Here’s everything you need to know about preordering the new iPhone 16

The dust is still settling from Apple’s latest iPhone event, which introduced us to the Apple Watch Series 10, a new set of AirPods, and a suite of smartphones that are due to arrive later this month. And while we’ve only had some initial hands-on time with the new iPhone 16 models, preorders officially open up tomorrow, September 13th.

Apple’s latest phones — specifically the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max — are set to arrive on September 20th. They introduce new processors and a slick new Camera Control button, but none of them look to be a drastic overhaul of last year’s iPhone 15 series. That being said, perhaps things will get interesting when Apple Intelligence comes to the new models with the release of iOS 18.1 beta in October.

We’re currently putting the new iPhones through their paces; however, we know some of you are the early adopter types who can’t wait to get ahold of the latest thing. (We’re guilty of this, too, so no judgment here.) To help, we’ve put together a little guidance on what you’re getting with each new iPhone 16 model, as well as which retailers are currently offering preorder incentives.

The best term I’d use to describe the base iPhone 16 and 16 Plus is “trickle-down.” Many of their best features are taken from last year’s Pro line, including the Action Button, a short-telephoto 2x crop mode, and an autofocusing ultra-wide camera with macro mode. Some other features are in parity (or close to parity) with the pricier iPhone 16 Pro, like the new Camera Control button and Apple’s new A18 chip — though, the Pros get the fancier A18 Pro. However, one sticking point for some may be that the standard iPhone 16 doesn’t inherit the 120Hz refresh rate found on the Pros, as it’s still running at a middling 60Hz.

Refresh rate aside, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus might be some of the most well-rounded mainline iPhones in a while — if not the most vibrant — and that’s without the forthcoming, much-hyped Apple Intelligence features.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus start at $799 and $899, respectively, and are set to launch on September 20th, with preorders opening at 8AM ET / 5AM PT on September 13th. We expect Best Buy and other retailers to open preorders around the same time as Apple, but if you’re looking to save time, Apple is currently letting you pick your phone and get part of the process done ahead of time — a sort of pre-preorder.

Apple made the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max bigger than ever at 6.3 and 6.9 inches, respectively. That means each phone is slightly taller and wider than the iPhone 15 Pro generation, with smaller bezels, though they maintain the titanium frame construction. The marque hardware feature this year is the Camera Control button, which allows you to take snaps and operate the various camera functions with tap and swipe gestures. There’s also a 48MP ultra-wide camera (up from last year’s 12MP shooter), a new A18 Pro processor, and a “desert titanium” finish that is essentially a darker shade of gold.

The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max launch alongside the non-pro models on September 20th. The smaller Pro starts at $999 while the jumbo Pro Max starts at $1,199, with preorders for both opening at 8AM ET / 5AM PT on September 13th. If you want to be the earliest of adopters, Apple is allowing you to choose your phone configuration now, making it easier to preorder your device come Friday.

You’re probably familiar with the drill when it comes to “deals” from the three big US carriers. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all plan on offering incentives for the new iPhones in the form of trade-in promos and bill credits. Here’s a brief summary of what’s to be had when preorders open up on September 13th.

• New and existing AT&T customers can get an iPhone 16 free via monthly bill credits or the iPhone 16 Plus for $830 off — both of which require an eligible trade-in. Alternatively, you can opt for the iPhone 16 Pro with a similar promo or get $1,000 back on an iPhone 16 Pro Max, pending trade-in.
• T-Mobile customers on a Go5G Next plan can get the iPhone 16 Pro for free after credits back, or $1,000 off any iPhone 16 model. Go5G Plus plan subscribers, meanwhile, can get the regular iPhone 16 for free after credits or $830 off any iPhone 16 of their choice (including a higher storage configuration or the Plus model).