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A selection of iPhone 12 series phones

How much do iPhones cost?

Whether you’re an Apple loyalist, or just someone who enjoys the functionality and design of Apple devices, iPhones are still one of the most popular smartphones on the market. With Apple releasing new models every year, it can be hard to keep track of which version of the iPhone is the latest, and really, if the latest iPhone is actually the right device for you.

Compared to other smartphones on the market, iPhones are generally known for their higher prices. While Apple has brought out more affordable options in the past, they can still be pricey for those who are on a tight budget, especially if you’re looking to buy a phone outright.

Which iPhones are currently available?

With some upgraded features and specs, the iPhone 15 series follows the same model conventions as its predecessor, the iPhone 14 range. This range of devices includes the iPhone 15, the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus include many of the same features, with the size of the phone and battery capacity the main point of difference between the phones. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are also nearly identical in features (which are a bit of an upgrade from the iPhone 15), with the phone size and battery capacity being the big difference.

The iPhone 14 series was released in 2022, including the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. An upgraded 5G-capable iPhone SE was also released in 2022.  Apple released the iPhone 13 series in 2021 (which included the iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max). The 2020 range Apple release was the iPhone 12 series, which included the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The much more affordable iPhone SE was also released in 2020 and is the cheapest iPhone Apple offers. In 2019, the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max were released, and in 2018, the iPhone Xs series was released. These phones are starting to become unavailable, with some now discontinued by Apple after the release of the iPhone 13.

Some of the older models, like iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone Xs, and iPhone X, are still available from some providers and retailers, or as refurbished phones. If you want a new phone, but aren’t dedicated to the newest devices, you can get these older phones reasonably cheaper. However, you might find that the storage capacity and colour options are limited, as these phones are starting to disappear from shelves.

iPhones on a Plan

While you can pay for your new iPhone outright, many Aussies choose to bundle their preferred device with a plan, spreading the cost of repayment over time. So what plans can you get?

The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 15 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 15 Plus plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 15 Pro plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

iPhone Prices in Australia

When figuring out whether it’s better to buy a phone outright or on a plan, it’s worth looking at the price of buying an iPhone upfront to help you determine the best value for your money. See below the pricing of different iPhone models at the time of release, according to Apple.

  • iPhone 15 price: 128GB phone — $1,499, 256GB phone — $1,699, 512GB phone — $2,049
  • iPhone 15 Plus price: 128GB phone — $1,649, 256GB phone — $1,849, 512GB phone — $2,199
  • iPhone 15 Pro price: 128GB phone — $1,849, 256GB phone — $2,049, 512GB phone — $2,399, 1TB phone — $2,749
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max price: 256GB phone — $2,199, 512GB phone — $2,549, 1TB phone — $2,899
  • iPhone SE (2022) price: 64GB phone —$719, 128GB phone—  $799, 256GB phone— $969
  • iPhone 14 price: 128GB phone — $1,399, 256GB phone — $1,579, 512GB phone — $1,899
  • iPhone 14 Plus price: 128GB phone — $1,579, 256GB phone — $1,749, 512GB phone — $2,099
  • iPhone 14 Pro price: 128GB phone — $1,749, 256GB phone — $1,899, 512GB phone — $2,249, 1TB phone — $2,599
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max price: 128GB phone — $1,899, 256GB phone — $2,099, 512GB phone — $2,419, 1TB phone — $2,769
  • iPhone 13 price: 128GB phone — $1,349, 256GB phone — $1,519, 512GB phone — $1,869
  • iPhone 13 mini price: 128GB phone — $1,199, 256GB phone — $1,369, 512GB phone — $1,719
  • iPhone 13 Pro price: 128GB phone — $1,699, 256GB phone — $1,869, 512GB phone — $2,219, 1TB phone — $2,569
  • iPhone 13 Pro Max price: 128GB phone — $1,849, 256GB phone — $2,019, 512GB phone — $2,369, 1TB phone — $2,719
  • iPhone 12 price: 64GB phone — $1,349, 128GB phone — $1,429, 256GB phone — $1,599
  • iPhone 12 mini price: 64GB phone — $1,199, 128GB phone — $1,279, 256GB phone — $1,449
  • iPhone 12 Pro price: 128GB phone — $1,699, 256GB phone — $1,869, 512GB phone — $2,219
  • iPhone 12 Pro Max price: 64GB phone — $1,849, 256GB phone — $2,019, 512GB phone — $2,369
  • iPhone SE (2020) price: 64GB phone — $679, 128GB phone — $759, 256GB phone — $929
  • iPhone 11 price: 64GB phone — $999, 128GB phone — $1,079, 256GB phone — $1,249
  • iPhone 11 Pro price: Discontinued by Apple.
  • iPhone 11 Pro Max price: Discontinued by Apple.

This list doesn’t include older, discontinued iPhones such as the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone XR. Other models such as the iPhone 11 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series and some models from the iPhone 14 series are also not available directly from Apple, however may still be available from some retailers, although scarcely and with different prices and options depending on where you look.

How can I get my hands on an iPhone?

