You're looking at your current phone, and the screen just feels... small. Or maybe the battery is doing that thing where it hits 20% by noon. You want the big screen, you want the battery life that actually lasts through a weekend trip, but you don't necessarily want to sell a kidney for the Pro Max.
Naturally, you start wondering: how much is an iphone 16 plus right now?
Honestly, the answer changes depending on where you look. If you walk into an Apple Store today, you’re seeing the "official" price. But if you're like most people and you're hunting for a deal, the number looks a whole lot different. We're in early 2026 now, and the landscape has shifted. The iPhone 17 is the new kid on the block, which means the 16 Plus has finally entered that "sweet spot" of pricing.
The Official Apple Store Price Tag
Apple is predictable. When they launched the iPhone 16 Plus back in late 2024, it started at $899. Fast forward to today, and they’ve done their classic $100 price cut.
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If you buy it directly from Apple in 2026, here is what you're looking at for a brand-new unit:
- 128GB: $799
- 256GB: $899
- 512GB: $1,099
Keep in mind, that $799 price often includes a "connectivity discount." If you buy it "unlocked" without picking a carrier right then and there, Apple usually tacks on an extra $30, bringing the base model to $829. It’s a bit of a sneaky move, but it’s been their standard operating procedure for a while now.
Why the Used Market is a Different Beast
If you’re willing to look at sites like Swappa or Back Market, that "how much is an iphone 16 plus" question gets a much more interesting answer.
According to recent data from January 2026, used prices have started to tumble. You can find "Good" condition 128GB models for around $574 to $621. If you're okay with a few scratches—what the resellers call "Fair" condition—you might even snag one for closer to $534.
That is a massive difference.
You're basically getting the same 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display and the A18 chip for nearly $300 less than the original launch price. For many, that's the difference between "I'll wait another year" and "Check out my new phone."
The Trade-In Math
Don't forget the trade-in factor. Apple is currently offering up to $440 for a used iPhone 16 Plus if you're trading up to the 17. If you’re trading in an older device, say an iPhone 14 Plus, you might get around $230 in credit.
- New 16 Plus ($799) - Old 14 Plus Trade-in ($230) = $569 out of pocket.
It’s not "cheap," but it makes the pill easier to swallow.
Carrier Deals: The "Free" Phone Trap
You’ve seen the ads. "iPhone 16 Plus for $0!"
Is it actually free? Kinda, but not really.
Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are still aggressively pushing the 16 series to clear out stock. Usually, they’ll give you the phone for "free" or for like $5 a month, but they lock you into a 36-month contract on their most expensive unlimited plans.
If you were already planning on paying for a $90/month plan, it's a great deal. If you're currently on a $25/month prepaid plan, that "free" phone will actually cost you an extra $2,340 in service fees over three years.
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Pro tip: PureTalk and some other MVNOs have been spotted selling the 16 Plus for around $529 recently if you sign up for their much cheaper monthly service. That’s often a better way to save money in the long run.
Is the 512GB Version Worth the Premium?
Most people don't need 512GB. Seriously.
With iCloud and Google Photos, that extra $300 jump from the base model to the top-tier storage is where Apple makes its real profit. Unless you are filming 4K ProRes video every single day (which, let’s be honest, you’d probably buy the Pro for anyway), the 128GB or 256GB models are the smart play.
What to Watch Out For in 2026
When you're searching for how much is an iphone 16 plus, be wary of "too good to be true" prices on marketplaces like eBay or Facebook.
- Battery Health: Since the phone is over a year old now, used units might have battery health in the 85-90% range. Ask for a screenshot of the Battery Health screen before buying.
- Apple Intelligence: The 16 Plus was the first "standard" model to really lean into Apple Intelligence. It has 8GB of RAM, which is the bare minimum for those AI features. Don't let anyone sell you an iPhone 15 Plus and tell you "it's basically the same"—it’s not, because the 15 Plus won't run the new AI tools.
- Refurbished vs. Used: "Refurbished" usually means it’s been inspected and sometimes given a new battery or screen. "Used" just means someone owned it. Pay the extra $40 for a certified refurbished unit with a warranty.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pull the trigger, don't just hit "buy" on the first site you see.
First, check your current carrier's app for "Loyalty Deals." Sometimes they have upgrades hidden in there that aren't advertised to the public. Second, if you're buying used, stick to platforms with buyer protection like Swappa or Back Market. Avoid "Locked" phones at all costs; they’re a headache you don't want.
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Finally, if you're looking for the absolute lowest price on a brand-new unit, keep an eye on big-box retailers like Best Buy or even Amazon during seasonal sales. They often beat Apple’s "official" price by $50 to $100 just to move inventory.
The iPhone 16 Plus is a beast of a phone, especially with that massive screen. At around $600 for a used unit or $799 for a new one, it’s finally priced where it probably should have been all along.