iPhone prices vary by model and storage, and they change when Apple releases new versions
The newest iPhone models cost between roughly $800 and $1,600 depending on which phone you choose and how much storage you want. Apple typically releases new iPhones in September each year, and the older models drop in price once the new ones arrive. Prices also differ between carriers, retailers, and whether you buy outright or on a payment plan.
The exact price you pay depends on three things: which iPhone model you pick, how much storage it has, and where you buy it. Carrier deals, trade-in offers, and sales events can lower the price further, but the base prices below are what you'll see at Apple's official store and most major retailers.
Key Takeaways
- The current iPhone lineup ranges from around $800 for the base model to $1,600 for the largest Pro Max version with maximum storage.
- Storage capacity — 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB — adds $100 to $200 to the base price depending on the model.
- Prices drop by $100 to $300 when Apple releases new models, usually in September, making older models cheaper alternatives.
- Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile often offer discounts or bill credits if you trade in an old phone or switch to their service.
- Buying through a carrier's payment plan spreads the cost over 24 to 36 months but may lock you into a contract or service agreement.
Current iPhone model prices at Apple
Apple sells four main iPhone models at any given time: the standard iPhone, the iPhone Plus (larger screen), the iPhone Pro, and the iPhone Pro Max (largest and most powerful). As of now, the current generation starts at $799 for the base iPhone with 128GB of storage and goes up to $1,599 for the Pro Max with 1TB.
The Pro models cost more because they have better cameras, faster processors, and features like always-on displays and titanium frames. The standard iPhone and Plus are capable phones for most people; the Pro models are built for photography, video, and professional work. The difference between a standard iPhone and a Pro is usually $200 to $300 at the base storage level.
| Model | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone (standard) | $799 | $899 | $1,099 | — |
| iPhone Plus | $899 | $999 | $1,199 | — |
| iPhone Pro | $999 | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,399 |
| iPhone Pro Max | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,399 | $1,599 |
These prices are what Apple charges directly. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart typically match Apple's prices on new models, though they occasionally run sales on older stock.
How storage size affects the price
Every iPhone model comes in four storage sizes: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Each step up costs $100 more. Storage holds your photos, videos, apps, and files, so the amount you need depends on how you use your phone. Most people use between 128GB and 256GB; 512GB and 1TB are for people who shoot a lot of video or keep large photo libraries on their phone.
Apple does not let you add storage later — you choose the amount when you buy. If you run out of space, you have to delete files, use cloud storage like iCloud, or buy a new phone. This is why storage size matters to your total cost: jumping from 128GB to 256GB adds $100 to the price, but it might save you from paying for extra iCloud storage every month.
Price differences between carriers and retailers
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers sell iPhones at the same base prices as Apple, but they often add discounts if you trade in an old phone, switch from another carrier, or sign up for a service plan. These deals can cut $200 to $800 off the price, though they usually require you to stay with that carrier for 24 to 36 months or pay an early termination fee.
Retailers like Best Buy and Walmart match Apple's prices but sometimes offer gift cards or store credit as an incentive. Amazon sells iPhones at full price but occasionally runs sales during major shopping events like Black Friday. The best deal is usually through your current carrier if you have a phone to trade in, because they know your account and can apply the credit immediately.
What happens to prices when new models release
Apple releases new iPhone models every September. When the new generation arrives, the previous year's models drop in price by $100 to $300. For example, when the iPhone 16 launched, the iPhone 15 dropped from $799 to $699. Two years after release, older models are discontinued and disappear from Apple's store, though you can still find them used or refurbished through third-party sellers.
If you do not need the absolute latest model, waiting a few weeks after the September release to buy last year's iPhone is a way to save money. The performance difference between generations is usually small for everyday tasks like texting, social media, and photography. The trade-off is that older models get software updates for fewer years — Apple typically supports each iPhone for five to six years after release.
Buying on a payment plan versus paying upfront
Most carriers and Apple offer monthly payment plans that spread the cost over 24 to 36 months. With Verizon or AT&T, you might pay $30 to $50 per month for an iPhone instead of $800 upfront. Apple's own payment plan through Apple Card offers 12 months of interest-free payments. The total price is the same whether you pay all at once or in installments, but a payment plan makes the cost feel smaller each month.
The catch is that carrier payment plans often require you to stay with that carrier for the full term. If you switch carriers before the phone is paid off, you may owe the remaining balance in full. Apple's payment plan has no carrier lock-in, but you need an Apple Card to use it. Paying upfront gives you the most flexibility — you can switch carriers or sell the phone whenever you want.
Where to find the best deal
The best price depends on your situation. If you have an old iPhone to trade in, your current carrier usually offers the biggest discount. If you are switching carriers, compare trade-in offers from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile — they sometimes compete by offering higher trade-in values. If you want to avoid a carrier contract, buy directly from Apple or a retailer like Best Buy and pay upfront or use Apple's payment plan.
Check your carrier's website first, then compare with Apple's store and Best Buy. Look at the total cost after any trade-in credit or promotional discount, not just the advertised price. Some carriers advertise "$0 down" but require you to add a line or switch plans, which changes the real cost. Read the fine print to understand whether you are locked into a contract and what happens if you leave early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do iPhone prices ever go on sale?
Apple itself rarely discounts new iPhones, but carriers and retailers do. Best Buy and Walmart run sales during Black Friday and back-to-school season. Carriers offer trade-in deals year-round and sometimes run promotions tied to switching or adding a line. The biggest price drop happens when a new model launches and the previous year's model is discontinued.
Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone from a carrier or from Apple?
The base price is the same, but carriers often offer trade-in credits or bill credits that lower your total cost. Apple's prices are fixed, but you avoid carrier contracts and can switch phones freely. If you have a phone to trade in, check your carrier first; if you do not, Apple and retailers are usually equivalent.
What is the difference between buying a phone outright and on a payment plan?
The total price is the same either way. A payment plan spreads the cost over 24 to 36 months, which is easier on your monthly budget. Paying upright costs more upfront but gives you full ownership immediately and no contract lock-in. Carrier payment plans may require you to stay with that carrier for the full term.
Will the price drop if I wait a few months?
Yes, if you wait until after the September release of the new model, the current iPhone will drop by $100 to $300. If you wait longer, older models are discontinued and prices may rise on the used market. The best time to buy last year's model is within a few weeks of the new release.
Do refurbished or used iPhones cost less?
Yes, significantly less. A refurbished iPhone from Apple or a carrier is usually $100 to $300 cheaper than new and comes with a warranty. Used iPhones from third-party sellers cost even less but have no warranty and carry the risk of hidden damage or a locked account. Check the battery health and whether the phone is carrier-locked before buying used.