Should I buy the iPhone 16 now?
Avoid
No. There's a better choice than the iPhone 16. Two generations old, and the newer iPhone 17e is the better-value pick.
Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026
iPhone 16 is two chip generations old and Apple now sells it in 128GB only. iPhone 17e is newer, has a faster chip and will be supported for longer, so there's little reason to choose iPhone 16 today.
When did the iPhone 16 come out?
It was released in September 2024.
Who is the iPhone 16 best for?
Only worth it at a steep discount from a retailer.
What should I buy instead of the iPhone 16?
Consider the iPhone 17e. The best-value current iPhone, with the same A19 chip as iPhone 17 for $200 less.