iPhone prices start at $429 and go up to $1,599 depending on the model and storage size

Apple sells iPhones through its own website, carrier stores like Verizon and AT&T, and retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. The entry-level iPhone 16 starts at $429 for 128GB of storage. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, the largest and most powerful model, costs $1,599 for 256GB. Between those two are the iPhone 16 Plus ($529), iPhone 16 Pro ($999), and iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,099 for the base model). Each model costs more if you choose 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage — typically $100 more per step up.

Prices stay the same whether you buy from Apple directly, a carrier, or a third-party retailer. The difference is what happens after: buying from a carrier often means signing a contract and getting a monthly bill credit, while buying from Apple means paying the full price upfront or using Apple's monthly payment plan. Carriers sometimes offer trade-in credits that reduce your out-of-pocket cost, but those credits depend on the phone you're trading in and the carrier's current promotion.

Key Takeaways

  • The cheapest new iPhone costs $429; the most expensive costs $1,599, with prices increasing $100 for each storage tier.
  • Buying from a carrier can lower your upfront cost through trade-in credits or monthly bill credits, but you may have to sign a contract.
  • Apple's own payment plan spreads the cost over 24 months with no interest, but you must have an Apple Card or carrier financing.
  • Older iPhone models like the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 are sometimes discounted when new models launch, but availability varies by retailer.
  • Storage size affects price but not performance — choose based on how many photos, videos, and apps you keep on the phone.

How storage size changes the price

Every iPhone model comes in multiple storage sizes, and each step up costs more. The iPhone 16 starts at $429 for 128GB, then jumps to $529 for 256GB, $629 for 512GB, and $729 for 1TB. The same $100 increments explore to every model — the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB and reaches $1,199 for 1TB.

Storage size does not affect how fast the phone runs or how good the camera is. It only determines how many photos, videos, apps, and files you can store locally on the device. If you take hundreds of photos a month, shoot video regularly, or keep large games installed, 256GB or 512GB makes sense. If you mostly use cloud storage through iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive, 128GB may be enough. You cannot add storage later with an SD card — iPhones do not have expandable storage — so choose carefully at purchase.

What you pay at different retailers

Apple's official website, Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers all sell new iPhones at the same base prices. The real difference is in the deals and financing options each one offers.

Carriers like Verizon and AT&T often advertise "$0 down" or "$200 off" — but those are usually trade-in credits or monthly bill credits spread over 24 or 36 months. You have to trade in a may have access to phone and stay on the carrier's plan for the full term, or you owe the remaining balance. Best Buy sometimes runs promotions on unlocked iPhones, especially when new models launch. Amazon sells unlocked iPhones at full price but occasionally offers gift card bonuses. Apple itself offers no discounts on new models, but you can use Apple's monthly payment plan (0% interest over 24 months) if you have an Apple Card or carrier financing through Verizon or AT&T.

Older iPhone models and discounts

When Apple releases a new iPhone generation, older models usually drop in price. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 are typically discounted by $50 to $200 depending on the retailer and how much inventory they have left. These discounts are most common in the weeks right after a new launch, then stabilize or disappear as stock runs low.

Carriers are more likely to discount older models than Apple is. A carrier might offer the iPhone 15 for $200 less than its original price, or bundle it with a trade-in credit that makes the effective cost even lower. Best Buy and Amazon also mark down older models, though availability changes week to week. If you do not need the absolute latest features, waiting a few weeks after a new launch can save you money — but the phone you want may sell out.

Financing and payment plans

Most people do not pay the full price upfront. Apple offers a 24-month payment plan through Apple Card (0% interest) or through your carrier. Verizon and AT&T let you finance an iPhone over 24 or 36 months, usually with no interest if you stay on their plan. T-Mobile offers similar financing but calls it "Equipment Installment Plan" (EIP).

The monthly payment depends on the phone's price and how many months you choose. A $999 iPhone 16 Pro costs about $42 per month over 24 months, or $28 per month over 36 months. If you trade in a phone, the credit reduces the amount you finance — so trading in a $300 phone means you finance $699 instead of $999. If you leave the carrier or fail to complete the payment plan, you owe the remaining balance in full.

Used and refurbished iPhones

If you want to spend less, used and refurbished iPhones are available through Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, and third-party sellers. Apple's refurbished iPhones come with a one-year warranty and cost 15% less than new — so a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro might cost around $850 instead of $999. Best Buy sells certified refurbished iPhones with similar warranties and discounts.

Used iPhones from private sellers or marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace are cheaper but come with no warranty and no may provide the battery is in good condition. Before buying used, check the battery health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging) and ask the seller for proof of purchase or set up history. A used iPhone 15 might cost $500 to $700 depending on storage and condition, compared to $799 for a new one.

What affects the total cost you actually pay

The advertised price is only part of what you spend. If you buy through a carrier, you may pay set up fees ($20 to $35), and your monthly plan cost goes up if you add a new line. If you buy from Apple or an unlocked retailer, you need a separate phone plan from a carrier, which costs $30 to $100+ per month depending on data and coverage.

AppleCare+ is optional but costs $99 to $199 upfront (depending on the model) and covers accidental damage, battery replacement, and two years of support. Without it, a cracked screen repair costs $250 to $400, and battery replacement costs $69. If you use a phone for three years, AppleCare+ often pays for itself if you have one accident. Cases and screen protectors add $20 to $100 to the total cost but protect your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Apple ever discount new iPhones?

No. Apple sells new iPhones at the same price on day one and keeps that price until the next generation launches. Carriers and retailers discount older models, but Apple's own website does not. If you see a "discount" on Apple's site, it is usually a trade-in credit or a financing offer, not a price cut.

Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone from a carrier or from Apple?

The base price is the same, but carriers often offer trade-in credits or monthly bill credits that lower your effective cost. Apple offers no discounts but does offer 0% financing over 24 months if you have an Apple Card. Choose based on whether you have a phone to trade in and whether you want to stay with that carrier for the full payment term.

What is the difference between 128GB and 256GB?

Only storage capacity. Both phones run at the same speed and have the same camera quality. 128GB holds roughly 25,000 photos or 50 hours of video; 256GB holds roughly twice as much. Choose based on how many apps, photos, and videos you keep on the phone at once.

Can I buy an iPhone and return it if I change my mind?

Apple and most retailers offer a 14-day return window for unopened or lightly used phones. Carriers usually offer 14 to 30 days. If you financed the phone, returning it cancels the payment plan. Check the return policy at the place you buy before you purchase.

Why do iPhones cost so much compared to Android phones?

iPhones hold their value longer, receive software updates for five to seven years, and have tighter integration between hardware and software. Android phones at the same price point often have more storage or larger screens, but typically receive updates for three to four years. The choice depends on whether you value longevity and ecosystem integration or upfront specs.