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From experience working Apple retail, elderly people generally do not like to be surprised with new technology/different technology as they tend to struggle with what they already have and do not want to adapt to something new.

I’d say you’re better of talking with her and telling her that you would like to do this for her, and let her be part of the decision.

If just picking between the three iPhones, I’d say 12 Pro, unless your mom’s current phone has a home button, then I’d go with the SE.

My bad I didn't see it! I just looked up if there were threads about what to buy for parents lol.

I did consider the 13 and the 14 models but I am afraid my mother will kill me if she finds out how much they cost.

Good point thank you.

She is used to almost no buttons though.

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Good idea I just tell her I got discount :D

12 Pro it is then.

A few years ago my MIL was looking for a new phone and was asking for recommendations as she was moving from a simple flip phone. Everyone in her family was suggesting Android, as that was what everyone uses. I off-handidly suggested an iPhone might be nice because it was easier to setup and use overall (not as much configuring as Android, though I like both OSes), so she ended up getting an iPhone. Overall, I think she was fine with it, but I found the biggest issue was setting up her services like iCloud and email, etc. I will say that she has trouble with buttonless phones, though, so the SE would be my suggestion. Either way, help with the setup and all of the apps/configuration if you can.

Of the choices you listed (assuming she's OK with this), the 12 Pro is the only real choice. All SE phones have tiny displays, and the XS is pretty old. You may have to replace the XS in 2-3 years' time, while the 12 Pro will last longer.

However, since you have to buy a 12 Pro used/refurbished, you need to make sure that the battery is decent. If not, you'll have to pay for a replacement.

My parents aren’t tech savvy at all and both love their Pro Max’s. They love how big the phone screens are

obviously not everyone is the same, but in my case my grandpa (72yrs old) got a XS Max a few months ago as he upgraded from a 7+. i thought he would have trouble using it but nope he didn’t need help figuring out the gestures after i showed him ONCE. Just ONCE but after that he learned himself pretty quickly how to navigate the phone which surprised tf out of me as he doesn’t know jack about modern tech

i would personally teach her how to use the phone incase she struggles but if you do it shouldn’t be too bad. with that being said definitely opt for the 12 pro but make sure the battery has decent health

I will set it up for her anyway and I love helping people with their phones ‘cause for me it’s an easy fix and the other person is usually happy :)

Can I just get used 12pro? I thought I saw some new ones in the web.

Hmm if I can’t get a new 12 I might as well spend more money on the 13 or even 14

I had to set up the other phone too so no worries on that point haha.

Btw is there a chance we can share my Apple ID only for setting the phone up?

You obviously don’t need Pro for a beginner.

Only 13 and 14 series have long battery life.

Only Pro Max and 14 Plus have the largest size (6.7 inches).

SE’s screen is tiny.

11 is good enough for a beginner with a cheap budget.

Regular 13 is probably the best option right now.

To be honest, I am not sure. I believe apps will stick around if you switch accounts on the device, you just have to make sure the new account "owns" a license to those apps to continue using (or updating) them.

She needs her own Apple ID