iPhone 16 pre-orders LIVE blog — where to buy, best deals and delays

Let the pre-orders begin!

Pre-orders are live across the internet and at your favorite brick and mortar stores. As of now, we haven't heard reports of the phones being out of the stock anywhere, so the retailer with the deal that best suits your tastes should be good to go. 

While it's not clear how much stock of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models is out there, it's always a good idea to lock in your pre-order early, as we expect to see those ship dates start to move later as the day goes on, leaving your pre-ordering a phone that won't arrive until after the September 20 launch date.

iPhone 16 Pro pre-orders: up to $650 w/ trade-in @ Apple Store
The Apple Store offers up to a $650 credit when you hand in your old smartphone for the new iPhone 16 Pro. An iPhone 11 will get you up to a $120 credit, whereas an iPhone 15 Pro Max will get you up to a $650 credit. 

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iPhone 16 pre-orders: up to $650 w/ trade-in @ Apple Store
The Apple Store offers up to a $650 credit when you trade in your old smartphone for one of the new iPhone 16 models. An iPhone 11 will get you up to a $120 credit, whereas an iPhone 15 Pro Max will get you up to a $650 credit. 

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We scored one with the iPhone Upgrade Program

One of our editors, Kate Kozuch, was able to secure her iPhone 16 Pro Max preorder through the iPhone Upgrade Program. 

The iPhone Upgrade Program is an incentive from Apple for customers to switch out their iPhone every year. Each iPhone 16 variation has a different monthly fee depending on the version and storage, but the fee also includes Apple Care. 

Customers also have the option to finance their iPhone purchase through Apple and completely own their phone after paying it off. If you're the type who always wants the latest iPhone, the iPhone Upgrade Program could make a lot of sense for you. 

You need a charger

For the past few years, Apple hasn't sold charging bricks with the iPhone — just a charging cord. You could buy a charging brick directly from Apple when you're picking up your new iPhone 16, but there are also a number of third-party charging accessories we recommend.

Twelve South PlugBug (50W): $69.99 @ Twelve South
This convenient, two-port charging brick will ship next week when you preorder now. It's suited for the iPhone 16's 45W fast charging and it has Find My, so you never need to fret about where you left it.

For example, we got to check out Twelve South's PlugBug at IFA 2024. It's a 50W charging brick, so it's capable of delivering the iPhone 16's 45W wired fast charging speeds. But the best part? The PlugBug has Find My, so if you're not sure where you left it (or which family member swiped it) you can track it down easily in the iPhone's Find My app.

Don't forget the Apple Watch

In addition to the iPhone 16, the Apple Watch Series 10 is available for preorder. Apple Watch 10 preorder deals can get up to a $365 credit with trade-in at Apple and Best Buy, though you can also preorder from mobile carriers and retailers like Amazon. It will ship on September 20, the same day as the iPhone 16.

The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in Rose Gold, Silver, and Jet Black finishes. As for the new features, check out our Apple Watch Series 10 hands-on review to learn more. 

Apple Watch Series 10: Up to $365 off with trade-in

Free iPhone 16 Pro?!

One of the best pre-order deals we've seen so far comes to use from T-Mobile. The carrier offers an iPhone 16 for free (up to $1,000 off the price) with an eligible trade-in. You need the Go5G Next or Go5G Business Next plan to get $1,000 off. 

If you're looking for a cheaper plan, you can get the Go5G Plus or Go5G Business Plus plans and save $830 with trade, a solid discount that can get you a base iPhone 16 for nothing out of pocket.

iPhone 16 preorders: free w/ trade-in + unlimited @ T-Mobile
The Magenta network offers the iPhone 16 for free (up to $1,000 off) when you trade in an old device and sign up for a qualifying Go5G Next or Go5G Business Next plan. You can also get up to $830 off any iPhone 16 when you trade in on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Business Plus plan. 

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Which iPhone model to choose... 

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro: Biggest Differences Explained! - YouTube

Watch On

Still unsure which phone to get between the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro? Editors from the Tom's Guide team sat down just after the Apple event to discuss the biggest differences and decide which device in the iPhone 16 family they would each buy. The answers might surprise you

Check out the full video here.

iPhone 16 pre-orders still available... For now

I just checked the Apple Store website for several iPhone 16 models and colors, and they're showing as scheduled to be delivered on September 20, 2024. That's the first day, so Apple appears to have plenty of inventory in stock and ready to meet buyers' needs. 

However, we cannot know how long Apple (and other retailers) will have the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in stock for day-one delivery, so don't wait to pre-order one if you're interested. Between the new features, better cameras, new chip and all the other upgrades, it's a worthwhile purchase.

T-Mobile is busy

I checked T-Mobile's pre-order status to determine if I wanted to switch and trade my iPhone 14 Pro Max in with the carrier's incentives. 

To my surprise, clicking the iPhone 16 pre-order option on the main screen took me to a waiting room before I could even browse the final cost to get the phone. After about 10 minutes, I finally got in. Now that everyone around the U.S. is waking up, demand appears to be relatively high, at least through T-Mobile. 

Even with the high demand, it still showed a 9/20 ship date, so that's good news.

iPhone 16 Pro preorders: free w/ trade-in + unlimited @ T-Mobile
The Magenta network is offering the iPhone 16 for free (up  to $1,000 off) when you trade-in an old device and sign up for a qualifying Go5G Next or Go5G Business Next plan. Or you can get up to $830 off any iPhone 16 when you trade-in on a Go5G Plus or Go5G Business Plus plan. 

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AirPods 4 start at $129

There are two base model AirPods going forward, replacing the very old AirPods 2 and the slightly less old AirPods 3. Each has its own feature set, with a new, more premium option, including noise-cancelling tech straight from the AirPods Pro 2.

