The base price for a new iPhone depends on which model you're buying

Apple releases new iPhones most years, usually in September. Each model comes in several storage sizes, and the price goes up with each one. The entry-level iPhone 15, for example, starts at $799 for 128GB of storage. The iPhone 15 Pro starts at $999. If you want more storage — 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB — you'll pay $100 to $200 more per step.

The actual amount you pay depends on three things: which iPhone model you choose, how much storage you need, and whether you buy it outright or through a carrier plan. A phone you buy outright costs the full price upfront. A phone through a carrier (like Verizon or AT&T) spreads the cost across 24 or 36 monthly payments, but you're still paying the same total — the carrier just finances it for you.

Prices shift when new models launch. The previous year's model usually drops by $100 to $200. So if you don't need the newest features, waiting a few months after launch can save you money on a still-current phone.

Key Takeaways

  • New iPhones start between $799 and $999 depending on the model, with storage upgrades adding $100 to $200 per tier.
  • Buying through a carrier spreads payments over 24 to 36 months but doesn't reduce the total price you pay.
  • The previous year's iPhone model drops in price by $100 to $200 once a new one launches, usually in September.
  • Trade-in programs from Apple and carriers can reduce your out-of-pocket cost if you have an older phone to exchange.
  • Carrier promotions sometimes offer bill credits or discounts on new phones, but these change frequently and vary by location.

Where the price difference comes from between models

Apple makes several iPhone models at the same time, and they're priced differently because they have different hardware inside. The standard iPhone has a standard processor and camera setup. The Pro model has a faster processor, a better camera system with more lenses, and a slightly larger screen. The Pro Max is the same as the Pro but bigger.

Storage size also drives price. A phone with 128GB of storage costs less than the same model with 256GB because the memory chip itself costs Apple more to manufacture. Each step up — 128GB to 256GB, 256GB to 512GB — adds roughly $100 to the price.

The color you choose doesn't change the price. Neither does the finish (matte or glossy). Those are cosmetic options that cost Apple almost nothing extra to produce.

What you pay if you buy through a carrier instead of Apple

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer iPhones on monthly payment plans. You'll see prices advertised as "from $X per month" or "upgrade for $X." This is the monthly payment amount, not the total price. If a carrier advertises an iPhone for $33 per month, you're paying that for 24 months, which equals $792 total — close to the full retail price.

Some carriers offer bill credits or discounts if you trade in an older phone or switch from another carrier. These promotions change monthly and vary by location, so the actual price you pay can be lower than the advertised monthly payment. You have to ask the carrier directly or check their website to see what's available in your area right now.

One advantage of buying through a carrier: if your phone breaks or stops working, your monthly payment might be protected through insurance or a warranty. If you buy from Apple and the phone breaks after the one-year warranty, you pay out of pocket for repairs.

How trade-in programs reduce what you pay

Both Apple and carriers run trade-in programs. You give them your old iPhone, and they credit money toward a new one. The amount depends on the age and condition of your old phone. A recent iPhone in good condition might be worth $300 to $500 in trade-in credit. An older or damaged phone might be worth $50 to $150.

Apple's trade-in program works through their website or in stores. You answer questions about your phone's condition, get an estimate, and if you agree, you can mail it in or bring it to a store. The credit shows up as a discount on your new purchase.

Carrier trade-in programs work similarly but are tied to your monthly bill. Instead of a one-time discount, the credit spreads across your monthly payments, reducing what you owe each month. The trade-in value is usually the same whether you go through Apple or a carrier, but the way the money reaches you is different.

Refurbished and older iPhones cost significantly less

If you don't need the newest model, a refurbished iPhone or last year's model can cost $200 to $400 less. A refurbished phone is one that was returned, repaired, and resold by Apple or a carrier. It comes with the same warranty as a new phone and functions identically, but it's cheaper because it's not in original packaging.

Last year's iPhone model — say, the iPhone 14 when the iPhone 15 launches — drops to $699 or less. It has nearly the same features as the new model, just a slightly older processor and camera. For most people, the difference is not noticeable in daily use.

You can buy refurbished iPhones directly from Apple, from carriers, or from third-party sellers like Best Buy. Prices vary, so it's worth checking multiple places. Just make sure any refurbished phone comes with a warranty — usually 90 days to one year.

What affects the final price you actually pay

Several factors change the total amount you spend. Sales tax varies by state and county — some places charge 5% to 10% tax on electronics, others charge less. That tax is added to whatever price you agreed to.

Carrier promotions are temporary. A carrier might offer $200 off a new iPhone this month but not next month. If you're shopping around, check what each carrier is currently offering in your area.

Insurance and AppleCare+ are optional but add to the cost. AppleCare+ for an iPhone costs $99 to $199 upfront, then $3 to $4 per month. It covers accidental damage and extends the warranty. If you don't buy it and your phone breaks, you'll pay $200 to $500 for repairs out of pocket.

Accessories like cases, chargers, and screen protectors are sold separately and add to the total. A quality case costs $20 to $60. A charger costs $20 to $35. These aren't required — the phone comes with a cable — but many people buy them.

How to find the best price for the iPhone you want

Start by deciding which model and storage size you need. If you take a lot of photos or videos, you'll want more storage. If you mostly use your phone for calls, texts, and social media, 128GB is usually enough. Once you know what you want, check three places: Apple's website, your carrier's website, and a retailer like Best Buy.

Compare the advertised price, any trade-in credit you can get, and any current promotions. A carrier might have a $200 bill credit that Apple doesn't offer, or Apple might have a better trade-in value. The cheapest option isn't always obvious until you add everything up.

If you're not in a hurry, waiting a few weeks after a new iPhone launches can save you money. Prices sometimes drop slightly as demand settles, and carriers adjust their promotions. If you need a phone now, buy now — the difference between waiting and buying today is usually small.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Apple charge different prices in different countries?

Apple sets prices based on local taxes, import duties, and currency exchange rates. An iPhone that costs $799 in the US might cost £799 in the UK, which is actually more money in US dollars because of the exchange rate. Taxes are also built into the price in most countries outside the US, while US prices don't include tax.

Can I get a discount if I buy multiple iPhones at once?

Apple doesn't offer bulk discounts for personal purchases. Carriers sometimes offer small discounts if you're upgrading multiple lines on a family plan, but it's usually just the standard promotion applied to each phone. Businesses buying in large quantities can contact Apple directly for pricing.

What's the difference between buying an iPhone and leasing one?

Some carriers offer lease programs where you pay a monthly fee for a phone you never own. At the end of the lease (usually 24 months), you return it. Leasing costs more over time than buying outright, but it includes insurance and you always have a current phone. Most people are better off buying.

Do prices ever drop during the year, or only when new models launch?

Prices stay the same throughout the year for current models. The only time they drop is when a new model launches and the old one is discontinued. Carriers run promotions that change monthly, but those are temporary bill credits, not permanent price cuts.

Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone in a different country and bring it home?

Prices are similar in most developed countries once you account for taxes and currency. Buying abroad and bringing it home might save $50 to $100, but you lose the warranty in your home country and you're responsible for any shipping or import issues. It's usually not worth the hassle.