Tech
iPhone 16 Preorder Countdown: Where and When to Buy Apple's Newest Phones
During Monday’s Glowtime Apple event, Apple launched its newest products and Apple fans finally got answers to the most pressing questions about the new Apple iPhone 16 series, including highlights on a number of brand-new features like a camera launch button, new colors like ultramarine and integration of new Apple Intelligence tricks.
Apple’s latest flagship phones with iOS 18 will certainly be a hot ticket once they go on sale, Luckily for you, we’ve got all the details you’ll need to bring one home as early as possible, and we’ll keep updating this page as we continue to find the best deals on iPhone 16.
CNET’s reviewers choose the best Apple iPhones of the year, considering factors like price, screen size and features.
Buying the new iPhone 16 soon? Check out the best deals on iPhone accessories like Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4.
Watch this: Hands-On with iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
When will the new iPhone 16 be released?
Apple’s iPhone 16 and 16 Pro lineup will launch on Sept. 20. That’s the date those who preorder early enough — such as right when preorders open — can expect to receive their shiny new device in the mail. That’s also the date in-store stock will become available. Keep in mind that certain configurations tend to “sell out” of available stock, which means there are often delays for the most popular color and storage capacity of a given model.
We suggest you have a couple backup options in mind if you’re determined to get a new iPhone on Sept. 20 or shortly after.
More from the Apple event
When do preorders for the iPhone 16 start?
If you want to ensure you’re first in the virtual line for Apple’s iPhone 16, plan to preorder your phone as early as you can, especially if you think the color you have your eye on is also the one everyone around you is talking about. iPhone 16 preorders will begin Friday, Sept. 13, at 5 a.m. PT. That applies to Apple’s own online preordering system as well as major retailers and carriers.
Looking to preorder the latest Apple devices? We’re rounding up the best iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 deals at launch.
We saw the new iPhone 16 models in the demo room at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California.
Which colors do the iPhone 16 phones come in?
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are available in five colors: black, white, pink, “teal” (green) and “ultramarine” (blue). The iPhone 16 Pro models come in four finishes: a darker black titanium, a brighter white titanium, natural titanium and a new desert titanium.
The new iPhone 16 base model comes in five “vibrant” colors.
What are the prices for the different new iPhone 16 models?
Prices differ depending on the amount of storage, but each model starts at:
- iPhone 16: $799 (128GB – 512GB capacity; 6 oz. weight; 6.1‑inch OLED display)
- iPhone 16 Plus: $899 (128GB – 512GB capacity; 7.03 oz. weight; 6.7-inch OLED display)
- iPhone 16 Pro: $999 (128GB – 1TB capacity; 7.03 oz. weight; 6.3-inch OLED display)
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: $1,199 (256 GB – 1 TB capacity; 7.99 oz. weight; 6.9-inch OLED display)
Read more: All-New iPhone 16 Button Adds Camera Control to Apple’s Flagship Phone
iPhone 16 lineup specs
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
| Starting price 128GB | $799 | $899 | $999 | NA |
| Starting price 256GB | $899 | $999 | $1,099 | $1,199 |
| Starting price 512GB | $1,099 | $1,199 | $1,299 | $1,399 |
| Starting price 1TB | NA | NA | $1,499 | $1,599 |
| Display size | 6.1-inch | 6.7-inch | 6.3-inch | 6.9-inch |
| Screen resolution | 2,556×1,179 | 2,796×1,290 | 2,622×1,206 | 2,868×1,320 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi |
| Processor | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| Mobile software | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Camera | 48MP fusion camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera | 48MP fusion camera, 12MP ultra-wide camera | 48MP fusion camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, 5X telephoto | 48MP fusion camera, 48MP ultra-wide camera, 5X telephoto |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 120fps | 4K up to 120fps |
| Battery/charging speeds | Up to 22 hours video playback | Up to 27 hours video playback | Up to 27 hours video playback | Up to 33 hours video playback |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
How do I trade in my current phone to upgrade to the new iPhone 16?
Some carriers are offering up to $1,000 on eligible trade-ins, which could net you the iPhone 16 Pro for free. The important thing to keep in mind is that most trade-in deals from carriers require you to be a customer and usually it applies to some of priciest plan options.
