Current iPhone prices from Apple

A new iPhone from Apple starts at $429 for the iPhone 16 and goes up to $1,199 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The standard iPhone 16 costs $799, the iPhone 16 Plus is $899, the iPhone 16 Pro is $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is $1,199. These are the prices Apple charges directly on its website and in its stores.

Prices vary by storage capacity. The base model of each phone comes with a set amount of storage — usually 128GB for the standard models and 256GB for the Pro models — and you pay more if you want 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB. Adding storage typically costs $100 to $200 more depending on the phone and how much you add.

If you buy from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile instead of Apple directly, the advertised price may be lower because the carrier subsidizes part of the cost in exchange for a contract or monthly payment plan. The actual total you pay over time is often the same or higher.

Key Takeaways

  • A new iPhone 16 costs $799 directly from Apple, while the Pro model is $999 and the Pro Max is $1,199.
  • Storage capacity adds $100 to $200 to the base price depending on which model you choose.
  • Carrier prices look cheaper upfront but usually cost the same total amount spread across a monthly payment plan or contract.
  • Older iPhone models like the iPhone 15 are sometimes discounted after a new release, though Apple's official prices stay the same.

What you pay at different retailers

Apple's official pricing is the same whether you buy from Apple.com, an Apple Store, or an authorized retailer like Best Buy. Best Buy, Walmart, and Target stock iPhones at Apple's set prices, though they occasionally run sales or bundle deals around holidays.

Carrier stores — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others — advertise lower prices because they're offering a monthly payment plan. A phone that costs $799 at Apple might show as $0 to $200 upfront at a carrier if you sign a two-year contract or agree to a 24 to 36-month payment plan. You'll pay the difference in monthly installments added to your phone bill.

Refurbished and used iPhones cost less. Apple sells refurbished models directly at 15 percent off the new price. Third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, and other sites sell used iPhones for anywhere from 30 to 60 percent less than new, depending on the model, age, and condition.

How carrier payment plans work

When you buy an iPhone through a carrier, you're usually choosing between two options: a contract with a subsidized price, or a monthly payment plan with no contract. Most carriers have moved away from contracts and now offer only the payment plan route.

With a payment plan, the carrier finances the phone and you pay it back in monthly installments — usually 24 to 36 months — added to your phone bill. The total you pay is the full retail price plus interest, which varies by carrier and your credit. If you switch carriers or sell the phone before it's paid off, you still owe the remaining balance.

Some carriers offer trade-in credits that reduce the monthly payment. If your old phone is worth $200 in trade-in value, that amount comes off the total financed, lowering your monthly cost. The trade-in value depends on the model, age, and condition of your old phone.

Price differences between iPhone models

The iPhone 16 is the base model and the cheapest option at $799. It has a 6.1-inch screen, the A18 chip, and a dual camera system. The iPhone 16 Plus is the same phone with a larger 6.7-inch screen and costs $899.

The iPhone 16 Pro costs $999 and adds a better camera system with a telephoto lens, a brighter screen, and the faster A18 Pro chip. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest at 6.9 inches and costs $1,199. Both Pro models come with 256GB of storage as the base, while the standard models start at 128GB.

Older models like the iPhone 15 are sometimes discounted by carriers or third-party retailers after the new iPhone launches, but Apple's official price for current models does not drop. If you want a lower price, your options are buying an older model, choosing a refurbished phone, or waiting for a carrier promotion.

What affects the final price you pay

Storage capacity is the biggest variable. Moving from 128GB to 256GB adds $100, and jumping to 512GB or 1TB adds another $100 to $200. If you plan to store photos, videos, or games, the larger sizes fill up quickly.

Color choices do not change the price — all colors cost the same. AppleCare+ protection plans add $99 to $199 depending on the model and cover accidental damage, battery replacement, and repairs. You can buy it when you purchase the phone or within 60 days.

Taxes vary by state and locality. Some states charge sales tax on the full price, while others have different rates. A $799 phone might cost $850 to $900 after tax depending on where you live. Carrier financing sometimes includes taxes in the monthly payment and sometimes charges them upfront.

Older iPhone models and discounts

When Apple releases a new iPhone, the previous generation sometimes gets a price cut. The iPhone 15 dropped from $799 to $699 after the iPhone 16 launched. Carriers often offer bigger discounts on older models, especially if you trade in an old phone or switch carriers.

Refurbished iPhones from Apple come with the same one-year warranty as new phones and are typically 15 percent cheaper. A refurbished iPhone 16 would cost around $679 instead of $799. Third-party refurbished phones are cheaper but may have shorter warranties or no warranty at all.

Black Friday and holiday sales sometimes include iPhone discounts from carriers and retailers, though the discounts are usually smaller than you might expect — often $50 to $150 off. Apple itself rarely discounts new iPhones, but carriers and retailers use them as loss leaders to attract customers.

International pricing and unlocked phones

iPhone prices are higher in most countries outside the United States. In the UK, the iPhone 16 costs £799, which converts to roughly $1,000 USD when you account for VAT and currency differences. Canada, Australia, and European countries all charge more than the US price.

An unlocked iPhone works with any carrier and is not tied to a specific network. Apple sells unlocked iPhones at the same price as carrier versions. The difference is that an unlocked phone gives you the freedom to switch carriers without paying an early termination fee, and you can use it internationally with a local SIM card.

If you buy an iPhone from a carrier, it may be locked to that network for a period of time — usually 40 to 60 days. After that, you can request an unlock code from the carrier, which takes a few days. Unlocked phones cost the same as locked ones but skip this waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an iPhone for less than the listed price?

Carriers sometimes offer discounts or bill credits if you trade in an old phone or switch from another carrier. Refurbished iPhones from Apple cost about 15 percent less than new. Used iPhones from third-party sellers cost 30 to 60 percent less depending on age and condition, but come with less warranty protection.

What's the difference between buying from Apple and buying from a carrier?

Apple charges the full price upfront or offers monthly payments with no interest if you use Apple Card. Carriers advertise lower upfront prices but finance the phone over 24 to 36 months, and you pay interest. The total cost is usually similar, but the payment structure differs.

Do I have to pay for AppleCare when I buy an iPhone?

No, AppleCare+ is optional. It costs $99 to $199 depending on the model and covers accidental damage and battery replacement. You can buy it when you purchase the phone or within 60 days. Without it, repairs outside the one-year warranty are expensive.

Will the price drop if I wait?

Apple's official prices for current models do not drop. Older models sometimes get discounted after a new release, and carriers run periodic promotions. If you need a phone now, waiting usually does not save much money unless a specific sale is coming.

Is a refurbished iPhone worth buying?

Apple's refurbished iPhones are tested, repaired if needed, and come with a one-year warranty. They cost about 15 percent less than new and are a solid choice if you want to save money. Third-party refurbished phones are cheaper but may have shorter warranties or cosmetic damage.