iPhone 16 prices start at $799 for the base model, with higher prices for larger screens and storage

Apple released the iPhone 16 lineup in September 2024 with four models at different price points. The standard iPhone 16 begins at $799 for 128GB of storage. The iPhone 16 Plus, with a larger 6.7-inch screen, starts at $899. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 with 256GB (not 128GB), and the iPhone 16 Pro Max begins at $1,199, also with 256GB.

These are the prices you pay upfront when buying from Apple directly or from most carriers without a contract. Prices vary slightly by retailer, and some carriers offer discounts or trade-in deals that can lower what you actually spend. If you buy through a carrier's monthly payment plan, you spread the cost over 24 or 36 months, but the total you pay remains the same unless there's a promotional discount.

Key Takeaways

  • The iPhone 16 costs $799, the iPhone 16 Plus costs $899, the iPhone 16 Pro costs $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,199 — all prices for base storage.
  • Storage upgrades (256GB, 512GB, 1TB) add $100 to $200 to the base price depending on the model and tier you choose.
  • Carrier payment plans spread the cost over 24 or 36 months but don't reduce the total price unless a promotion is running.
  • Trade-in value for an older iPhone can reduce your out-of-pocket cost by $100 to $600 depending on the model and condition.

Storage tiers and how they affect the price

Each iPhone 16 model comes in multiple storage sizes, and each step up costs more. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus jump $100 for each tier: 128GB at the base price, then 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. So a 256GB iPhone 16 costs $899, a 512GB costs $999, and a 1TB costs $1,099.

The Pro models start at 256GB (not 128GB like the standard models) and also increase by $100 per tier. A 256GB iPhone 16 Pro costs $999, a 512GB costs $1,099, a 1TB costs $1,199, and a 2TB costs $1,299. The Pro Max follows the same pattern but starts at $1,199 for 256GB.

Most people use less than 128GB of storage if they back up photos to iCloud or another cloud service. If you store everything locally on the phone, you may need more. Consider how many apps, photos, and videos you keep on your device before choosing a tier.

Where to buy and how prices compare

Apple's official website and retail stores set the standard prices listed above. Major carriers — Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others — sell the same phones at the same prices, though they may offer carrier-specific discounts or bundle deals. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart also sell iPhone 16 models at Apple's standard prices.

Occasionally, retailers run sales or bundle discounts (like a discount when you buy a case or AppleCare+ protection plan at the same time), but the phone itself rarely goes on sale at full price. Carrier promotions are more common — they might offer $200 to $400 off when you trade in an older phone or switch carriers, but that's a discount applied to your bill or account, not a price reduction on the phone itself.

Trade-in value and how it reduces your cost

Apple, carriers, and retailers all offer trade-in programs where you give them an older iPhone and receive a credit toward the new one. The credit depends on the model, storage, and condition of your old phone. An iPhone 15 in good condition might be worth $400 to $500 in trade-in credit. An iPhone 14 might be worth $300 to $400. An iPhone 13 or older is typically worth $100 to $250.

Trade-in value varies by retailer and changes over time as older models become less valuable. Apple's trade-in values tend to be consistent, while carrier trade-in offers sometimes include promotional bonuses (like an extra $50 or $100 off) if you switch carriers or add a new line. Check the trade-in value for your specific phone model on Apple's website, your carrier's website, and Best Buy before deciding where to trade it in.

The trade-in credit is usually applied immediately at checkout, reducing what you pay that day. Some carriers spread the credit over your monthly bill instead, which means you see the savings over time rather than upfront.

Monthly payment plans and financing options

All major carriers and Apple offer monthly payment plans that let you spread the cost over 24 or 36 months instead of paying upfront. With a carrier plan, you typically pay $33 to $50 per month for an iPhone 16, depending on the model and the length of the plan. Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program charges a similar monthly amount and includes AppleCare+ coverage (accidental damage protection) in the price.

Monthly plans do not reduce the total price you pay — they just divide it into smaller chunks. A $799 iPhone 16 on a 24-month plan costs about $33 per month, and over 24 months you pay $799 total (plus any interest if the plan charges it, though most carrier plans do not). The advantage is that you can afford the phone without a large upfront payment.

Some carriers offer zero-interest financing, while others charge interest if you don't pay off the balance within a promotional period. Read the terms carefully, because interest can add $50 to $150 to the total cost if you carry a balance beyond the promotional window.

Color and finish options don't change the price

iPhone 16 comes in five colors: Black, White, Ultramarine, Teal, and Pink. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max come in four finishes: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, and Desert Titanium. Choosing a different color or finish does not change the price — all colors cost the same.

Some colors may have longer wait times if they're popular, but the price remains identical. If a retailer claims a specific color costs more, that's not an official Apple price and you should check Apple's website or another retailer to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the price include AppleCare+ or a warranty?

No. The prices listed are for the phone only. AppleCare+ (which covers accidental damage, battery replacement, and repairs) costs $99 to $199 depending on the model and whether you choose theft and loss coverage. A standard one-year limited warranty is included with every iPhone, but it only covers manufacturing defects, not accidental damage.

Will the iPhone 16 price drop after a few months?

Apple rarely discounts its own phones directly. Older models sometimes drop in price when new ones launch, but the iPhone 16 price will likely stay at $799 (for the base model) until the iPhone 17 arrives next year. Carriers and retailers may offer trade-in bonuses or bundle deals, but the phone's official price is set by Apple.

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

The phone price is the same, but carriers may offer trade-in bonuses, bill credits, or discounts if you switch or add a line. Apple's advantage is that you own the phone outright and can switch carriers anytime. Carrier phones are also unlocked and work on any network, but some carrier promotions require you to stay with them for a set period or the discount is reversed.

Can I buy an iPhone 16 used or refurbished for less?

Yes. Refurbished iPhones sold by Apple or carriers are tested and come with a warranty, typically costing 10 to 15 percent less than new. Used phones from private sellers or resale sites cost even less but have no warranty and higher risk. Check the condition carefully and confirm the phone isn't locked to a carrier or iCloud account before buying used.

Do I have to pay sales tax on top of the listed price?

Yes, in most states. Sales tax varies by location and typically adds 5 to 10 percent to the final price. So a $799 iPhone 16 might cost $850 to $880 after tax, depending on where you live. Some states have no sales tax, and a few offer tax breaks on certain electronics, but most do not.