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iPhone 16 pre-orders still available… For now
I just checked the Apple Store website for several iPhone 16 models and colors, and they’re showing as scheduled to be delivered on September 20, 2024. That’s the first day, so Apple appears to have plenty of inventory in stock and ready to meet buyers’ needs.
However, we cannot know how long Apple (and other retailers) will have the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in stock for day-one delivery, so don’t wait to pre-order one if you’re interested. Between the new features, better cameras, new chip and all the other upgrades, it’s a worthwhile purchase.
Which iPhone model to choose…
Still unsure which phone to get between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro? Editors from the Tom’s Guide team sat down just after the Apple event to discuss the biggest differences and decide which device in the iPhone 16 family they would each buy. The answers might surprise you
Free iPhone 16 Pro?!
One of the best pre-order deals we’ve seen so far comes to use from T-Mobile. The carrier offers an iPhone 16 for free (up to $1,000 off the price) with an eligible trade-in. You need the Go5G Next or Go5G Business Next plan to get $1,000 off.
If you’re looking for a cheaper plan, you can get the Go5G Plus or Go5G Business Plus plans and save $830 with trade, a solid discount that can get you a base iPhone 16 for nothing out of pocket.
Don’t forget the Apple Watch
In addition to the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch Series 10 is available for preorder. Apple Watch 10 preorder deals can get up to a $365 credit with trade-in at Apple and Best Buy, though you can also preorder from mobile carriers and retailers like Amazon. It will ship on September 20, the same day as the iPhone 16.
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in Rose Gold, Silver, and Jet Black finishes. As for the new features, check out our Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on review to learn more.
Apple Watch Series 10: Up to $365 off with trade-in
You need a charger
For the past few years, Apple hasn’t sold charging bricks with the iPhone — just a charging cord. You could buy a charging brick directly from Apple when you’re picking up your new iPhone 16, but there are also a number of third-party charging accessories we recommend.
For example, we got to check out Twelve South’s PlugBug at IFA 2024. It’s a 50W charging brick, so it’s capable of delivering the iPhone 16’s 45W wired fast charging speeds. But the best part? The PlugBug has Find My, so if you’re not sure where you left it (or which family member swiped it) you can track it down easily in the iPhone’s Find My app.
We scored one with the iPhone Upgrade Program
One of our editors, Kate Kozuch, was able to secure her iPhone 16 Pro Max preorder through the iPhone Upgrade Program.
The iPhone Upgrade Program is an incentive from Apple for customers to switch out their iPhone every year. Each iPhone 16 variation has a different monthly fee depending on the version and storage, but the fee also includes Apple Care.
Customers also have the option to finance their iPhone purchase through Apple and completely own their phone after paying it off. If you’re the type who always wants the latest iPhone, the iPhone Upgrade Program could make a lot of sense for you.
Let the pre-orders begin!
Pre-orders are live across the internet and at your favorite brick and mortar stores. As of now, we haven’t heard reports of the phones being out of the stock anywhere, so the retailer with the deal that best suits your tastes should be good to go.
While it’s not clear how much stock of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models is out there, it’s always a good idea to lock in your pre-order early, as we expect to see those ship dates start to move later as the day goes on, leaving your pre-ordering a phone that won’t arrive until after the September 20 launch date.
