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Where the iPhone 16 Cost the Most at Launch: Seven Countries, Not Eight

BGR’s launch-era comparison put Türkiye highest for the 128 GB iPhone 16 at $1,909, but its headline said eight countries while listing only seven.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
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In BGR’s September 10, 2024 report of Nukeni’s launch-price comparison, the 128 GB iPhone 16 had the highest listed converted price in Türkiye: $1,909. Brazil followed at $1,396. The headline claimed eight countries, but its base-model list names only seven; there is no supported eighth country to add.

Which countries had the highest iPhone 16 prices?

These are BGR’s US-dollar conversions of Nukeni’s September 2024 launch comparison for the SIM-free, 128 GB base iPhone 16—not current checkout prices.

Country Converted launch price
Türkiye $1,909
Brazil $1,396
Hungary $1,112
Norway $1,112
Sweden $1,110
Denmark $1,110
Finland $1,103

The headline’s “8 countries” count does not match its iPhone 16 list. BGR gives a separate seven-market list for the 256 GB iPhone 16 Pro Max, including India; that is a different phone and storage tier, not an eighth entry for the base iPhone 16. BGR’s report does not identify a missing eighth country.

How should these prices be compared?

The figures are converted amounts, not a common local sticker price. ITmedia’s September 10, 2024 description of Nukeni’s method says it collected tax-inclusive SIM-free launch prices and converted them using the exchange rate at 4 a.m. on the survey date. For the US and Canada, the comparison included low-tax and high-tax purchase locations because sales taxes vary by location. ITmedia’s account of the methodology also reports that Japan ranked third-cheapest in the survey, behind the US and China.

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#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.

That tax treatment matters: a US advertised price may exclude local sales tax, while a price in another market may include tax. A converted figure also moves with exchange rates, and it does not by itself explain why one country’s price is higher. The cited comparison does not provide a country-by-country breakdown of VAT, import duties, currency effects, compliance costs, or retailer margins, so those factors should not be assigned as specific causes.

How do launch prices compare with later store snapshots?

Launch-era prices should not be mistaken for current prices. A third-party page recording store-price snapshots checked October 7, 2026 lists the 128 GB iPhone 16 at $829 in the US before local sales tax, R$6,999 in Brazil tax included, and TRY 85,999 in Türkiye tax included. These dated snapshots are not guarantees of live availability or final checkout cost. The page’s 40-market price listing shows why any comparison needs a date, currency, and tax label.

Rank #2
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
  • Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.

For context, GSMArena reported these launch starting prices in September 2024: $799 in the US, £799 in the UK, €949 in Germany, INR 79,900 in India, CNY 5,999 in China, and JPY 124,800 in Japan. These are launch-period figures, not current prices; the report lists 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB options for the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. GSMArena’s launch-price overview provides that context.

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What to check before comparing or buying across countries

A fair comparison requires matching more than the country and dollar amount. Check each of these before deciding that an overseas listing is cheaper:

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Rank #3
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
  • Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Exact model and storage: Compare the base iPhone 16 with the same storage tier, not a Plus, Pro, or Pro Max model.
  • Condition and sales channel: Distinguish new from refurbished and Apple or retailer sales from carrier offers.
  • SIM status and regional configuration: Confirm whether the phone is unlocked or SIM-free and whether its regional version meets your needs.
  • Tax basis: Identify whether the displayed price includes VAT or sales tax, and account for any tax due at checkout or import.
  • Exchange rate and date: Convert using a stated rate and date rather than treating an old dollar conversion as a current price.
  • Discounts and added costs: Account for carrier subsidies, trade-ins, promotions, shipping, and possible import charges before comparing final costs.

Apple’s September 9, 2024 launch announcement said preorders would open in more than 58 countries and regions, including Türkiye, the UK, and the US. That launch availability statement describes the initial rollout, not present-day stock or the terms of a particular seller’s listing. Apple’s announcement gives the launch-market context.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 2
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
$595.36
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
$590.73
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 256GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 256GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
$679.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, 256GB, Black Titanium - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • The large 6.9-inch display combines ProMotion 120Hz technology with advanced color calibration, giving movies, games, and productivity apps a spacious, crisp, and fluid visual experience that’s ideal for multitasking or immersive media consumption.
Rank #4
Apple iPhone 16, US Version, 256GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed Premium)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product will have a battery which exceeds 90% capacity relative to new.
  • Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 365 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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