Check out our guide to AirPods 4 preorders and our AirPods 4 hands-on review for our first impressions after testing the buds out at the Apple event.

AirPods 4: From $129 @ Amazon

Get ready for iPhone 16 gaming

During the keynote, Apple said that the new iPhone 16 family (standard and Pro models) will benefit from better video gaming experiences, citing 30% higher sustained performance than the iPhone 15. Paired with access to a greater selection of AAA titles, the iPhone 16 is shaping into a solid gaming phone.

Backbone One (2nd gen): $99 @ Best Buy
The Backbone One offers a super comfortable design and tactile buttons paired with stellar app support. But with the magnetic attachments, you can insert your iPhone 16 in any compatible case!

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But you will want something like the Backbone One controller to make the most of mobile gaming. The Backbone One plugs into your iPhone for an instantly upgraded gaming experience thanks to ergonomic controls. It doesn't require additional charging, so the iPhone 16’s improved thermal design and better battery life claims should mean hours of interrupted gaming.

Apple deals from Amazon

While Amazon may not be a leader in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro pre-order deals, the massive retailer has some fantastic Apple deals you can get now.

MacBook Air 13 (M2/256GB): was $1,099 now $799 @ Amazon
The MacBook Air M2 is one of our most recommended laptops because it's remarkably light and thin yet sports a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, a speedy Apple M2 CPU w/ 8-core GPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and a great 1080p FaceTime camera. In our MacBook Air M2 review we lauded this Editor's Choice laptop for its versatility and battery life, so don't miss your chance to get one at a great discount.
Price check: $899 @ B&H | $799 @ Best Buy

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10.2" iPad (WiFi/64GB): was $329 now $224 @ Amazon
The 10.2-inch iPad features Apple's A13 Bionic CPU, a 12MP front camera, and 64GB of storage (instead of 32GB like its predecessor). You also get support for Center Stage, which uses machine learning to adjust the front-facing camera during FaceTime video calls. In our iPad 10.2-inch review, we called it a solid tablet with a great screen, smooth performance, and good battery life for a reasonable price. It's just $20 shy of its all-time price low. Note: The 256GB model is also on sale for $349 at Amazon.
Price check: $329 @ Best Buy

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10.9" iPad 2022 (WiFi/64GB): was $349 now $299 @ Amazon
The 2022 iPad features a large 10.9-inch (2360 x 1640) screen, A14 Bionic CPU, 12MP rear/front cameras, USB-C connectivity, and Magic Keyboard Folio ($249) support. Although it received a considerable $120 price increase from its predecessor, it's now on sale. In our iPad 2022 review, we said it delivers almost everything you could want in a modern tablet. 
Price check: $349 @ Best Buy | $349 @ B&H Photo

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8.3" iPad mini (WiFi/64GB): was $499 now $379 @ Amazon
Lowest price! The Editor's Choice 2021 iPad mini features an all new thin-bezel design, a larger 8.3.inch Liquid Retina display, A15 Bionic CPU, 12MP wide camera, and USB-C connectivity. It also works with the Apple Pencil 2. In our iPad mini 6 review, we called it a perfect fit for anyone looking for a one-handed tablet experience for reading books or watching movies. 
Price check: $399 @ Best Buy

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AirPods: was $129 now $89 @ Amazon
The entry-level AirPods feature Apple's H1 chip for fast wireless connectivity with Apple devices. Although they've been outshined by newer models, in our AirPods review we said they're a great pair of wireless earbuds that work seamlessly with iOS devices. This is the cheapest they've ever been.
Price check: $89 @ Best Buy | $89 @ Walmart

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AirPods Max: was $549 now $399 @ Amazon
The AirPods Max are Apple's premium, retro-style headphones. They feature large ear cushions, a digital crown, active noise cancellation, and Spatial Audio. The latter feature uses head tracking to offer a surround sound experience. In our AirPods Max review, we said the 'phones offer exceptional noise-cancelling, a luxurious design, and sophisticated soundstage. 

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Hello, early October

The moment we've been dreading has arrived: Apple.com pre-orders now show October 7 through 14 as the estimated shipping date for select models. I tested it with a 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max in all four colors, and I received early October shipping dates instead of September 20.

Fortunately, the regular iPhone 16 Pro is still available to ship on September 20, so you can still lock in your day-one shipment on the model. However, it's worth noting that if the Pro Max is already getting bumped, it's only a matter of time before the iPhone 16 Pro is in the same situation.

Regular iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models are available for September 20, too. 

Perhaps the demand for iPhone 16 Pro Max is much higher than the other models, or Apple didn't make enough of them. Either way, get those Apple pre-orders in if you want a day-one iPhone.

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro pre-order shipment delays

As expected, we're seeing delays in ship dates across various iPhone 16 models. Thankfully, if you're looking for an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus, there appears to be plenty of them available, as Apple.com is still showing a September 20 ship date.

The Pro models are in the highest demand. While three base Pro colors are still coming on day one for the 128GB models, the White Titanium color is delayed between September 30 and October 2. The Pro Max is delayed for all colors in 256GB to October 4 at the soonest and as far as October 14. If you wanted that phone, you'll have to wait a while.

Check out the table below for a quick rundown of when you can expect to get your iPhone 16 if you buy from Apple:

Why iPhone 15 is still worth a look

While there's no shortage of hype surrounding the iPhone 16, there's good reason to consider the iPhone 15. An obvious one is that you don't have to wait, which is nice. However, we've outlined four intelligent reasons to pick up an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro Max instead of an iPhone 16.

After reading the above, if you still think the iPhone 16 is right for you, scroll down for deals and tips to help you pre-order at a reasonable price. If not, think about how getting an iPhone 15 might be a good idea for you.