iPhone 16, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max: price and how to buy

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The dust is still settling from Apple's recent iPhone event, which introduced us to the Apple Watch Series 10, a new set of AirPods, and a range of smartphones set to launch later this month. And while we've only had a little go at the new iPhone 16 models, pre-orders officially begin tomorrow, September 13.

Apple's latest phones – specifically the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max – are set to launch on September 20. They introduce new processors and a fancy new camera control button, but none of these appear to be drastic overhauls from last year's iPhone 15 series. Still, things might get interesting when Apple Intelligence gets into the new models with the release of the iOS 18.1 beta in October.

We're currently putting the new iPhones through their paces, but we know some of you are early adopters who can't wait to get your hands on the latest product. (We're guilty of that too, so we're not judging you here.) To help you out, we've put together a little guide that shows you what you get with each new iPhone 16 model and which retailers are currently offering pre-order incentives.

In fact, iPhones are colorful this year – at least some of them.
Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge

Where can I pre-order the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus?

The best term I'd use to describe the base model iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is “trickle-down.” Many of their best features come from last year's Pro lineup, including the action button, a 2x crop mode for short telephoto shots, and an ultra-wide camera with autofocus and macro mode. Some other features are comparable (or nearly equivalent) to the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro, like the new camera control button and Apple's new A18 chip – the Pros get the fancier A18 Pro, though. A sticking point for some might be that the standard iPhone 16 doesn't inherit the 120Hz refresh rate found on the Pros, as it still runs at a mediocre 60Hz.

Refresh rate aside, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus could be among the most mature main iPhones in a long time—if not the most vibrant—and that's without the upcoming, much-hyped Apple Intelligence features.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively, and are scheduled to launch on September 20. Preorders will open on September 13 at 8 a.m. ET and 5 a.m. PT, respectively. We expect Best Buy and other retailers to start taking preorders around the same time as Apple, but if you want to save time, Apple currently allows you to select your phone and do part of the process in advance—a sort of preorder.

Photo of the iPhone 16 in hand.Photo of the iPhone 16 in hand.Photo of the iPhone 16 in hand.Photo of the iPhone 16 in hand.

$799

Apple's base iPhone for 2024 has a 6.1-inch screen, two rear cameras in a rearranged vertical layout, a customizable action button, and a new camera control button. It is expected to receive a number of AI software features when Apple Intelligence arrives in beta later this year.

$899

The iPhone 16 Plus is the larger version of the iPhone 16, with a huge 6.7-inch screen and a larger battery. Like the smaller model, it starts with 128GB of storage and is configurable up to 512GB.

Where can I pre-order the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max?

Apple has made the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max larger than ever before, at 6.3 and 6.9 inches respectively. That means each phone is slightly taller and wider than the iPhone 15 Pro generation, with smaller bezels, though they retain the titanium frame construction. The most prominent hardware feature this year is the camera control button, which lets you take snaps and control the various camera functions with taps and swipes. There's also a 48MP ultra-wide camera (compared to last year's 12MP camera), a new A18 Pro processor, and a “desert titanium” finish, which is essentially a darker shade of gold.

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max launch alongside the non-Pro models on September 20. The smaller Pro starts at $999, while the massive Pro Max starts at $1,199. Pre-orders for both models begin on September 13 at 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT. If you want to be among the first to grab it, Apple is now letting you choose your phone configuration, making it easier to pre-order your device on Friday.

A photo showing the iPhone 16 ProA photo showing the iPhone 16 ProA photo showing the iPhone 16 ProA photo showing the iPhone 16 Pro

$999

The iPhone 16 Pro features a new 6.3-inch OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate powered by a new A18 Pro chip. Its triple camera array features a high-resolution 48MP sensor for its ultra-wide lens, and there's a new physical camera control button for taking pictures and operating the camera app.

The iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe iPhone 16 Pro MaxThe iPhone 16 Pro Max

$1199

The larger Pro Max has a huge 6.9-inch OLED screen, but it has most of the same features as the smaller iPhone 16 Pro and starts with 256GB of storage.

Promotions and “deals” from network operators

You're probably familiar with the “deals” routine from the three major U.S. carriers. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all plan to offer incentives for the new iPhones in the form of trade-ins and bill credits. Here's a quick summary of what to expect when pre-orders begin on September 13.

  • New and existing AT&T customers can get an iPhone 16 for free via monthly bill credits or the iPhone 16 Plus for $830 off — both requiring a valid trade-in. Alternatively, you can opt for the iPhone 16 Pro with a similar promotion or get $1,000 back on an iPhone 16 Pro Max, subject to trade-in.
  • T-Mobile customers on a Go5G Next plan can get the iPhone 16 Pro for free after credit or with $1,000 off any iPhone 16 model. Go5G Plus plan subscribers can get the regular iPhone 16 for free after credit or with $830 off any iPhone 16 of their choice (including a higher storage configuration or the Plus model).

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