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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Archive note: UK pre-orders for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro opened at 1pm BST on Friday, 13 September 2024. Retail sales began on Friday, 20 September 2024. The launch offers below are historical and may no longer be available.
At launch, Apple priced iPhone 16 from £799 and iPhone 16 Pro from £999. For most buyers who already have an inexpensive SIM-only plan, Apple direct was the clearest unlocked option. A network contract was better only when its complete cost—including the upfront payment, airtime, term and any qualifying incentive—beat the SIM-free alternative for the data and roaming required.
UK iPhone 16 pre-order dates and launch prices
Apple, participating networks and retailers accepted UK pre-orders from 1pm BST on 13 September 2024. General availability followed on 20 September 2024. Apple’s launch prices were:
| Model | Launch price | Storage | Colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | From £799 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | Black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine |
| iPhone 16 Pro | From £999 | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Black titanium, natural titanium, white titanium, desert titanium |
Apple’s announcements also covered iPhone 16 Plus from £899 and iPhone 16 Pro Max from £1,199. See the iPhone 16 launch announcement and iPhone 16 Pro announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- 6.1" Screen size
- iOS Operating System
- 128 GB Flash Memory
Where UK buyers could order
Apple direct
Apple’s UK website and Apple Store app offered unlocked, SIM-free phones, Apple financing where available, trade-in and Apple support. This route is straightforward if you want to keep your existing SIM or choose a separate SIM-only plan. Apple also offered delivery or Apple Store collection. The launch instructions are described in Apple’s pre-order guide.
EE
EE confirmed the complete iPhone 16 line-up for pre-order on 13 September 2024. Eligible EE broadband customers were told they could receive a £20 monthly discount on additional EE mobile SIMs; that was a household benefit, not a free iPhone accessory. Check the original EE announcement for the launch context.
O2
O2 sold iPhone 16 on pay-monthly tariffs and ran a separate recycling promotion offering up to £100 extra for eligible purchases made directly from O2 between 13 September and 9 October 2024. It required an eligible tariff, an eligible recycled device and compliance with the offer terms. Read the promotion terms and O2’s product page; do not treat the bonus as a permanent discount.
Vodafone
Vodafone accepted UK pre-orders from 13 September 2024 and stated that sales began on 20 September. Its offer included pay-monthly contracts and Vodafone Xchange, an early-upgrade route subject to plan conditions. No monthly figure should be inferred without a dated tariff quote. See Vodafone’s launch announcement and iPhone 16 route.
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Three
Three announced UK pre-orders on 13 September and on-sale availability on 20 September 2024. Compare it only using a dated quote showing the upfront amount, monthly charge, data allowance and contract term, as set out in its launch announcement.
Rank #2
- Titanium frame combines strength and lightness, giving the iPhone 16 Pro a premium feel while reducing weight for prolonged daily use. The polished edges and textured back enhance grip and handling, making it easier to use during long calls, gaming sessions, or when capturing photos and videos on the move.
Retailers
Currys, John Lewis, Amazon and specialist mobile retailers offered SIM-free stock, but distinguish direct stock from marketplace sellers. Check who provides the warranty, returns and delivery promise. Currys listed iPhone 16 Pro models and operated a Price Promise subject to its conditions; it does not automatically beat Apple or a network deal. Its category page is here.
How to compare the real cost
A monthly headline is not a comparable price. Calculate:
Total contract cost = upfront payment + (monthly payment × contract months) − guaranteed cashback or qualifying credit.
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Then compare that figure with:
SIM-free handset price + SIM-only plan cost over the same period.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- 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, Sprint., Etc.
| Route | Record |
|---|---|
| Apple SIM-free | Handset price, trade-in credit, financing cost, delivery or collection |
| Network contract | Upfront payment, device and airtime charges, term, annual increases, data, roaming, upgrade or return conditions |
| Retailer SIM-free | Direct or marketplace seller, price, gift card, warranty, delivery and returns |
| Phone plus SIM-only | SIM-free price plus the SIM plan over the same comparison period |
Include any balloon payment, device-return obligation, early-upgrade fee or remaining balance. A 36-month contract can look cheaper per month than a 24-month plan while costing more overall.
Launch trade-in and “free” extras
Apple Trade In
Apple advertised launch credit of £130 to £630 for eligible iPhone 11 or newer devices. “Up to £630” was a maximum, not a guaranteed amount: model, storage, physical condition, power status and inspection determined the final credit. Values can change, so obtain a quote at Apple Trade In before ordering.
