6m depth for 30 minutes) (The iOutlet Ireland).
What is the camera zoom capability of iPhone 13 Pro?
3x optical zoom, 15x digital zoom (Wikipedia).
Does the iPhone 13 Pro have a headphone jack?
No, it uses Lightning or wireless headphones.
How much storage does the base iPhone 13 Pro have?
128 GB (GSMArena).
Can the iPhone 13 Pro run iOS 19?
Likely yes, based on Apple’s support cycle (Tom’s Guide).
If you’re interested in other value-for-money tech purchases, check our guide on Doom: The Dark Ages: Hit or Flop? Worth Buying in 2025 and Shark Carpet Cleaners NZ: Reviews, Prices & Models — both follow the same decision framework we used here.