Current iPhone prices at major retailers
A new iPhone costs between $429 and $1,599 depending on the model and storage size you choose. The iPhone 16 starts at $799, the iPhone 16 Plus at $899, the iPhone 16 Pro at $999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max at $1,199. Older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro are still sold by Apple and carriers, usually at lower prices than the current generation.
You can buy iPhones directly from Apple, from wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and from retailers including Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. Prices are the same across these channels for the base model, but carriers and retailers often run trade-in offers or bundle deals that lower your out-of-pocket cost. Best Buy and Amazon sometimes discount older iPhone models by $50 to $150.
Storage capacity affects the price. Each model comes in at least two storage options — typically 128GB and 256GB for standard models, 256GB and 512GB for Pro models. Upgrading storage costs $100 to $200 more depending on the jump. You cannot upgrade storage after purchase, so choose based on how many photos, videos, and apps you plan to keep on the phone.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 16 base model costs $799, while the Pro Max reaches $1,199 — older models cost less but are no longer may provide to receive software updates for as long.
- Wireless carriers often offer trade-in credits or monthly bill credits that can reduce your actual cost by $200 to $400 if you switch providers or trade in an older phone.
- Storage upgrades cost $100 to $200 per tier and cannot be changed later, so decide how much space you need before you buy.
- Buying from Apple, carriers, and major retailers shows the same base price, but trade-in values and promotional offers vary between them.
How carrier deals and trade-ins change the real cost
If you buy through a wireless carrier, the advertised price often drops when you trade in an older phone or switch from another carrier. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile each run their own trade-in programs. The value depends on the phone's age, condition, and model — a two-year-old iPhone in good condition might be worth $300 to $500 in credit, while a five-year-old model might be worth $50 to $150.
Carriers also offer monthly bill credits spread over 24 or 36 months instead of a single discount. For example, AT&T might advertise "iPhone 16 for $0 with trade-in," but that means $33 per month in credits for 24 months — you still pay the full price upfront or through a monthly installment plan, and the credits only apply if you stay with that carrier. If you leave before the credits finish, you lose the remaining discount.
Apple's trade-in program works differently. You can trade in a phone when you order online or in a store, and Apple applies the credit immediately to your purchase. The trade-in values are usually lower than carrier offers, but there is no contract or requirement to stay with Apple. You can also sell an older iPhone on the used market through Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Swappa and often get more cash than a trade-in credit is worth.
Financing options and monthly costs
Most carriers and Apple offer installment plans that let you pay for an iPhone over 24 to 36 months instead of all at once. The monthly cost depends on the phone's price and the length of the plan. An $800 iPhone spread over 24 months costs roughly $33 per month before taxes and fees. Over 36 months, it drops to roughly $22 per month.
Installment plans through carriers are usually interest-free, but they are tied to your account. If you switch carriers or cancel service, you may have to pay off the remaining balance immediately. Apple's installment plan through Apple Card also charges no interest if you pay on time, but requires a credit check and approval.
Some carriers bundle the phone cost with a service plan, so the monthly bill includes both the device payment and your data plan. Others let you buy the phone on an installment plan separate from your service plan, which gives you more flexibility to switch carriers later without losing the discount.
Refurbished and used iPhones cost less
A refurbished iPhone — one that was returned, repaired, and resold — typically costs 15 to 30 percent less than a new one. Apple sells refurbished iPhones directly on its website with the same one-year warranty as new phones. Best Buy and Amazon also sell refurbished models from certified sellers, though warranty terms vary.
Used iPhones from private sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Swappa cost even less, sometimes 30 to 50 percent below retail. The trade-off is no warranty and the risk that the phone has hidden damage or a locked activation. Before buying used, ask the seller for proof of purchase, check that the phone is not blacklisted by the carrier, and test it in person if possible.
Older iPhone models — the iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or earlier — are still sold new by Apple and carriers at discounted prices. An iPhone 15 might cost $100 to $200 less than the iPhone 16, and an iPhone 14 even less. The main difference is that older models eventually stop receiving software updates, usually five to seven years after release. Check Apple's support page to see how long your chosen model will be supported.
What affects the price you actually pay
Sales tax varies by state and adds 5 to 10 percent to the final price. Some states have no sales tax on phones, while others tax them at the full rate. A few states offer temporary sales tax holidays on electronics, though these rarely include phones.
Activation fees charged by carriers add $20 to $40 to your bill if you are setting up a new line or switching providers. Some carriers waive this fee for online orders or for existing customers upgrading their phone. Shipping is usually free from Apple and major retailers, but some carriers charge $15 to $20 for overnight delivery.
AppleCare+ is an optional protection plan that costs $99 to $199 depending on the model and covers accidental damage, battery replacement, and hardware repairs. It is not required to use the phone, but it can save money if you damage the phone — a screen replacement without AppleCare costs $300 to $400, while with AppleCare it costs $29 to $99.
Comparing iPhone prices across retailers
The base price for a new iPhone is the same at Apple, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and Amazon, but the total cost you pay varies based on fees, shipping, and trade-in offers. The table below shows the standard charges at each retailer for a new iPhone 16.
| Retailer | Base Price | Trade-In Available | Activation Fee | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | $799 (iPhone 16) | Yes | None | Free |
| Verizon | $799 (iPhone 16) | Yes, with bill credits | $40 | Free standard, $20 overnight |
| AT&T | $799 (iPhone 16) | Yes, with bill credits | $30 | Free standard, $20 overnight |
| T-Mobile | $799 (iPhone 16) | Yes, with bill credits | $35 | Free standard, $15 overnight |
| Best Buy | $799 (iPhone 16) | Limited | Varies by carrier | Free standard, $20 overnight |
| Amazon | $799 (iPhone 16) | No | None | Free standard, $25 overnight |
If you are buying without a trade-in, Apple and Amazon have the lowest total cost because they charge no activation fee and offer free standard shipping. If you have an older phone to trade in, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile may offer larger credits than Apple, but the monthly bill credits mean you pay the full price upfront and recoup the discount over time. Best Buy is useful if you want to see the phone in person before buying and compare carrier options in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the price change if I buy an iPhone on a specific day or season?
Apple releases new iPhones in September each year, and the previous generation drops in price by $100 to $200. Prices do not change much otherwise. Black Friday and holiday sales sometimes offer $50 to $100 discounts on older models, but new iPhones rarely go on sale. Carrier promotions change monthly, so checking their websites regularly can reveal better trade-in values or bill credits than what is advertised today.
What is the difference between an unlocked iPhone and one from a carrier?
An unlocked iPhone works with any carrier and has no software restrictions. A carrier-locked iPhone only works with that carrier until you request an unlock code, usually after paying off the device. Unlocked iPhones from Apple and Amazon cost the same as carrier versions, but give you more flexibility to switch providers later without losing your phone.
Can I negotiate the price of an iPhone?
Prices are fixed at Apple, carriers, and major retailers — you cannot negotiate the base price. However, you can negotiate the trade-in value of your old phone at some carriers and retailers, and you can shop around for the best trade-in offer before committing to a purchase.
Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone in another country?
iPhones cost more in most countries outside the United States due to import taxes and local pricing. Buying one abroad and bringing it home may void the warranty in your country. If you travel, it is usually cheaper to buy in the US before you leave.
Do carrier bundle deals actually save money?
Carrier bundles that combine phone, internet, and mobile service can save $10 to $30 per month compared to buying each service separately, but only if you need all three. If you already have internet or do not want their mobile plan, a bundle does not help. Compare the total cost of your current services against the bundle price before switching.