How to pre-order the iPhone 16 from Apple and other UK retailers

Everything you need to know about when the iPhone 16 goes on sale and how to buy it in the UK

By Henry Burrell, Deputy Technology Editor covers the latest consumer tech news that affects you, from broadband to software, and reviews new gadgets to recommend the best buys

09:00, Fri, Sep 13, 2024 | UPDATED: 16:50, Fri, Sep 13, 2024

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The iPhone 16 goes on sale this week

The iPhone 16 goes on sale this week (Image: Apple/Getty)

If you have been waiting to upgrade your ailing iPhone then now is the perfect time, because Apple announced the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max at an event in California earlier this week. The new phones boast camera upgrades including a new button on the right edge of every model that acts as a shutter button, as well as a more colourful design and the promise of AI features in iOS 18 - and you can buy one starting today.

Apple has kept UK pricing the same as last year’s iPhone 15, so the cheapest iPhone 16 model will set you back £799. This gets you a phone with a 6.1-inch display and dual rear cameras, plus it’s powered by the new A18 processor which will be zippy enough to handle Apple Intelligence, Apple’s upcoming AI tools that will hit every iPhone 16 in a software update in December.

This includes a smarter Siri that can help you do more things such as find specific photos with voice commands or scan long emails and read out a summary. You can also make unique, bespoke emoji among other fun additions.

When does the iPhone 16 go on sale?

Every iPhone 16 will be available to buy in what is known as a pre-order at 1pm UK time today, Friday 13 September.

It’s called a pre-order because you can pay for your new phone from this time but you won’t receive it until the official on sale date of Friday 20 September at the earliest.

This is the day the iPhone 16 will start to ship to customers and first be available to buy in high street shops in the UK.

Apple unveils AI-powered iPhone 16 range

Where can I buy the iPhone 16 from?

Apple will sell the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max in every colour and every storage option.

The iPhone 16 starts at £799 for 128GB storage and the range goes right up to the 1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max that costs £1,599. You have to buy the handset outright, or choose to pay monthly using Apple’s financing plan, which is sometimes subject to interest so make sure to check the terms and conditions.

Customers can also get £180 to £645 in credit when they trade in iPhone 12 or higher to put towards iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro. This helps reduce the cost of the upgrade.

Apple Specialists can also help customers choose the right model for them and set up,— all done directly at Apple.

Every major UK mobile network operator will also sell the new iPhone 16 models, including EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. You will be able to buy your new phone on a multi-year contract, which will get you a mobile plan and lets you split the cost over several months so you don’t have to pay outright for the handset.

You can also rely on popular retailers such as Currys, John Lewis, Very and Argos selling the iPhone 16, but they won't likely list the, on their online stores until Friday 13 September.

How to pre-order the iPhone 16

iPhone pre-order days can often be very popular, and sometimes specific models of phone will be back ordered, even when buying from Apple. This means demand is higher than supply, and so you may not get your new phone on the 20 September unless you get in there quickly.

Via the below links, you can visit the Apple Store online right now and get ready to pre-order by entering your phone choice and payment details to make it as simple as possible when it comes to 1pm UK time on Friday 13 September. You'll need to login with your Apple ID.

Click here to view the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus from Apple

Click here to view the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max from Apple

If you are ready to make your purchase from Apple’s website at 1pm on 13 September there is a good chance you will receive your device a week later on the official on sale date. Make sure to check the estimated shipping dates before you buy to avoid disappointment.

If you buy an iPhone 16, rest assured Apple will fulfil your order, it may just take longer than a week.

The UK mobile networks are currently allowing you to register your interest in pre-ordering, which should ensure you get reminded to log on at 1pm on Friday 13 September to secure yout iPhone 16.