Select retailers with trade-in programs could offer you gift cards toward future purchases instead, so you won’t have to be locked into a contract to take advantage of the savings from parting with your old device. However, those deals may not offer as high of a return. We’ve included specifics on how much you can expect to get for trading in your phone at select retailers and carriers below.
How can I find the best iPhone 16 deals?
We’ll continue updating the below list with all of the best iPhone 16 deals across all of the major US retailers and carriers at this preorder stage.
You can preorder the iPhone 16 series from the Apple Store starting Friday, Sept. 13, at 5 a.m. PT (8 a.m. ET), with the expected arrival date to be Sept. 20.
Apple is already offering some carrier deals with preorders as well. Existing Verizon customers can save up to $930 with trade-in; AT&T customers can save up to $800 with trade-in and both T-Mobile and Boost customers save up up to $1,000 with no trade-in required.
T-Mobile will offer the full iPhone 16 lineup for preorder beginning Friday, Sept. 13, with in-store availability at T-Mobile on Sept. 20. Both new and existing customers can trade in an eligible device on Go5G Next get an iPhone 16 Pro for free or up to $1,000 off any iPhone 16 model. Those who trade in and are on the Go5G Plus plan can get a free iPhone 16 or up to $830 off any other iPhone 16 model. If you have another Go5G, you can still qualify for the iPhone 16 or up to $830 off if you trade in and add a new line.
AT&T take preorders for the iPhone 16 lineup beginning Friday, Sept. 13, at 5 a.m. PT (8 a.m. ET). You can get up to $1,000 off on iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max and up to $830 off on iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, with an eligible trade-in. That essentially nets you an iPhone 16 or 16 Pro for free. These discounts are dolled out over 36 months in the form of bill credits.
Eligible devices are smartphones with a minimum trade-in value of $180 for up to $1,000 off the iPhone 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max. For other phones in the series, the trade-in device must have a minimum value between $130 and $179. Additionally, customers must sign up for or be on an unlimited voice and data plan.
Starting this Friday, Sept. 13, you can preorder the iPhone 16 lineup via Boost’s site, its Amazon storefront or the Apple store. Purchase an iPhone 16 on a $25 per month unlimited plan and you can get one entire year free of Boost Unlimited 5G mobile service or opt to get up to $1,000 off a device — no trade-in required.
Opt to get Boost mobile service through Apple Stores or Apple’s website and trade in an eligible iPhone through Apple to receive between $180 and $650 additional credits.
Xfinity Mobile will carry the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, all of which will be available for preorder beginning Friday, Sept. 13, with availability on Sept. 20. It will also carry the AirPods 4 as well as the latest Apple Watches, which can be preordered now and available Sept. 20.
At this time, there are no deals announced, but we anticipate those to be on par with other carriers and will update this post accordingly once those are announced.
Verizon will be offering the iPhone 16 series for preorder beginning Friday, Sept. 13, with availability on Friday, Sept. 20. They are offering a number of deals already.
New and existing Verizon customers on the Unlimited Ultimate plan can get an iPhone 16 Pro for free or up to $1,000 off another phone in the iPhone 16 lineup, when you trade in any phone in any condition. If you opt for the Unlimited Plus, you can get up to $830 off or choose the Unlimited Welcome plan and you can still get up $415 off phones in the iPhone 16 series.
If you switch to Verizon or add a new line, you can get an iPhone 16 Pro for just $10 per month on the Ultimate Unlimted plan (36 months) or $15 per month on the Unlimited Plus plan.
And finally, there’s the option to bring your own device and add a new line to receive a promotional credit: $360 if you opt for the Unlimited Plus plan or $540 on if you opt for the Unlimited Ultimate. This promo credit is applied over 36 months.
Walmart is offering the iPhone 16 lineup for preorder on Sept. 13, with availability on Sept. 20. While Walmart is not offering any unlocked model deals, you can save on carrier options through AT&T. New and existing AT&T customers can trade in an eligible device worth $130, you can get up to $830 off; if you have a device to trade in worth $180, you can save up to $1,000 off the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. You’ll have to activate a new line or upgrade your line to an eligible plan if you’re not already on one.
Want to get a deal on previous iPhone models? Our roundup of the best iPhone deals includes sales on the iPhone 15, iPhone SE and more.
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