There are several ways you can get your hands on a new iPhone. While Telstra, Vodafone and Optus are the only telcos providing direct access to Apple products on a range of mobile plans, the other option is to buy your phone outright from a retailer (such as the Apple Store) and then find a SIM-only plan that works for you.

This gives you more options than sticking to the big three telcos; however, the upfront cost of an iPhone could be too expensive for most. The benefit of going with Telstra, Vodafone or Optus lies in the convenience of paying for the phone in smaller increments with a plan as part of a contract.

Pink iPhone 13 Mini

Telstra vs Optus vs Vodafone: What is the difference?

All three of the big telcos offer iPhones in conjunction with plans. While once these telcos offered plans on the traditional two-year contract, all three of these telcos now separate phone payments from your postpaid mobile plan. This allows you to select your device, the length of time you want to pay off your device, then your choice of postpaid phone plan, with the option to switch to a different plan down the line. All three telcos offer iPhones on 12, 24 and 36-month plans, with Telstra also offering phones for outright purchase.

These plans are very customisable, with the idea that you select your phone (the model, colour and storage capacity), then select the length of your phone repayment period (12, 24 or 36 months). This will then calculate how much the phone repayments are each month. Once you have an idea of how much your device will cost, you then select the plan that you want, and add the plan cost on top of your phone payment, to give you the total you’ll be paying each month.

iPhones from Telstra

Telstra has a wide range of iPhones available, including the full iPhone 15 series, the iPhone 14 series (depending on available stock), along with select older devices. Phones are available on a 12, 24 or 36-month repayment term (with the option to purchase outright) bundled with a phone plan, but you’re free to switch between the phone plans each month.

Telstra plans and prices for the iPhone 15 series

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Telstra 128GB iPhone 15 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Telstra 128GB iPhone 15 Plus plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Telstra 128GB iPhone 15 Pro plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Telstra 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

If you want a bit more data,  Telstra’s Essential and Premium plans go up to 180GB and 300GB of included monthly high-speed data respectively, and all plans include unlimited data capped at speeds of 1.5Mbps. This means even if you use up your plan’s fast gigabyte allowance, you’ll still have slowed-down data to tide you over until the next month (and no excess data fees). Telstra also includes access to its 5G network, which is great news if you’re picking up one of the 5G iPhones, however, the $62 Basic plan includes a speed cap of 250Mbps.

iPhones from Vodafone

If you’re after the latest iPhones from Vodafone, you’ll find the newest devices — the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max — plus a few older iPhones. Vodafone’s handset plans allow you to select your device, decide your repayment period, and then add on the plan you want, with plan costs starting at $49 and going up to $69 per month.

If you’re willing to sign on for 36 months, your handset repayment will be cheaper each month than on the 24 or 12-month plans, but overall you’ll pay the same total no matter which repayment period you opt for.

Vodafone plans and prices for the iPhone 15 series

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 128GB iPhone 15 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 128GB iPhone 15 Plus plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 128GB iPhone 15 Pro plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Vodafone 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.

If you’re after an iPhone plan with Vodafone, your cheapest option is on the 36-month phone repayment period, combined with the $49 Small plan. But you don’t get too many extras included on this plan, and it includes 50GB data with no international call inclusions and unlimited capped-speed data at 2Mbps. Vodafone includes access to its growing 5G network on all postpaid plans along with unlimited capped-speed data at 2Mbps.

iPhones from Optus

Optus lets you pick your phone plan payment period of 12, 24 or 36 months to bundle with a postpaid plan. Once you’ve selected the device, colour, storage capacity and payment period, you have a range of plans to choose from and all plans also feature unlimited speed-capped data (limited to 1.5Mbps). You can pick up the iPhone 15 series, along with a range of older iPhone models.

Optus plans and prices for the iPhone 15 series

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Optus 128GB iPhone 15 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Optus 128GB iPhone 15 Plus plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Optus 128GB iPhone 15 Pro plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

The following table compares a selection of 24-month Optus 256GB iPhone 15 Pro Max plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers.

If you were to get an iPhone though Optus on a 36-month payment plan and bundled with the cheapest plan, you will pay less each month, however you will pay the same for your device over 12, 24 or 36 months, the only difference being how long you have to pay off your device. Optus includes 5G network access on all postpaid plans as well as no excess data charges, so you can keep using data when you run out of your inclusions, but at the capped speed of 1.5Mbps.

Which option is best for me?

You’ll really need to weigh up what you can afford, especially whether you can afford to buy a new iPhone outright, to help you determine your best option. All three big telcos have pros and cons, so you need to take into consideration things like entertainment extras and data allowance.

If you were to buy an 128GB iPhone 15 Pro outright, at $1,849, that would work out to be around $77 per month over 24 months. There are a range of prepaid and postpaid SIM-only phone plans that can offer decent data inclusions for under $50, so you could end up paying less than $100 per month over two years. While many can’t afford to buy a new iPhone outright, if you can, you might be able to snag yourself a bargain when pairing with a cheap phone plan.

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