Apple’s annual September keynote brought plenty of new tech, but it was the iPhone 16 lineup that stole the spotlight. Alongside the new AirPods 4, available in both noise-cancelling and standard versions, and the sleek Apple Watch 10, the iPhone 16 series has everyone buzzing. With the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, Apple introduces a few enhancements, although nothing groundbreaking. The upside? Prices haven’t changed from the iPhone 15 lineup.
- iPhone 16: starting at $959
- iPhone 16 Plus: starting at $1,119
- iPhone 16 Pro: starting at $1,229
- iPhone 16 Pro Max: starting at $1,479
Preorders open on September 13 at 2 p.m., with an official release on September 20, 2024.
Preorder Deals on the iPhone 16
Apple isn’t typically known for offering preorder deals or early-buyer perks. However, this year, something special is on the table thanks to French retailer Boulanger. The first 1,000 customers who preorder an iPhone 16 from Boulanger will receive a $100 trade-in bonus — but there’s a catch: only iPhone X or newer models qualify.
At Red by SFR, another deal sweetens the pot with up to $160 off new iPhone 16 models. You can get a $50 trade-in bonus on the iPhone 16 and $80 on the Pro and Pro Max. Plus, if you sign up for a no-contract mobile plan, you can enjoy an extra $80 discount.
Where to Preorder the iPhone 16 at the Best Price
If you’re looking to get your hands on an iPhone 16, several retailers are offering competitive pricing:
- Amazon: $969
- Fnac: $969
- Cdiscount: $969
- Darty: $969
- Red by SFR: $969
These prices are consistent across multiple platforms, making it easy to snag a new iPhone from your preferred retailer.
What’s New with the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus?
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus share a lot of design similarities with their predecessors, which isn’t a bad thing. Apple’s design is tried and true, with a few modern updates. The first big change is the new “Action” button, replacing the traditional mute switch. This customizable button allows users to set shortcuts, such as launching Spotify or taking a quick photo.
Another new feature is the “Camera Control” button, which makes adjusting zoom levels or snapping pictures easier with just a swipe.
Size-wise, the iPhone 16 is compact, with a 6.1-inch OLED display still capped at 60Hz. The 16 Plus bumps up the screen to 6.7 inches. But the real screen size champion is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with a massive 6.9-inch display.
Performance gets a boost too, thanks to the new A18 chip. Apple claims the CPU is 30% faster, and the GPU offers 40% better performance compared to the A16 in the iPhone 15. And while this AI-driven power boost is promising, European users may have to wait until 2025 to experience its full potential.
On the camera front, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus come equipped with a 48-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and a x2 telephoto lens. Battery life is also improved, thanks to a more efficient internal design.
iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max: Going All-In on “Pro”
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are packed with pro-level features. Like their more affordable siblings, they feature the “Camera Control” button. These models, however, boast larger screens — 6.3 inches for the Pro and a whopping 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Even with larger displays, these phones aren’t physically bigger, as Apple has reduced the bezel size. The Pro models also include ProMotion 120Hz displays for smoother interactions.
Powering these devices is the A18 Pro chip, which offers 15% better performance than the A17 Pro while using 20% less energy. The 16-core neural engine is optimized for AI tasks, although its impact might not be felt in Europe until later.
The camera system is another standout feature. Both Pro models now share identical sensors, including the 48-megapixel “Fusion Camera” designed to capture moving subjects more effectively, an ultra-wide 48-megapixel lens, and a x5 optical zoom. For video enthusiasts, these phones can record in 4K at 120 frames per second, and even in ProRes 4K120 to external storage.
The Preorder Advantage: Should You Get Your iPhone 16 From a Carrier?
While many of the best preorder deals come from online retailers, mobile carriers often offer the advantage of spreading out payments over time. It’s worth doing the math to ensure you’re getting a good deal, but choosing a carrier plan could save you from shelling out the full price upfront.
With the iPhone 16 series, Apple continues to refine its formula with a mix of performance upgrades and smart design tweaks. Whether you go for the compact iPhone 16 or the feature-packed Pro Max, there’s something in this lineup for every kind of user.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.