iPhone prices start at $429 and go up to $1,599 depending on the model and storage
Apple sells iPhones at different price points based on which model you choose and how much storage it has. The cheapest current iPhone is the iPhone 15, which starts at $799 for 128GB of storage. The most expensive is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 for 128GB and can reach $1,599 if you add more storage. Older models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 are still sold by Apple at lower prices — the iPhone 13 starts at $429.
These are Apple's official prices when you buy directly from Apple or from carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Prices at other retailers like Best Buy or Amazon are the same. If you buy a used or refurbished iPhone, you will pay less — sometimes significantly less depending on the age and condition of the phone.
Key Takeaways
- A new iPhone 15 costs $799 to start, while an iPhone 15 Pro Max starts at $1,199, with prices rising if you choose more storage.
- Older iPhone models like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 are still sold by Apple at lower prices, starting as low as $429.
- Carrier deals and trade-in programs can reduce what you pay upfront, though they often require a contract or monthly payments.
- Refurbished and used iPhones cost less than new ones, but you lose the manufacturer's warranty unless you buy from Apple's refurbished program.
How storage size affects the price
Every iPhone model comes in multiple storage sizes, and each step up costs more. For the iPhone 15, you can choose 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB. Going from 128GB to 256GB usually adds $100 to the price. Going from 256GB to 512GB adds another $100. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 1TB option as well, which adds another $100 on top of 512GB.
Storage size matters because you cannot add more storage later — there is no memory card slot on any iPhone. If you take a lot of photos and videos, or keep many apps installed, you will want more storage from the start. If you mostly use cloud storage like iCloud or Google Photos, and stream music and video rather than downloading them, 128GB or 256GB is usually enough.
What carriers charge when you buy through them
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all sell iPhones at the same official Apple prices, but they offer deals that can lower your upfront cost. The most common deal is a trade-in credit — you give them your old phone, and they reduce the price of the new iPhone by $200 to $650 depending on the model and condition of your old phone. These credits are spread across 24 or 36 monthly payments, so you do not see the full discount on day one.
Carriers also run promotions where they add bill credits if you switch from another carrier or add a new line. These credits appear on your monthly bill over several months. The catch is that these deals usually require you to keep the phone on their network for the full contract period — if you leave early, you may owe the remaining balance.
Refurbished and used iPhone prices
Apple sells refurbished iPhones directly through its website at 15% off the new price. These phones have been returned, inspected, and restored to working condition. They come with the same one-year warranty as a new phone. A refurbished iPhone 15 would cost around $679 instead of $799.
Used iPhones from third-party sellers like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Swappa are often cheaper than refurbished models, but you have no warranty and no may provide of the phone's history. Prices vary widely depending on the model, age, storage size, and condition. A used iPhone 14 might cost $500 to $650, while a used iPhone 13 might cost $350 to $500. Always ask the seller for photos of the phone's condition and check the battery health if possible.
Why prices vary between retailers
Apple's official retail price is the same everywhere — at Apple.com, at Apple Stores, at carrier stores, and at Best Buy. However, third-party sellers on Amazon or eBay may list iPhones below the official price, especially if they are selling older stock or refurbished units. These listings are usually from resellers, not from Apple or the carriers.
Occasionally, retailers run sales during major shopping events like Black Friday or back-to-school season, but these are usually discounts on older models rather than the newest iPhone. The newest model rarely goes on sale in its first few months.
International prices and why they differ
iPhone prices are higher in most countries outside the United States because of import taxes, local sales taxes, and currency exchange rates. In the United Kingdom, an iPhone 15 costs £799, which is roughly $1,000 USD when converted. In Canada, it costs CAD $1,199, which is roughly $900 USD. These differences are not Apple charging more — they reflect the actual cost of doing business in each country.
If you are traveling or moving to another country, buying an iPhone in the US and bringing it with you is usually cheaper than buying it locally. However, you should check whether the phone will work on the cellular networks in your destination country, as some older iPhone models do not support all international frequencies.
When new iPhone models are released and prices drop
Apple releases a new iPhone model every September. When the new model launches, the previous year's model usually drops in price by $100. For example, when the iPhone 15 launched in September 2023, the iPhone 14 dropped from $799 to $699. The iPhone 13 dropped further to $599, and eventually to $429 where it sits now.
If you do not need the newest features, waiting a few months after a new launch can save you money. The older model is still fast and capable — the main differences are usually the camera, processor speed, and display quality. Checking what changed between models helps you decide whether the newer version is worth the extra cost for your actual use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an iPhone for less than $429?
Yes, if you buy a used or refurbished model from a third-party seller. Used iPhone 12 or earlier models can be found for $300 to $400 depending on condition and storage. Apple's refurbished program starts at $429 for the iPhone 13, but used market prices are often lower.
Do carrier deals actually save money compared to buying from Apple?
Carrier deals save money on the upfront cost, but you pay it back through monthly bills over 24 to 36 months. If you keep the phone for the full contract period, you save money. If you switch carriers or upgrade early, you may owe the remaining balance, which can cost more than buying outright from Apple.
Is a refurbished iPhone from Apple as good as a new one?
Refurbished iPhones from Apple have been tested and restored to working condition, and they come with a one-year warranty just like new phones. The main difference is cosmetic — they may have minor scratches or wear. They are a solid choice if you want to save money and do not mind a phone that is not in perfect condition.
Why does storage size add so much to the price?
Storage chips are expensive to manufacture, and Apple charges a premium for larger capacities. The jump from 128GB to 256GB costs $100 even though the actual cost difference to Apple is much smaller. This is standard pricing across the phone industry.
Will the iPhone 15 price drop soon?
The iPhone 15 price will drop when the iPhone 16 launches in September 2024, likely by $100. If you can wait a few months and do not need the newest features, waiting for the price drop is a way to save money on a current-generation phone.