iPhone prices vary by model and where you buy, but a new base model starts around $799 and goes up to $1,199 for the highest-end version

Apple releases new iPhones every fall, usually in September. The current lineup includes four main models at different price points. A new base iPhone (currently the iPhone 16) costs $799. The iPhone 16 Plus is $899. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max is $1,199. These are the official Apple prices for the standard storage capacity — usually 128GB for base models and 256GB for Pro models.

The actual price you pay depends on three things: which model you choose, how much storage you want, and where you buy it. Storage upgrades add $100 to $200 to the base price. Buying from Apple, a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, or a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon usually means the same official price, though carriers sometimes offer trade-in deals or monthly payment plans that change the real cost over time.

Key Takeaways

  • A new base iPhone costs $799; Pro models start at $999 and the largest model reaches $1,199 before storage upgrades.
  • Adding storage — from 128GB to 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB — adds $100 to $200 to the price depending on the model.
  • Carriers often offer monthly payment plans that split the cost over 24 to 36 months, sometimes with trade-in credits that lower your total.
  • Prices stay the same across Apple, carriers, and major retailers, but deals on older models appear within weeks of a new release.

Storage upgrades and what they cost

Every iPhone model comes in multiple storage sizes. The base iPhone 16 starts at 128GB for $799. Upgrading to 256GB costs $899. The next jump to 512GB is $1,099, and 1TB is $1,299. Each step up adds $100.

For Pro models, the pattern is similar but starts higher. The iPhone 16 Pro begins at 256GB for $999. Moving to 512GB costs $1,099, and 1TB is $1,299. Pro Max pricing follows the same $100 increments. Most people use 128GB or 256GB without running out of space, especially if they use iCloud for photos and backups. You only need the larger sizes if you store a lot of video, games, or keep years of photos on the phone itself.

How carriers and retailers change the real cost

Apple's official prices are what you see everywhere — Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Apple's own stores all charge the same amount. What differs is how you pay and what happens next.

Carriers offer monthly payment plans that split the cost over 24 or 36 months with no interest. Verizon and AT&T typically charge around $33 to $50 per month depending on the model. If you trade in an old iPhone, they subtract its value from the total before calculating your monthly bill. A two-year-old iPhone might be worth $200 to $400 in trade-in credit, which cuts your monthly payment roughly in half. Best Buy and Amazon usually require full payment upfront or offer their own financing through a credit card.

The catch: carrier deals often require you to stay on their network for the duration of the payment plan. If you switch carriers before it ends, you may owe the remaining balance. Read the fine print before committing.

Older iPhone models and where prices drop

Within a few weeks of Apple releasing new iPhones, prices on the previous generation fall. The iPhone 15, which cost $799 when it launched, now costs $699 at Apple and often less at retailers. The iPhone 14 dropped to $599. This pattern repeats every year — older models become the budget option.

If you do not need the latest features, buying last year's model saves $100 to $200. The differences between generations are usually camera improvements, processing speed, and new software features. For everyday use — texting, email, social media, photos — a one or two-year-old iPhone works fine. Refurbished iPhones, which are returned phones that Apple has tested and cleaned, cost even less and come with the same one-year warranty as new phones.

What affects the price you actually pay

Your location matters slightly. Sales tax varies by state and city, so the final price at checkout is higher than the sticker price everywhere except a few states with no sales tax. If you live in California, you pay about 7.25% tax on top of the listed price. In Tennessee, it is closer to 9.5%. This is not something Apple or the retailer controls — it is a state and local requirement.

Timing also affects price. New iPhones launch in September, and prices are highest in the first few weeks. By November and December, retailers sometimes offer small discounts or bundle deals (like free AirPods with purchase). January through August, prices are stable and discounts are rare unless you trade in an old phone.

International prices and why they differ

If you are buying outside the United States, iPhone prices are higher in most countries because of import taxes, VAT (value-added tax), and currency exchange rates. In the UK, the base iPhone 16 costs £799, which is roughly $1,000 USD. In Canada, it is $1,199 CAD, about $880 USD. These are not Apple charging more — they are taxes and duties added by each country.

If you travel internationally and want to buy an iPhone abroad, check whether it will work on your home network. iPhones sold in different regions support the same basic networks, but some carriers lock phones to their network for the duration of a payment plan. An unlocked iPhone bought outright works anywhere; a carrier-locked phone may not.

Financing options and the real cost over time

Paying $799 upfront is one option. Most people use a carrier payment plan instead. A $799 iPhone financed over 24 months at $33 per month costs $799 total — no interest. But if you add AppleCare+ (Apple's damage and theft insurance), that is another $4 to $5 per month, bringing your total monthly cost to around $37 to $38. Over two years, AppleCare+ adds $96 to $120 to the real cost.

If you trade in a phone worth $300, your monthly payment drops to around $20 to $25 before AppleCare+. The trade-in value depends on the model, age, and condition. A phone with a cracked screen is worth less than one in perfect condition. Carriers usually value phones conservatively — expect 30% to 50% of what you might get selling it privately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do prices ever go on sale or get discounted?

New iPhones rarely go on sale at their official price. Carriers sometimes offer trade-in bonuses or bundle deals (like free accessories), but the phone itself stays at Apple's set price. Older models drop in price within weeks of a new release. Black Friday and holiday sales occasionally include small discounts or gift cards, but these are uncommon for current-generation phones.

Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone outright or finance it through a carrier?

The total cost is the same either way if there is no interest. Financing spreads the cost over 24 to 36 months, which is easier on your budget. The real difference is trade-in value — carriers often offer higher trade-in credits than you would get selling privately, which lowers your effective cost. If you plan to keep the phone for years, buying outright avoids being locked into a carrier contract.

What is the difference between a carrier-locked and unlocked iPhone?

A carrier-locked iPhone only works on the network that sold it to you. An unlocked iPhone works on any carrier. Phones bought outright from Apple are unlocked. Phones financed through a carrier are usually locked until you finish paying, then automatically unlock. Unlocked phones cost the same as locked ones — the difference is flexibility if you want to switch carriers later.

Should I buy the newest iPhone or wait for the price to drop?

If your current phone works fine, waiting a few months saves $100 to $200 when the previous generation drops in price. If your phone is broken or very old, buying now makes sense. The newest model has the latest camera and processor, but for most everyday tasks, last year's iPhone is nearly identical and costs less.

Do refurbished iPhones cost significantly less?

Refurbished iPhones from Apple typically cost 10% to 15% less than new ones — a $799 iPhone might be $679 refurbished. They come with the same one-year warranty as new phones. The trade-off is cosmetic wear you cannot see (internal parts are replaced if needed) and no original packaging. For budget-conscious buyers, refurbished is a solid option if you do not mind the phone not being brand new.