The best iPhone 16 deals and trade-in offers in Australia

Apple’s all-new iPhone 16 series combines premium hardware with cutting-edge software and AI: but while many Australians will be keen to upgrade, these are far from the cheapest phones on the market. Although outright prices have fallen when compared to last year’s iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 range still begins at $1,399 for the standard model, and goes up to $2,849 for the largest iPhone 16 Pro Max.

So if you’re looking to pre-order a new iPhone on a plan, you’ll want to compare the deals and discounts available from each telco before you decide. We’ve rounded up what’s on offer from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone below to help you find the best iPhone 16 deal.

iPhone 16 trade-in offers compared

Each of the big three telcos offers trade-in credit for new and existing customers. This allows customers to trade in an unwanted or older device for credit on their phone bill, or an e-gift card if you’re with Optus.

Trade-in options are always available from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, but it’s common for each telco to also offer bonus credit on top of the standard trade-in amount when a new, in-demand smartphone hits the market. Depending on the model, storage size and condition of the phone you’d like to trade in, you can save hundreds on the cost of the new iPhone 16 — but it’s wise to shop around first.

The newer and more high-end your phone, the more you’ll get back for trading it in, especially if it’s still in good working condition. However, trade-in amounts can vary between telcos, so if you’re determined to get the best deal on your old phone, make sure you compare what each provider is offering.

If you’re looking to trade in a phone for the iPhone 16, here’s some estimated credit offered by Telstra, Optus and Vodafone for a range of popular phones in good working order. These prices do not include any bonus trade-in credit offered specifically for the iPhone 16 series, but you’ll find more details on each telco’s iPhone deals further down the page. Please check each provider’s website for up-to-date quotes.

Vodafone iPhone 16 deals

Vodafone is stocking all four new iPhone 16 models in a range of storage sizes. You can pair your choice of iPhone 16 with one of Vodafone’s three SIM-only postpaid plans, on 12, 24 or 36-month payment terms.

Vodafone has launched a new $79 Promo plan for iPhone 16 buyers, which includes 200GB of full-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and additional data use at speeds up to 2Mbps. Add your new iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro or 16 Pro Max to this plan, and you can save up to $1,299 — provided you stay connected for 36 months. New customers will receive a $36 monthly discount across 36 months, adding up to $1,299 off your plan in total. This offer is available regardless of the device payment plan term you select (i.e. 12, 24 or 36 months) from now through to October 10, 2024.

Currently, you can claim three months of free BINGE streaming when you sign up to a Vodafone postpaid plan before December 1 and redeem by December 30, 2024. This offer is available to new and returning BINGE customers, and includes a free three months of BINGE Standard, valued at $18 per month. Terms apply.

Vodafone is also offering three months free of Apple TV+ and Apple Music, when you buy your iPhone 16 device over a 12, 24 or 36-month payment period. This offer is available to new subscribers only, terms apply.

Vodafone iPhone 16 trade-in deals

In addition to standard trade-in credit, Vodafone is offering iPhone 16 customers a bonus $150 in credit for eligible devices. To qualify, you’ll need to trade in an approved device, purchase or upgrade to any new iPhone 16 model, and stay connected to a Vodafone plan for the full 12, 24 or 36 month payment period. This offer is available until October 14, 2024.

Customers can complete a trade-in assessment online and receive a quote via email that’s guaranteed for 14 days. You can then take your device to a Vodafone store, or mail it to Asurion at any Australia Post store. Your trade-in credit will then be applied to your Vodafone bill, either in full or in monthly instalments.

Standard trade-in credit can be stacked with Vodafone’s $79 Promo Plan discount, so customers can potentially save up to $2,549 on any iPhone 16 plan and phone ($1,299 plan discount and up to $1,299 in standard trade-in credit). The $150 trade-in bonus is not available to customers on the $79 Promo Plan.

Telstra iPhone 16 deals

You’ll be able to pick up the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max on a 12, 24 or 36-month Telstra device payment plan. You’ll need to select one of Telstra’s three SIM-only postpaid plans, although you can move between them as needed.

Telstra is offering 40,000 bonus Telstra Plus points when you sign up to a new Upfront mobile plan — which you’ll need to bundle with your iPhone — by October 7, 2024. Telstra Plus points can be used in the rewards store on a range of items including headphones, tablets, mobile phones, gaming consoles and more. Terms apply. Current Telstra customers with a Telstra Plus Rewards account may be able redeem existing points to earn a discount on the new iPhone range. You’ll be able to do so at the checkout when ordering any iPhone 16 model.

Telstra is currently offering new customers four months of Spotify Premium music streaming, valued at $13.99 per month. This deal is available to new Spotify Premium customers who sign up via Telstra. You can also score two months of BINGE Standard, normally $18 per month, and three months of complimentary Telstra Device Security (valued at $10 per month). See Telstra for full terms and conditions.

Telstra iPhone 16 trade-in deals

When you pre-order a new iPhone 16 device from Telstra and trade in an eligible phone, you can receive up to $1,500 in trade-in credit — based on $275 bonus credit and the trade-in value of an iPhone 15 Pro Max (1TB). Offer ends October 11, 2024, terms apply.

Telstra customers can request a trade in via the Telstra website or app, then send their unwanted device off for free via Australia Post or in any Telstra store. Your trade-in credit will then be applied to your Telstra account within one to two billing cycles.

Optus iPhone 16 deals

iPhone buyers can order any of the new iPhone 16 devices on a 12, 24 or 36-month Optus payment plan. You’ll need to add your phone to one of Optus’ postpaid SIM-only plans, but the telco has brought back its popular Promo Plan for a limited time. This plan includes 360GB of monthly data for $69 per month for your first 12 months (then $79 per month ongoing).

Customers jumping on Optus Promo or Large Choice Plus SIM plans will receive bonus credit to use on any Optus SubHub subscription for 12 months. The Promo Plan includes $10 per month for 12 months, while the Large plan comes with a $20 monthly credit. This can be applied to any services offered through SubHub, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, BINGE, Paramount+, Optus Sport and Kindle Unlimited.

Optus is also giving all new phone-on-a-plan customers the chance to earn a $500 gift card. To be eligible, buy any mobile phone (including the iPhone 16 range) on an Optus SIM plan between now and midnight on September 24, 2024. You’ll be automatically entered into the draw to win one of 16 e-gift cards per day over the 16-day competition period.

Optus iPhone 16 trade-in deals

Customers planning to trade in an old phone can earn up to $1,400 in gift card credit, depending on the model and condition of your old device. The full $1,400 is available for customers trading in the 1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max in good working order.

You can get a quote for your unwanted device online via the Optus website, then drop it off in person at an Optus store or send it directly to the telco in a prepaid return satchel. You’ll receive your trade-in credit as a MasterCard gift card, which will be sent to you by email.

Amaysim iPhone 16 deals

If you’re planning to buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro phones outright, you can now do so via Amaysim. The popular prepaid telco offers competitive no-contract plans over 28-day and 12-month expiry periods, with coverage available on the Optus 4G and 5G networks.

Amaysim offers unlimited data banking on all plans, plus extras such as international talk and text to selected countries on 28-day plans of $30 and above. If you’re happy to buy your iPhone outright with an Amaysim SIM, you can compare the telco’s prepaid options below.

The following table compares all 28-day Amaysim prepaid plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

SIM-only plans for the iPhone 16 range

If you prefer to buy your iPhone 16 outright, you’ll need to pair your device with a SIM-only phone plan. The following table compares a range of 5G-ready prepaid and postpaid SIM-only plans.

Compare iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro & iPhone 16 Pro Max