The best iPhone plans in Australia

Our pick for the best iPhone plan right now is Vodafone's $53 Small Plan. It comes with 60GB of data per month, which puts it just slightly ahead of the 50GB from Optus' cheapest plan when it comes to data-to-dollar value. Given these two plans are very similar in price over their 36-month term, this is the deciding factor. You can also get up to $1000 off through Vodafone's trade-in scheme with eligible phones in good working order.

This year, the base model iPhone 17 starts with 256GB, up from 128GB previously. The screen is a bit bigger at 6.3 inches (up from 6.1 last year), and users can finally experience the buttery smoothness of Apple's ProMotion display tech, which until now had been Bogarted by the Pro models. 

The new A19 chipset should not only be an improvement to performance, but also improve battery life. And Apple has included Roadside Assistance via satellite and Find My via satellite. And while the cameras of the more expensive Pro models are bound to outperform their cheaper sibling's, the iPhone 17 should still provide some of the best pics available from phones released in 2025.

For a more full comparison of your options, here's a look at the cheapest iPhone 17 plans from Optus, Vodafone and Telstra:

Vodafone came out of the gate swinging with big discounts on its 500GB Extra Large plan for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max on a 36-month repayment. Stick around for the full length of the plan and get $1,200 off in total. After factoring in this discount, the minimum total cost over the life of the plan is within a few dollars of signing up to Vodafone's Small Plan, which gets you 60GB per month. This is obviously huge in terms of data-per-dollar value.

But do keep in mind the 60GB of the Small Plan is already much more data than the average person uses each month – and you'll only get extra value out of the Extra Large Plan deal if you actually need more than 60GB (because let's face it, you almost definitely don't need 500GB per month on your mobile plan).

Here's a quick look at Vodafone's Extra Large Plan special deal on all three storage options for the iPhone 17 Pro:

The iPhone 17 Pro packs all the punch of the Pro Max, but in a smaller 6.3-inch package. The only difference is the storage for the Pro tops out at 1TB, compared to the 2TB of the Max – if you can afford it.

As you might expect, the cameras have been upgraded, as has the hardware and battery life. And the rear camera bump is (finally) consistent across the width of the handset – no more rocking back and forth when you lie it on a flat surface.

But the most obvious change is the colour options, particularly the Cosmic Orange. Apple has traditionally gone for sedate and business-like colour themes for its Pro line, which is still somewhat evident in its Silver and Deep Blue options. But it's nice to see this deviation from the norm for those who want a little more vibrance in their life.

For a broader comparison, here's a look at the cheapest iPhone 17 Pro plans from Optus, Vodafone and Telstra:

Here's a quick look at the iPhone 17 Pro Max with Vodafone's special Extra Large Plan deal:

The Pro Max is always the big boss of every year's lineup, and 2025 is no different. With a 6.9-inch display, this hefty fella comes with every big of tech Apple can cram into a phone.

That said, it's functionally almost identical to the 17 Pro in terms of performance, cameras, and screen technology. The biggest difference between the two is that the 17 Pro Max can come with 2TB of storage – albeit with an eye-watering RRP of $3,799 compare to the $2,199 of its 256GB option.

While Vodafone has our current pick for best iPhone plan, not everyone has the same needs. Here's a look at the cheapest iPhone 17 Pro Max plans from Optus, Vodafone and Telstra for a broader comparison:

Vodafone's $53 Small Plan also has our pick for the best iPhone Air plan. It comes with 60GB of data per month, which is 10GB more than Optus' cheapest plan for roughly the same price. You can also get up to $1000 off through Vodafone's trade-in scheme with eligible phones in good working order.

The iPhone Air is the newest entrant to the iPhone lineup. Debuting alongside the iPhone 17 series, this phone might have missed the memo about naming schemes, but still offers the same great hardware in a thinner, lighter package.

In terms of what it's packing under the hood, it sits somewhere between the basic iPhone 17 and the 17 Pro models. For example, its camera setup matches the standard iPhone 17, but it boasts the powerful A19 Pro chipset. Its display size even reflects this, at 6.5 inches vs. the 6.3 inches of the smaller handsets and the 6.9 inches of the Max.

Here's a look at the cheapest iPhone Air plans in our database for each storage size:

Vodafone's $53 Small Plan takes the crown right now, thanks to its data-to-dollar value... but only just. Over the life of a 36-month iPhone plan, Optus is pretty similar, but Vodafone edges ahead thanks to its 60GB of data versus Optus' 50GB. That said, this only matters if you need more than 50GB, so it's very much up to your specific needs when it comes to which iPhone plan is actually the best.

Vodafone's plan comes with 60GB of monthly data, no data overage fees, and international roaming that gives you your normal at-home mobile data, calls and text allowances for $5 per day. 

The iPhone 16 is the base model, still offering a great user experience without costing absolute top-dollar. Apple has discontinued every storage option except 128GB, but you can still pick up the 256GB and 512GB versions while stocks last. Here's a look at the cheapest plans from Optus, Voda and Telstra:

There isn't a whole lot separating the iPhone 16 Plus from the standard model beyond a bigger screen. However, it's only a few more dollars per month if you're looking to buy one on a plan.

Eventually, it'll also have an extra storage option vs. its smaller counterpart – Apple has discontinued the 512GB 16 Plus (though existing stock is still available), but both the 128GB and 256GB models will still be available for some time yet.

Here's a look at the cheapest plan from each major telco for all three storage options:

The iPhone 16e a mid-range variant that will take a little longer to be superceded than its siblings, given it was released more recently. It's a little cheaper and doesn't include as many bells and whistles, but is a great option if you want to be in the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank or buying an older model that won't have update support for quite as long.

Here's a look at the cheapest plan from each provider for the various storage options:

Only Telstra still offers iPhone plans for the 16 Pro and Pro Max, but its stocks seem to be dwindling fast. At the time of writing, the 16 Pro is still only available with 1TB of storage. Conversely, the 16 Pro Max is available with all storage models except for 1TB. And within the storage options that are still around, not every colour is still available.

So, with that being the case, here's a look at the "best" iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max plans in our database – by which we mean on the cheapest Telstra plan for a model that's still available.

The iPhone 16 Pro is often overlooked, but don't sleep on the benefits of a fully premium-tier phone packed into a smaller package – especially if you cart yours around in a pants pocket. It's all but identical to the Pro Max when it comes to actual functionality, the only meaningful difference being its smaller screen.

Here's a look at Telstra's 36-month iPhone plans for the 16 Pro – the 1TB model being the only one still around:

If you really have to have the biggest, baddest iPhone around, the Pro Max is the top dog. And it has a price tag to boot. While similar to the smaller 16 Pro in most respects, the larger screen is a big drawcard for many people. 

Here's a look Telstra's iPhone 16 Pro Max plans: