The new iPhone 16 Pro on show at an event in Cupertino, California (Photo by NIC COURY/AFP via Getty … [+]
With the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro launch at today’s Glowtime event, Apple has triggered the starting gun for countless smartphone users ready to upgrade to the latest iPhone. Those consumers are going to look for the best deals possible.
All four new iPhone models have a different starting price, although every base model ships with 128 GB of storage. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 and the iPhone 16 Plus at $899, while the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max start at $999 and $1,199, respectively.
Apple is making a solid play on the Apple Intelligence capabilities of the four new handsets. Only the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max can be upgraded to use Apple Intelligence, so if you are looking to use Apple’s generative AI system, you will likely need to buy a new handset. Do note that Apple Intelligence is not available at launch. Instead, it will be upgraded in stages via several iOS updates over the next six months.
The most significant value may be in the various trade-in offers that offer a hefty discount on the purchase price of a new iPhone. Appl has long provided its own trade-in program, and with the launch of the iPhone 16 family, many will be looking at their options. Apple will offer up to $650 depending on the iPhone model traded in and the condition of the model.
But there’s more on offer if you sign up for a mobile network plan when purchasing your new iPhone.
Naturally, there’s going to be some variance between the networks, and you’ll have to check the length of the contract and the regular payments to draw full comparisons, but a clear pattern is emerging from the US carriers, according to Apple’s retail pages for the iPhone 16 models.
AT&T will offer tp to $1000 on a trade-in if you purchase an iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max, and up to $800 for the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus. Verizon will similarly offer up to $1000 on the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max with a suitable trade in, up to $930 for the iPhone 16 Plus, and $830 on the iPhone 16. Finally, T-Mobile will also offer up to $1000.
More importantly for those moving to an iPhone from another manufacturer, the US networks will accept more smartphones than just the iPhone under the trade-in offers. Of course, you’ll need to offer a relatively new smartphone in good condition to pick up the most value.
Pre-orders for all iPhone 16 models will open Friday, September 13, for delivery one week later on Friday, September 20, when the iPhones will go on general sale.
Now read more on the iPhone 16 launch from Forbes’ David Phelan…