Back up the old phone, photograph its condition, disable Find My and erase it only when Apple’s instructions require it. Keep it until the new phone works and the trade-in assessment is accepted.
Apple service trials
Qualifying new subscribers could receive three months of Apple Music, Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+. These were promotional trials, not permanent free services. Check eligibility, cancellation and automatic-renewal terms before accepting.
Rank #4
- 6.7" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 4674mAh Battery
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- 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.
O2 recycling bonus
The O2 offer was an additional £100 recycling bonus during its specified 13 September–9 October 2024 period. It required direct purchase from O2, an eligible pay-monthly tariff and an eligible recycled device. It was conditional credit, not an across-the-board £100 reduction.
Retailer and household benefits
A launch roundup reported a £10 Currys gift card on certain Mobiles.co.uk iPhone 16 Pro Max purchases. That was model- and retailer-specific, not a general iPhone 16 benefit. EE’s £20 monthly additional-SIM discount applied only to eligible broadband customers. A gift card, account discount, recycling payment and subscription trial have different value and conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro?
Choose iPhone 16 when
- You want the lower £799 launch entry price and a lighter everyday phone.
- The standard camera system meets your needs: a 48MP Fusion main camera, 2x telephoto option and macro photography through the upgraded Ultra Wide camera.
- You prefer to spend the difference on storage, a SIM plan or accessories.
iPhone 16 used Apple’s A18 chip, Action button and new Camera Control button.
Choose iPhone 16 Pro when
- You specifically need Pro camera capabilities, the larger Pro display range or higher storage up to 1TB.
- You will use the A18 Pro chip and Pro features enough to justify the extra £200 launch price.
- You want a Pro model’s titanium finishes and are willing to accept potentially tighter launch stock.
Do not select Pro solely because it costs more; compare the features you will actually use with the total ownership cost.
Best Value
- 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.
Apple pre-order checklist
- Choose the model, storage and colour; prioritise storage and delivery over colour if launch-day arrival matters.
- Select full payment, Apple financing where available, or trade-in.
- Enter the old phone’s details and review the estimated credit and conditions.
- Sign in with an Apple Account or use guest checkout if offered.
- Choose delivery or Apple Store collection.
- Use Apple Pay or another supported payment method and save the confirmation.
- Keep the old phone until transfer and trade-in acceptance are complete.
Network pre-order checklist
- Identify whether you are a new, existing or upgrade customer; logged-in upgrade pricing can differ.
- Write down the exact model, storage and colour.
- Record upfront cost, separate device and airtime charges, contract length and total payable.
- Check data allowance, roaming, speed limits, fair-use rules and annual price increases.
- Read upgrade, early-repayment, device-return and Xchange conditions.
- Apply trade-in or recycling incentives before submitting the order.
- Save the offer terms, order number and promised delivery date.
Common problems after ordering
Delivery date moves
High-demand Pro configurations, colours and larger storage can receive later estimates after checkout. Treat the displayed date as an estimate, retain the order confirmation and check another authorised seller’s confirmed stock before cancelling. User reports on iPhone 16 Pro and O2 illustrate delivery variation but are not official stock data.
Trade-in is reduced
Cracked glass, battery or power faults, an incorrect model or storage entry, undisclosed damage and an active activation lock can reduce or void the estimate. Photograph the device and follow the inspection instructions.
The phone is for an existing SIM
Confirm the handset is unlocked or compatible with the intended network, that your SIM or eSIM can be activated, and that your plan supports the required 4G/5G, roaming and network features. O2 identifies eSIM support on its product page, but activation still depends on the network and tariff.
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Check the bank’s authorisation, billing address and stock status, then use the retailer’s order page or support channel. Do not assume a cancelled order preserves the original delivery estimate; place a new order only after confirming the revised date and total cost.
Which route suited which buyer?
- Unlocked ownership: Apple direct, or a retailer with verified direct stock and acceptable returns.
- Lowest total cost: the route with the lowest calculated handset-plus-service cost for your required data and term, not the lowest monthly headline.
- Trade-in convenience: Apple; compare its quote with O2’s conditional recycling bonus and independent resale values.
- Household benefits: EE only where the eligible broadband and additional-SIM discount materially reduce the family’s total bill.
- Upgrade flexibility: Vodafone Xchange or another plan only if you value early upgrades enough to justify its conditions and cost.
All prices and promotions in this guide are launch-period signals from September–October 2024. They should not be presented as live August 2026 offers without a fresh check of the seller’s page and terms.
Quick Recap
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.
