iPhone 16: what pre-order deals to expect

The new iPhone 16 lineup will officially be announced on September 9, 2024, at Apple's upcoming "It's Glowtime" event. As the latest and greatest iPhone series, you might be looking forward to getting an iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, or iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, like any other iPhone lineup before it, Apple's upcoming smartphones will surely pack two things: top-notch performance and hefty price tags.

But don't fret! We're sure we'll see some sweet iPhone 16 pre-order deals that will let you score huge savings. And if carriers are as generous as this year, expect to be able to get a brand-new iPhone for free — with a trade-in and new data plan, of course.

Want to learn more about what deals we might see during the pre-order period of the new iPhone 16 lineup? Well, keep reading ahead!

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The top-of-the-line iPhone 16 Pro Max will surely be the iPhone to get if you are a power user who wants the absolute best Apple has to offer. And if T-Mobile and AT&T offer similar pre-order deals like last year, expect to be able to save up to $1000 on Apple's new mobile powerhouse. However, in order to get this incredible discount, you'll probably need to opt for an expensive unlimited data plan and trade-in your old smartphone.

If Lady Luck is on our side this year as well, you might be able to score a new iPhone 16 Pro for free. Last year, T-Mobile and AT&T offered a $1000 discount on the iPhone 15 Pro, essentially allowing deal hunters to grab one without spending a penny. That said, this markdown came with conditions, such as requiring an unlimited data plan and a trade-in. And if they offer such a price cut this year, it will probably come with similar conditions.

Now, if you want a slightly bigger iPhone but don't want to overspend on the new Pro models, you'll likely go for the iPhone 16 Plus. If so, you'll be happy to learn that you might be able to get it for just $99 with one of the major carriers, if, of course, the phone retains the price of its predecessor.

Last year, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offered up to $800 off the iPhone 15 Plus, letting shoppers snag a unit for $99. However, an unlimited plan and trade-in were required in order to get the phone at such a massive price cut. So, expect the same conditions.

Of course, if you are just looking to upgrade and don't need all the bells and whistles the Pro models offer, you'll likely go for the vanilla iPhone 16. The best thing about this phone is that it's the cheapest in the lineup, and you might even be able to get it for free if Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer it at up to $800 off, just like its predecessor during its pre-order period. However, you'll most likely be required to opt for an unlimited plan and trade in your phone in order to score such massive savings.