How Much Money is the iPhone 16? What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026

If you’re walking into an Apple Store today, things look a lot different than they did a year ago. The tech world moves fast, and the iPhone 16 has officially moved into its "middle child" phase. With the iPhone 17 and the ultra-thin iPhone Air now taking up the spotlight, the question of how much money is the iphone 16 comes down to whether you want it brand new, refurbished, or tied to a carrier contract.

Honestly, the pricing is kind of a moving target right now.

The Official Apple Price Tag

Apple is still selling the iPhone 16, but they’ve trimmed the lineup. When the 17-series dropped late last year, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus got the standard $100 price cut. However, there’s a catch that most people miss: they also simplified the storage options. You can't just get any version you want directly from the mothership anymore.

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As of January 2026, here is the official breakdown for new units:

• iPhone 16 (128GB): $699
• iPhone 16 Plus (128GB): $799
• iPhone 16 Plus (256GB): $899

You’ll notice something missing. Apple basically stopped selling the 256GB and 512GB versions of the base iPhone 16. Why? Because at $799, a 256GB iPhone 16 would cost the exact same as the new base iPhone 17, which comes with 256GB by default now. They don’t want you buying the old tech when the new stuff is the same price. It’s classic Apple upselling.

Then there’s the budget-friendly iPhone 16e. It’s the "entry" model they launched to bridge the gap for people who don't want to spend flagship money. That one starts at $599. It uses the same A18 chip but cuts corners on the screen and camera to keep the cost down.

What Happened to the Pro Models?

If you're looking for the iPhone 16 Pro or the massive 16 Pro Max, you won't find them on Apple’s website. They’ve been discontinued to make room for the 17 Pro. To get these, you have to go to third-party retailers like Best Buy or Amazon, or hit the secondary market.

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Last time they were officially on shelves, the 16 Pro started at $999 and the Pro Max at $1,199. Nowadays, you can find them "Renewed" on Amazon for significantly less—usually around **$689 for a Pro** and $851 for a Pro Max depending on the day and the seller’s mood.

The Hidden Costs: Tax, AppleCare, and Accessories

Nobody actually pays just $699. If you’re in a state like California or New York, sales tax is going to tack on another $60 to $70 immediately.

Then there’s the protection. AppleCare+ is basically a requirement if you’re prone to "the dropsies." You’re looking at $11.99 a month or a flat $199 for two years. If you want the version that covers theft and loss, that jumps to $269.

And don’t forget the brick. Since Apple hasn't included a charging brick in the box for years, you’re looking at another $19 if you don't have a USB-C one lying around.

How to Get It for "Free" (With a Catch)

Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are still desperate to lock you into three-year contracts. This is where the "free" iPhone 16 deals come from.

• AT&T: Currently offering the iPhone 16 for about $3.62 a month if you trade in an eligible device and stick with their Unlimited plan.
• Verizon: They’ve been running a promo where the iPhone 16 is $0/month with a new line. They’ll even throw in a year of NFL Sunday Ticket or a Netflix/Max bundle.
• Boost Mobile: Often has the retail price lower, sometimes around $729 for the 128GB model without a trade-in, but you’re locked to their service.

The math here is simple but painful: if you leave the carrier before 36 months is up, you owe the remaining balance of the phone at the full, non-discounted price. It’s a mortgage for your pocket.

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Buying Used: The Swappa and Back Market Factor

If you really want to save money, the used market is where it’s at in 2026. Because the iPhone 16 has been out for over a year, there are plenty of people trading them in for the iPhone 17 or the new foldable.

On sites like Swappa, the average sale price for a "Mint" condition 128GB iPhone 16 is hoverng around $480 to $530. That’s a massive savings compared to the $699 plus tax you’d pay at the store. If you’re okay with a few scratches (the "Good" condition tier), you can occasionally snag one for **$440**.

Is It Still Worth the Money?

This is the part where you have to be honest with yourself. The iPhone 16 was the first model built specifically for "Apple Intelligence" (their AI suite). It has the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, which means it’s going to get software updates until at least 2031.

However, the screen is still 60Hz. In 2026, that feels... slow. Especially when the iPhone 17 base model finally moved to the 120Hz ProMotion display. If you care about smooth scrolling, the iPhone 16 might actually feel like a bad deal at $699.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Check your trade-in value. Apple is giving up to $650 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max right now, but only about $310 for a base iPhone 15. If your current phone is worth less than $200, you’re better off selling it privately on eBay or Swappa.
2. Look at the Refurbished Store. Keep an eye on Apple’s "Certified Refurbished" page. They haven't added the 16-series yet, but they usually show up 15-18 months after launch. Those phones come with a brand new battery and outer shell, making them indistinguishable from new units.
3. Compare the 16 vs 17 storage. If you need more than 128GB of space, do not buy the iPhone 16. Buying the 256GB iPhone 17 for $799 is a much smarter financial move than trying to find a 256GB iPhone 16 through a third party.