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

The dust is still settling from Apple’s latest iPhone event, which introduced us to the Apple Watch Series 10, a new set of AirPods, and a suite of smartphones arriving later this month. And while we’ve only had initial hands-on time with the new iPhone 16 models, preorders officially open tomorrow, September 13th.

Apple’s latest phones — specifically the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max — are set to arrive on September 20th. They introduced new processors and a sleek new Camera Control button, but none of it looks like a drastic overhaul of last year’s iPhone 15 series. That said, maybe things will get interesting when Apple Intelligence arrives on new models with the iOS 18.1 beta release in October.

We’re currently putting the new iPhones through their paces; however, we know some of you are the early adopter types who can’t wait to get your hands on the latest thing. (We’re guilty of it too, so no judgment here.) To help, we’ve put together a little guide to what you’re getting with each new iPhone 16 model, as well as which retailers are currently offering of preorder incentives .

The best term I would use to describe the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is “trickle-down.” Many of their best features are carried over from last year’s Pro line, including the Action Button, a short-telephoto 2x crop mode, and an autofocusing ultra-wide camera with macro mode. Some other features are at parity (or close to parity) with the more expensive iPhone 16 Pro, like the new Camera Control button and Apple’s new A18 chip — however, the Pros get the more attractive A18 Pro . However, a sticking point for some may be that the standard iPhone 16 does not inherit the 120Hz refresh rate found in the Pros, as it still runs at a middling 60Hz.

Refresh rate aside, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus might be some of the most well-rounded mainline iPhones in a while — if not the most vibrant — and that’s without the upcoming, most- hyped Apple Intelligence features.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively, and are set to launch on September 20, with preorders opening at 8AM ET / 5AM PT on September 13. We expect Best Buy and other retailers will open preorders around the same time as Apple, but if you’re looking to save time, Apple currently lets you pick your phone and do part of the process early — a kind of pre-preorder.

Apple has made the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max larger than 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. This year’s marque hardware feature is the Camera Control button, which lets you take snaps and operate various camera functions using tap and swipe gestures. There’s also a 48MP ultra-wide camera (up from last year’s 12MP shooter), a new A18 Pro processor, and a “desert titanium” finish that’s essentially a darker shade of gold.

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will launch alongside the non-pro models on September 20th. The smaller Pro starts at $999 while the jumbo Pro Max starts at $1,199, with preorders for both opening at 8AM ET / 5AM PT on September 13th. If you want to be an early adopter, Apple is letting you choose your phone’s configuration now, making it easier to preorder your device on Friday.

You’re probably familiar with the drill when it comes to “deals” from the big three US carriers. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile plan to offer incentives for the new iPhones in the form of trade-in promotions and bill credits. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s available when preorders open on September 13th.

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