iPhone 16 pricing starts at $799 for the base model

Apple released four iPhone 16 models in September 2024: the standard iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The base iPhone 16 with 128GB storage costs $799. The iPhone 16 Plus, which has a larger screen, starts at $899. Both phones use the same A18 chip and camera system — the difference is screen size and battery life.

The Pro models cost more because they include a better camera system, a brighter display, and the A18 Pro chip. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 for 128GB storage, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 for 128GB storage. All four models come in multiple storage sizes, and each step up in storage adds $100 to the price.

Key Takeaways

  • The iPhone 16 base model costs $799, the Plus costs $899, the Pro costs $999, and the Pro Max costs $1,199, all for 128GB storage.
  • Each storage upgrade (128GB to 256GB, 256GB to 512GB, 512GB to 1TB) adds $100 to the price across all models.
  • The main differences between standard and Pro models are the camera system, display brightness, and processor — not the screen size alone.
  • Carrier discounts, trade-in offers, and financing plans can reduce the upfront cost, though the full retail price remains the same.

Storage sizes and their cost differences

All iPhone 16 models come in four storage sizes: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Each step up costs $100 more. So an iPhone 16 with 256GB costs $899, 512GB costs $1,099, and 1TB costs $1,199. This pricing is the same across all four models — whether you buy a standard iPhone 16 or a Pro Max, the storage upgrade cost is always $100 per tier.

Most people use between 64GB and 256GB of storage. The 128GB base model is enough for photos, apps, and video if you back up to iCloud or a computer regularly. If you shoot a lot of video, use large games, or keep years of photos on the phone, 256GB or 512GB makes sense. The 1TB option is mainly for people who store professional video or photo libraries on the phone itself.

What you pay at different retailers

The prices above are Apple's official retail prices. You can buy directly from Apple, from carriers like Verizon and AT&T, or from retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. The phone itself costs the same everywhere — $799 for the base iPhone 16 — but carriers and retailers often offer trade-in discounts or bill credits that reduce what you actually pay upfront.

For example, Verizon might offer $200 off if you trade in an older iPhone, or AT&T might give you $500 in bill credits over 36 months if you finance the phone through them. These deals change monthly and vary by location. The full retail price stays the same, but the effective cost to you can be lower if you may have access to for a promotion.

Financing and payment plans

Apple, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and most retailers offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over 12 to 36 months with no interest. Apple's plan is called iPhone Upgrade Program and costs between $33 and $49 per month depending on the model. Carrier plans usually cost between $25 and $45 per month and may include insurance or trade-in options.

If you finance through a carrier, the monthly cost is often lower than buying outright, especially if you get a trade-in credit applied to the plan. The total amount you pay is still the same as the retail price — you are just spreading it across months instead of paying upfront. Read the terms carefully, because some plans require you to keep the phone for the full term or pay an early termination fee.

How iPhone 16 prices compare to previous models

The iPhone 16 costs the same as the iPhone 15 did when it launched — $799 for the base model. Apple has kept the starting price at $799 for several years. The iPhone 16 Plus also costs $899, matching the iPhone 15 Plus. The Pro models also stayed at $999 and $1,199 respectively.

What changed is what you get for that price. The iPhone 16 has a faster A18 chip, a better camera system, and longer battery life than the iPhone 15. If you own an iPhone 15 or newer, the upgrade is not necessary for most people. If you own an iPhone 13 or older, the camera and battery improvements are more noticeable.

Refurbished and older iPhone options

If the new price is too high, Apple sells refurbished iPhone 16 models at a discount — usually 10 to 15 percent off the new price. These phones have been returned, tested, and cleaned, and come with the same one-year warranty as new phones. A refurbished iPhone 16 might cost around $680 to $720 instead of $799.

You can also buy the iPhone 15 or iPhone 14 at a lower price now that the iPhone 16 is out. The iPhone 15 typically costs $100 less than the iPhone 16, and the iPhone 14 costs $200 less. These older models still work well and receive software updates for several more years. The trade-off is a slower chip and an older camera system, but the difference is not dramatic for everyday use.

International pricing and currency differences

iPhone 16 prices vary by country because of taxes, import duties, and currency exchange rates. In Canada, the base iPhone 16 costs around 1,199 CAD (roughly $900 USD). In the United Kingdom, it costs around £799 (roughly $1,000 USD). In Australia, it costs around 1,399 AUD (roughly $930 USD). These prices include the local sales tax or VAT.

If you are buying from outside the United States, check Apple's website for your country to see the exact price in your currency. Prices can shift when exchange rates change, and some countries have different storage options or colors available at launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 16 worth the price compared to the iPhone 15?

The iPhone 16 has a faster chip and better camera, but if you own an iPhone 15, the upgrade is not urgent. The iPhone 15 still receives software updates and works well for most tasks. If you own an iPhone 13 or older, the iPhone 16 offers more noticeable improvements in speed, camera quality, and battery life.

Can I get an iPhone 16 for less than the listed price?

Yes, through trade-in offers, carrier promotions, and financing plans. Carriers often give $200 to $500 in credits if you trade in an older phone. Refurbished models cost 10 to 15 percent less. Financing plans spread the cost over months, which can feel cheaper even though the total is the same.

What is the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro?

The Pro has a better camera system with a telephoto lens, a brighter display, and the A18 Pro chip instead of the A18. The standard iPhone 16 is faster and more capable than older iPhones, but the Pro is built for photography and video work. For most people, the standard iPhone 16 is enough.

Do I need to buy the highest storage size?

No. Most people use 128GB or 256GB. Choose 128GB if you back up photos to iCloud or a computer. Choose 256GB if you keep years of photos on the phone or use large apps and games. Choose 512GB or 1TB only if you store professional video or photo libraries on the phone itself.

Will the iPhone 16 price drop soon?

Apple's official price stays the same for about a year. Carriers and retailers run promotions that change monthly, so the effective price you pay can drop if you wait for a good trade-in offer. The biggest price drops usually happen when the next iPhone launches, about 12 months later.