iPhone 16 rests on a cluttered second‑hand shelf with warm light on its screen and a crooked

iPhone 16 Still Offers Value as Deals Rise

iPhone 16

The newest Apple flagship has not yet faded into obscurity. While the iPhone 17 has taken the spotlight, the older iPhone 16 remains a powerful choice-especially when carriers and retailers slash prices. The latest promotions from AT&T, Verizon, Xfinity, and Best Buy mean you can get a high-end iPhone for a fraction of the original cost.

At a Glance

  • iPhone 16 launched in September 2024; iPhone 16E released February 2025.
  • AT&T offers the 16E for just $2/month on an installment plan.
  • Verizon’s unlimited plan can save up to $900 on the 16 Pro.
  • Trade-in programs can return up to $650 in credit.
  • All models are available in a variety of colors, from titanium to ultramarine.

Launch Dates and Availability

Apple’s iPhone 16 lineup hit stores in September 2024. The entry-level 16E arrived a few months earlier, in February 2025. Retailers such as Apple, Best Buy, and major carriers still carry the devices, making it easy to purchase online or in-store.

Ordering the iPhone 16

  1. Choose the model you want: iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, or 16E.
  2. Pick your color and storage.
  3. Decide whether to trade in an older iPhone-up to $700 in credit is possible.
  4. Select a carrier and optional AppleCare Plus.
  5. Click Add to Bag, add accessories, and complete checkout.

## Pricing and Specs

The iPhone 16 family offers a range of configurations. Below is a quick snapshot of starting prices and key specs.

Model 128 GB 256 GB 512 GB 1 TB Display Processor Camera Battery Connector
iPhone 16E $599 $799 $1,099 6.1-inch, 2,556×1,179 A18 48 MP fusion, 12 MP ultrawide 22 h video USB-C
iPhone 16 $799 $899 $1,099 $1,499 6.1-inch, 2,556×1,179 A18 48 MP fusion, 12 MP ultrawide 27 h video USB-C
iPhone 16 Plus $899 $1,099 $1,199 $1,599 6.7-inch, 2,796×1,290 A18 48 MP fusion, 12 MP ultrawide 27 h video USB-C
iPhone 16 Pro $999 $1,099 $1,299 $1,399 6.3-inch, 2,622×1,206 A18 Pro 48 MP fusion, 12 MP ultrawide, 5× telephoto 33 h video USB-C
iPhone 16 Pro Max $1,199 $1,399 $1,599 6.9-inch, 2,868×1,320 A18 Pro 48 MP fusion, 12 MP ultrawide, 5× telephoto 33 h video USB-C
Arm holding iPhones with model labels on desk with color swatches and laptop cables for trade-in to computer.

All models run iOS 18 and feature Face ID, a 48-MP main camera, and 4K video capture (up to 120 fps on Pro models).

Color Options

  • 16E: Black, white
  • 16 & 16 Plus: Black, white, pink, teal (green), ultramarine (blue)
  • 16 Pro & 16 Pro Max: Black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, desert titanium

Carrier Deals

AT&T

  • 16E: $2/month (36-month plan)
  • 16: $8/month
  • 16 Pro: $16/month
  • 16 Pro Max: $21/month
  • Total savings up to $442 as bill credits.
  • No special offer for 16 Plus.
  • Online-only discount of $200 with line activation.

Verizon

  • Add a qualifying unlimited line:
  • 16E: $600 off
  • 16: $730 off
  • 16 Plus: $830 off
  • 16 Pro: $900 off
  • 16 Pro Max: out of stock
  • Discounts applied as bill credits over 36 months.

Xfinity

  • Add or upgrade a line: $400 off any 16 model.
  • Trade-in eligible device: up to $830 off.
  • Up to $500 to pay off existing contracts when switching.

Best Buy

  • Flat $50 off select models.
  • Extra $100 discount if you allow Best Buy to connect your phone to a carrier.
  • Trade-in eligible devices reduce price further.

Trade-In Offers

Carriers can offer up to $1,000 for eligible trade-ins, potentially making a 16 Pro free. Most trade-in deals require you to become a customer and often apply to premium plans. Retailers may give gift cards instead, which means you’re not locked into a contract but the savings might be lower.

Accessories and Bundles

  • Apple Watch Series 10 and AirPods 4 are available at discounted rates when bundled with an iPhone 16 purchase.
  • Apple Card holders can earn 3% cash back on the purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • The iPhone 16 still delivers flagship performance and a robust feature set.
  • Carrier installment plans can bring the price of a 16E down to $2/month.
  • Verizon’s unlimited plan offers the biggest savings, up to $900 off a 16 Pro.
  • Trade-in programs can reduce the cost further, with some offers up to $1,000.
  • Color and storage options remain extensive, catering to a wide range of preferences.
  • Accessories and Apple Card cash back add extra value.

For anyone looking to upgrade without paying full retail price, the current promotions make the iPhone 16 a compelling choice.

Author

  • My name is Daniel J. Whitman, and I’m a Los Angeles–based journalist specializing in weather, climate, and environmental news.

    Daniel J. Whitman reports on transportation, infrastructure, and urban development for News of Los Angeles. A former Daily Bruin reporter, he’s known for investigative stories that explain how transit and housing decisions shape daily life across LA neighborhoods.

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