Why Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Prices Slashed Ahead of iPhone 17 Release

With just weeks to go before the highly anticipated iPhone 17 release date on September 19, 2025, Apple’s current flagship lineup — the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max — is seeing dramatic price cuts across major UK retailers.

If you’ve been eyeing an upgrade but don’t want to pay Apple’s full retail price, now may be the best time to act. Multiple high-street retailers including Currys, John Lewis, and Argos are offering £100 ($135) discounts on nearly every iPhone 16 configuration.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro deals available right now.

Why Apple rarely discounts its devices, but third-party sellers do.

Whether you should buy an iPhone 16 now or wait for the iPhone 17.

The differences between iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17 (based on leaks and reports).

Which model (16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max) offers the best value in 2025.

Why Are iPhone 16 Prices Dropping Before the iPhone 17 Launch?

Apple itself almost never discounts iPhones — they hold their value better than nearly any other smartphone brand. But there are two key times when you’ll see big savings:

Just before the launch of a new iPhone series.

Retailers slash prices on current stock to clear shelves before the new models arrive.

Immediately after Apple’s keynote event.

When Apple officially launches the iPhone 17 lineup in September, it will discontinue the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max models and drop the prices of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus by around £100 ($135) in official stores.

Right now, UK retailers are beating Apple to the punch by offering those discounts early. This gives shoppers a rare opportunity to lock in lower prices weeks before the official announcement.

Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Deals Right Now (UK 2025)

Let’s look at the top deals across Currys, John Lewis, and Argos for each iPhone 16 model.

🔹 iPhone 16 Pro Discounts

Apple’s most popular flagship of 2024, the iPhone 16 Pro, is now £100 ($135) cheaper across multiple storage sizes.

128GB Model:

Apple Price: £999 ($1,356)

Currys/John Lewis/Argos Price: £899 ($1,220)

256GB Model:

Apple Price: £1,099 ($1,491)

Retailer Price: £999 ($1,356)

512GB Model:

Apple Price: £1,299 ($1,762)

Retailer Price: £1,199 ($1,627)

1TB Model:

Apple Price: £1,499 ($2,034)

Retailer Price: £1,399 ($1,899)

Tip: If you need extra storage for photos, 4K video, or gaming, now’s the time to go bigger — the discount applies equally across all capacities.

🔹 iPhone 16 Pro Max Discounts

For those who prefer a bigger screen and longer battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is also reduced.

256GB Model:

Apple Price: £1,199 ($1,627)

Retailer Price: £1,099 ($1,491)

512GB Model:

Apple Price: £1,399 ($1,899)

Retailer Price: £1,299 ($1,762)

1TB Model:

Apple Price: £1,599 ($2,170)

Retailer Price: £1,499 ($2,034)

This is one of the last chances to buy the Pro Max at a discount before Apple retires it in September.

🔹 iPhone 16 Discounts

Apple’s more affordable flagship, the iPhone 16, is also £100 ($135) cheaper at UK retailers.

128GB Model:

Apple Price: £799 ($1,084)

Currys/John Lewis/Argos: £699 ($949)

256GB Model:

Apple Price: £899 ($1,220)

Retailer Price: £799 ($1,084)

512GB Model:

Apple Price: £1,099 ($1,491)

Retailer Price: £999 ($1,356)

📍 Color Note: Some retailers have renamed Apple’s official color options. For example, Currys lists “Ultramarine” (Apple’s Blue) and “Teal” (Apple’s Green).

🔹 iPhone 16 Plus Discounts

If you love a large screen at a lower price than the Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Plus is a great option. It may also be the last Plus model Apple releases, as rumors suggest the iPhone 17 lineup will eliminate it.

128GB Model:

Apple Price: £899 ($1,220)

Retailer Price: £799 ($1,084)

256GB Model:

Apple Price: £999 ($1,356)

Retailer Price: £899 ($1,220)

512GB Model:

Apple Price: £1,199 ($1,627)

Retailer Price: £1,099 ($1,491)

iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

The big question for many shoppers is:

👉 Should I buy an iPhone 16 at a discount now, or wait for the iPhone 17?

Here’s what to consider:

✅ Reasons to Buy iPhone 16 Now

£100+ discounts available early (same as Apple’s post-launch price cut).

Pro models will be discontinued in September — this may be your last chance to get an iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max.

The iPhone 16 is still extremely powerful, with Apple’s A18 chip, advanced cameras, and iOS 18 support.

Retailers sometimes bundle extra perks (extended warranty, trade-in bonuses, or free accessories).

✅ Reasons to Wait for iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 Pro models are rumored to feature an upgraded A19 chip with faster performance and better efficiency.

Apple may introduce new camera technology — possibly periscope zoom on more models.

Design tweaks, slimmer bezels, and new colors could make the 17 series more desirable.

If you’re planning to keep your phone for 3–4 years, it may be worth waiting to future-proof your purchase.

📊 iPhone 16 vs iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Plus – Which Model Should You Choose?

If you’re leaning toward buying an iPhone 16 this summer, here’s a breakdown of who each model is best for:

iPhone 16 – Best for most users. Affordable, compact, and powerful enough for daily tasks, gaming, and photography.

iPhone 16 Plus – Best for media lovers. Larger display and better battery life at a lower price than Pro models.

iPhone 16 Pro – Best for creators and power users. ProMotion 120Hz display, advanced triple-lens cameras, and LiDAR scanner.

iPhone 16 Pro Max – Best for professionals. Largest screen, longest battery, and top-tier camera system with telephoto zoom.

📈 How These Discounts Compare to Previous iPhone Launches

Historically, Apple reduces the price of older iPhone models by £100 ($135) when launching a new series. For example:

In 2023, iPhone 14 dropped by £100 when iPhone 15 launched.

In 2024, iPhone 15 dropped by £100 when iPhone 16 launched.

This year, retailers are already applying the discount before Apple does, giving buyers a chance to save early.

⚖️ Final Verdict – Should You Buy iPhone 16 or Wait for iPhone 17?

If you want the best possible deal, buying now makes sense:

You’re getting the same discount Apple will announce in September, but weeks earlier.

You can still choose from all colors and storage options before stock begins to dry up.

If you want a Pro model, this is your last chance before they’re discontinued.

However, if you’re a tech enthusiast chasing the latest hardware, or if you upgrade every 3–4 years, waiting for the iPhone 17 Pro models could be smarter.

Either way, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years ever for iPhone buyers — thanks to aggressive retailer discounts and Apple’s upcoming innovations.