iPhone 16 Pro Max Prices in the UK: Buying Guide and FAQs
Quick answer
The iPhone 16 Pro Max launched in the UK at £1,199 for the 256GB model. A year on, with the iPhone 17 range now on sale, the smartest way to buy one is usually refurbished. Prices start at roughly £629 on Back Market and £949 from Apple’s own Refurbished Store. Buying new is still possible through some carriers and retailers, but stock is no longer coming from Apple.
iPhone 16 Pro Max launch prices (UK)
These are the original Apple prices when the phone went on sale in September 2024. They match the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s launch pricing.
| Storage | Launch price (UK) |
|---|---|
| 256GB | £1,199 |
| 512GB | £1,399 |
| 1TB | £1,599 |
The iPhone 16 Pro Max dropped the 128GB option that older Pro models had, so 256GB is the entry point.
What does it cost now?
Refurbished from Apple
Apple’s UK Refurbished Store lists the iPhone 16 Pro Max SIM-free at:
| Storage | Apple Refurbished price |
|---|---|
| 256GB | £949 |
| 512GB | £1,119 |
| 1TB | £1,289 |
These phones come with Apple’s refurbishment checks, a new battery and outer shell, and a one-year warranty, so you pay more for peace of mind.
Refurbished from marketplaces
Back Market currently lists the 256GB model from around £629 in “Fair” condition, rising to about £668 (Good), £693 (Excellent) and £799 (Premium). Larger storage runs roughly £768 for 512GB and £781 for 1TB on the listings we saw. Prices differ by colour, battery option and individual seller, and they shift daily. Other refurbishers such as Reboxed and Mazuma also list the model.
New
Apple has moved its new-phone lineup on to the iPhone 17 series, so the 16 Pro Max is no longer sold new in Apple’s store. Some carriers and retailers have sold remaining stock, and past deals have matched the lowest UK price at around £1,099 for the handset, sometimes with a trade-in or a free case. Treat any new-stock price as variable and check that it is genuinely new and sealed.
Quick price comparison
| Route | 256GB price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Back Market (Fair to Premium) | about £629 to £799 | Lowest price |
| Apple Refurbished | £949 | Warranty and peace of mind |
| New (carrier or retailer, if available) | around £1,099 and up | Newest condition, trade-in deals |
What you get for the money
- Display: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with 120Hz ProMotion, the largest screen on an iPhone of its generation.
- Chip: A18 Pro, with Apple Intelligence support.
- Cameras: 48MP main, 48MP ultra wide and a 5x telephoto, plus the Camera Control button.
- Build: Titanium frame and USB-C.
- Colours: Black, White, Natural and Desert Titanium.
- Battery: Among the longest-lasting iPhones of its generation.
Buying guide
1. Decide: new, Apple Refurbished or marketplace
If you want the lowest price and are comfortable checking grades, a marketplace refurbished unit is hard to beat. If you want a fuss-free purchase with Apple’s backing, pay the premium for Apple Refurbished. Only pay new prices if a trade-in or contract deal makes the maths work.
2. Pick the right storage
- 256GB: Enough for most people who use cloud photo storage.
- 512GB: Good for heavy photo and video shooters.
- 1TB: Only worth it if you shoot lots of 4K video. On marketplaces the gap between 512GB and 1TB can be small, so compare before deciding.
3. Understand condition grades
Grades vary by seller. Generally, “Fair” means visible scratches, “Good” means light wear and “Excellent” or “Premium” means little to no visible wear. Cosmetic grade does not affect how the phone works, but check what the seller says about battery health. Some listings offer a replacement-battery option for around £160 more, which is worth considering if you keep phones for years.
4. Check SIM and region details
Choose a SIM-free, unlocked handset so it works on EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and any MVNO. Some marketplace listings are for imported variants, for example dual physical SIM models that lack eSIM and Apple Intelligence. For the UK, pick a Physical SIM + eSIM model.
5. Compare SIM-only and contract options
A contract phone spreads the cost monthly but often totals more than buying outright. If you do go contract, compare the total cost over the term, not just the monthly price, and check how much of the price is tied to upfront payment.
6. Trade in your old phone
Apple, carriers and refurbishers all offer trade-in credit. Get two or three quotes and make sure your phone is wiped and signed out of iCloud first.
7. Protect your purchase
Pay by credit card where possible for extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act on purchases over £100. Keep receipts and confirm the warranty length in writing. Budget around £20 to £40 for a case and a screen protector.
8. Should you buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max instead?
If you want the latest cameras and design and can afford a new price, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the current model. If you want most of the Pro Max experience for far less, the 16 Pro Max remains a very capable phone with years of software support ahead.
FAQs
How much is the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the UK?
It launched at £1,199 (256GB), £1,399 (512GB) and £1,599 (1TB). Today, refurbished 256GB units start at around £629 on Back Market and £949 from Apple.
Is the iPhone 16 Pro Max still sold new in the UK?
Apple has moved on to the iPhone 17 line, so new stock now depends on carriers and third-party retailers. Availability and prices vary, so check the seller’s stock status before ordering.
Is a refurbished iPhone 16 Pro Max worth buying?
For most people, yes. You get a flagship phone for roughly half the launch price. Choose a seller with a clear warranty and returns policy, and check battery health.
Which storage size should I buy?
Most people will be happy with 256GB. Go for 512GB if you record a lot of video or keep media offline.
What is the difference between Fair, Good and Excellent condition?
They describe cosmetic wear, from visible scratches (Fair) to near-pristine (Excellent or Premium). Definitions vary between sellers, so read each seller’s grading guide.
Will it work on my UK network?
SIM-free, unlocked models work on all main UK networks, including EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Choose a Physical SIM + eSIM model for full UK compatibility.
Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max support 5G and eSIM?
Yes to both. UK models support 5G and eSIM, and can run a physical SIM and an eSIM together.
Does it have USB-C?
Yes. It uses USB-C, so most modern chargers and cables work.
How long will it get software updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for around six years or more, so a 2024 phone should stay supported for a long time.
Should I buy on contract or outright?
Outright is usually cheaper overall. A contract suits you if you prefer smaller monthly payments and want a bundled data plan. Compare the total cost across the whole term.
Is it better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is newer and has upgraded hardware, but it costs considerably more. The 16 Pro Max offers excellent value if you do not need the latest features.
Where can I find the cheapest price?
Compare Back Market, Apple Refurbished, Reboxed, Mazuma and price-comparison sites such as PriceSpy. Check delivery costs, warranty length and return window as well as the headline price.
Final verdict
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium phone that has become much more affordable. If budget matters, a refurbished 256GB model from a reputable seller offers the best value. If you want certainty and Apple’s backing, the Apple Refurbished Store costs more but is the safest route. Whichever you choose, confirm the SIM type, battery health, warranty and returns policy before you pay.