How to buy the new iPhone 16e (at the best price)

You can still time to save on Apple's cheaper take on the iPhone 16 if you know where to look.

How to buy the iPhone 16e on a plan

No matter whether you're buying last year's iPhone 16 or the new iPhone 16e, buying a phone on a plan through one of Australia's big three mobile provider works the same way. For that reason, it's fairly easy to calculate how much the new iPhone 16e will cost on a plan in Australia.

You start at paying the RRP of the device divided out by the number of months in your plan. Then, you just add the standard cost of your plan on top. This method doesn't account for any trade-in bonuses or deals. That said, it should give you an idea of what to expect.

Vodafone iPhone 16e plans

If you want to pick up the new iPhone 16e for as little as you can get away with, you're probably looking to do so via Vodafone. On top of any standard postpaid plan inclusions, Vodafone customers also get the excess-charge-free data, 5G connectivity wherever they can get it plus $5 per day roaming whenever they need it.

Here are Vodafone's 24-month plans for the iPhone 16e.

Optus iPhone 16e plans

If you're after better coverage than Vodafone can vouch for but don't want to deal with the higher prices that come with Telstra, then Optus might be the next best bet when it comes to iPhone 16e plans.

Assuming the new affordable iPhone doesn't sell out too quickly, you should be able to snag the iPhone 16e on either 12, 24 or 36-month plans through Optus. Each eligible Optus postpaid plan will come with excess-charge-free data, a discounted rate on Optus Sport and the ability to save on your monthly subscriptions via SubHub.

Here are Optus' 24-month plans for the iPhone 16e.

Telstra iPhone 16e plans

Telstra's mobile plans are usually the most expensive of the big three, so it shouldn't shock you learn that it'll likely end up being the most pricey option for those looking to buy the new iPhone 16e on a postpaid plan.

Fortunately, that higher price does come with plenty of perks. The list here includes uncapped download speeds and 3 months of Telstra Device Security.

Those who sign up for an iPhone 16e plan with Telstra can expect to be able to pay off their device over a 12, 24 or 36-month period with access to excess-charge free data for the lifetime of their plan.

Here are Telstra's 24-month plans for the iPhone 16e

How much does the iPhone 16e cost in Australia?

Starts at $999

The name of the iPhone 16e does a lot of the talking when it comes to the price. It's more a cheaper iPhone 16 than it is a new iPhone SE, sitting between the two devices when it comes to pricing. The starting price for the new iPhone 16e is $300 more than the 2022 iPhone SE but $300 less than the 2024's iPhone 16.

For a full snapshot of how much it'll cost you to buy the new iPhone 16e in Australia, check out the table below.

Model	128GB	256GB	512GB
iPhone 16e	$999	$1,199	$1,549

As for colors, the new iPhone 16e is available in both white and black varieties but nothing more colorful than that.

Where to buy the iPhone 16e in Australia?

Here in Australia, the new iPhone 16e is available to buy through the following retailers:

Apple
Harvey Norman
JB Hi-Fi
Officeworks
Optus
Telstra
Vodafone

How to buy the iPhone 16e in Australia

Apple's affordable iPhone SE is finally getting a follow-up in the form of the new iPhone 16e. If you fancy picking one up, you've got two ways to do so: outright or on a plan. Regardless of which option you choose, you might be able to save if you know where to look (and we do).

Buying the iPhone 16e on a plan

Check out the Australian pricing for the iPhone 16e model you're after
Compare each telco offering the iPhone 16e (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.)
Find a 24 or 36-month plan that suits your budget (remember, you end up paying the same in the long run)
Order your phone and plan (or recontract)
Sit by the door, and wait for your iPhone 16e to arrive

Buying the iPhone 16e outright

Have a long, hard think about which iPhone 16e you really want.
Now make sure that model has the best screen size and colour option for you
Compare the deals available from Apple's online store and other retailers, like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Amazon, Officeworks.
Choose one and pay them the money (anywhere between $999 and $1,549.)
Bish bash, bosh, Bob's your uncle. Now calmly wait for your brand-new Apple iPhone 16e to arrive.
You might as well consider switching your SIM plan too if you're buying a new phone.

Written by

Fergus Halliday

Fergus Halliday is a journalist and editor for Reviews.org. He’s written about technology, telecommunications, gaming and more for over a decade. He got his start writing in high school and began his full-time career as the Editor of PC World Australia. Fergus has made the MCV 30 Under 30 list, been a finalist for seven categories at the IT Journalism Awards and won Most Controversial Writer at the 2022 Consensus Awards. He has been published in Gizmodo, Kotaku, GamesHub, Press Start, Screen Rant, Superjump, Nestegg and more.