The starting price depends on which model you choose

Apple releases new iPhone models almost every year, and the price you pay depends on which one you buy. The base model of the current generation typically starts around $799 to $829, but older models cost less if you buy them new from Apple or a carrier. The most expensive current models can reach $1,199 or higher. These are the prices before tax, before any carrier discounts, and before you add storage upgrades.

The price also shifts based on where you buy it. Apple's own website shows the official price. Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often advertise lower prices, but those discounts usually require signing a contract or trading in an old phone. Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart may have different pricing on the same day. Checking multiple places before you buy can save you $50 to $150.

Key Takeaways

  • A new iPhone base model costs between $799 and $829 from Apple, with older models available for less.
  • Carriers offer lower advertised prices in exchange for a two-year contract or a trade-in of your current phone.
  • Storage upgrades (128GB to 512GB) add $50 to $300 to the base price depending on the model.
  • The total cost you pay includes sales tax, which varies by state and sometimes by county.
  • Buying a refurbished or previous-generation model can cut the cost in half compared to the newest version.

How carrier contracts change the real price

When a carrier advertises an iPhone for $0 or $199, they are not giving you a discount on the phone itself. Instead, they are spreading the full cost across your monthly bill over 24 or 36 months. You pay less upfront but more over time, and you are locked into that carrier's service plan for the contract period. If you leave early, you owe the remaining balance on the phone.

Trade-in offers work the same way. A carrier might say "Get an iPhone 15 for $299 with trade-in," but that $500 discount only applies if you turn in a phone in good condition. If your old phone has a cracked screen or won't power on, the trade-in value drops or disappears entirely. Read the fine print on trade-in condition requirements before you count on that discount.

Storage size adds $50 to $300 to the price

iPhones come in different storage capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and sometimes 1TB. The base price covers the smallest storage option. Each step up costs extra. On a current iPhone, jumping from 128GB to 256GB typically adds $50. Going to 512GB adds $150 to $200 more. The largest option can add $300 or more to the base price.

Storage matters because you cannot add more later. Once you buy an iPhone with 128GB, you are stuck with that amount. If you take a lot of photos, read videos, or install many apps, you may run out of space within a year or two. Many people find 256GB is a practical middle ground that costs $50 more than the base model but lasts longer before filling up.

Older models and refurbished iPhones cost significantly less

Apple sells previous-generation iPhones at reduced prices for several months after releasing a new model. An iPhone from last year might cost $100 to $200 less than the current model, even though the performance difference is small for most everyday tasks. These are brand new phones with full warranties, not used or refurbished devices.

Refurbished iPhones — phones that were returned, repaired, and resold — cost even less, sometimes 30 to 50 percent below the new price. Apple's refurbished iPhones come with a one-year warranty and are tested to work like new. Third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay also sell refurbished models, but warranties and return policies vary widely. If you buy refurbished from anyone other than Apple, check the return window and warranty length before purchasing.

Sales tax and hidden costs add to the final bill

The price you see online does not include sales tax. Sales tax on an $800 iPhone ranges from $0 in states with no sales tax (like Oregon and Montana) to around $80 in states with 10 percent tax (like California and Tennessee). Some counties add local tax on top of state tax, pushing the total even higher. The final amount you pay at checkout will be higher than the advertised price.

AppleCare+ is an optional protection plan that costs $99 to $199 depending on the model. It covers accidental damage, battery replacement, and technical support for two years. It is not required to use your phone, but it does add to the total cost if you choose it. Some people view it as insurance worth buying; others skip it and pay for repairs only when needed.

Where to find current pricing and compare options

Apple's website shows official prices for all current and recent models, broken down by storage size and color. Carrier websites (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) show their current promotions and trade-in values. Best Buy and Amazon list prices that sometimes undercut Apple's official price, especially during sales events. Checking all three sources takes 10 minutes and can reveal which place has the best deal on the specific model you want.

Price comparison sites like PCPartPicker and Swappa track prices across multiple retailers, though they focus more on computers and used phones than new iPhones. For new phones, visiting the official sources directly is faster and more reliable than using a third-party aggregator.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Carriers advertise lower prices but require a contract or trade-in. Apple's price is higher upfront but you own the phone outright with no strings attached. If you plan to keep the phone for two years or longer, the total cost is often similar. If you switch carriers or phones frequently, buying from Apple avoids early-termination fees.

What is the difference between a refurbished iPhone and a used one?

Refurbished phones have been returned, inspected, repaired if needed, and tested to work like new. They come with a warranty. Used phones are sold as-is by previous owners with no may provide. Apple's refurbished iPhones are reliable; used phones from private sellers carry more risk.

Do prices drop after a new iPhone is released?

Yes. When Apple releases a new model in September, the previous generation drops in price when ready. Older models continue to drop over the following months. If you do not need the newest features, waiting a few weeks after a release can save you $100 to $200.

Can I use an iPhone bought from one carrier on a different carrier?

It depends on whether the phone is locked or unlocked. Carrier-locked phones only work on that carrier's network until the contract is paid off. Unlocked phones work on any carrier. Ask the carrier whether the phone comes locked before you buy, or request an unlock once you have paid off the device.

What does AppleCare+ actually cover?

AppleCare+ covers hardware repairs, battery replacement, and accidental damage like drops and water damage. It does not cover lost or stolen phones. You pay a deductible ($29 to $99) each time you file a claim. It is useful if you are accident-prone; unnecessary if you use a case and screen protector and are careful with your phone.