iPhone 16e Australia: Prices, best plans and how to pre-order

Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 are live in Australia, with plans now available from Optus, Telstra and Vodafone.

The iPhone 16e is Apple's budget-friendly addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, marking the end of the iPhone SE legacy.

Australian prices start at $999 for the 128GB model, $1,199 for 256GB and $1,549 for 512GB. Your colour options are limited to black and white.

If you don't want to pay for the phone upfront, you can sign up for a 12-, 24-, or 36-month plan with Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone. Just keep in mind you'll need to pair your phone repayment with a SIM-only plan from one of those providers.

iPhone 16e plans from Optus

The cheapest SIM-only plan from Optus costs $52 a month for 50GB. Here's a look at starting costs for Apple's latest tech on a plan:

• iPhone 16e 128GB: From $79.74 a month
• iPhone 16e 256GB: From $85.30 a month
• iPhone 16e 512GB: From $95.02 a month

Signing up with Optus will give you access to:

• The second largest 4G and 5G networks in Australia
• No excess data charges. Your download speeds will simply slow to 1.5Mbps if you run out of data
• Discounted Optus Sport. Pay $9.99 a month instead of $24.99
• Up to 10% savings when you bundle three or more eligible subscriptions through Optus SubHub
• Unlimited international calls and texts to 35 selected destinations on the Medium Choice Plus Plan and above
• $5 for 5GB daily roaming across 110 Zone 1 destinations and selected airlines

iPhone 16e plans from Telstra

Telstra's cheapest SIM-only plan costs $65 a month for 50GB. Here's a look at starting costs when you pair it with the iPhone 16e repayment plan:

• iPhone 16e 128GB: From $92.75 a month
• iPhone 16e 256GB: From $98.30 a month
• iPhone 16e 512GB: From $108.02 a month

You'll get the following perks by signing up with Telstra:

• Access to the widest 4G and 5G network in Australia
• No excess data charges. If you run out of data, your download speeds will slow to 1.5Mbps until the next billing cycle
• 30 minutes of calls to standing international numbers
• Option to earn Telstra Plus Points for future rewards

iPhone 16e plans from Vodafone

The cheapest SIM-only plan from Vodafone costs $49 a month for 50GB. Here's a look at starting costs for Apple's latest tech on a plan:

• iPhone 16e 128GB: From $76.75 a month
• iPhone 16e 256GB: From $82.30 a month
• iPhone 16e 512GB: From $92.02 a month

The good news? Vodafone is offering a promo that gives you $10 off its SIM-only plans for the first year, plus bonus data if you stay on the plan.

For example, with the cheapest plan, you'll pay $39 a month for the first 12 months and get 100GB for as long as you stick with it.

Signing up with Vodafone will give you access to:

• Vodafone now offers double the network coverage, so if you're in a regional area, your options go beyond just Telstra and Optus. It's worth checking its coverage map to see if your area is included.
• No excess data charges. Your download speeds will slow to 2Mbps
• $5 a day roaming to use your Aussie plan overseas (100+ destinations)
• 3 months of BINGE for both new and returning customers plus 2 months of Kayo if you have Hubbl Hub

So, what's the best iPhone 16e plan?

Based on price alone, Vodafone's monthly repayment costs for the iPhone 16e are the cheapest.

However, what's a new phone without phone service? No matter which provider you go with - whether it's Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone - make sure their network covers your area.

After that, it's all about which perks appeal to you most.

When will the iPhone 16e be available in Australia?

Apple officially announced the iPhone 16e on 20 February 2025, with pre-orders starting on 22 February.

The phone hits shelves on 28 February, so you won't have to wait long to get your hands on it.

iPhone 16e Australian specs

Here's a quick reminder of the key iPhone 16e specs before you commit to a phone plan:

• 6.1-inch all-screen OLED display
• Aluminium design, ceramic shield front and glass back
• Splash, water and dust resistance rated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 metres for up to 30 minutes)
• Apple Intelligence is available on this device
• A18 chip
• 2-in-1 camera system - 48MP Fusion
• 4K Dolby Vision video recording
• Face ID, eSIM capabilities, USB-C and wireless charging (but it's not MagSafe)
• Customisable action button
• Features Apple's own modem, the C1, that'll in theory improve battery life. Apple says you can get up to 26 hours of video playback