South African retailers and mobile network operators are now offering pre-orders for the highly anticipated iPhone 16 series, with outright purchase prices starting at R20,599 through Computer Mania, and contract deals from R999 per month over 36 months with Vodacom.
Apple unveiled the iPhone 16 lineup during their “Glowtime” event on Monday, 9 September 2024, showcasing exciting new features. One of the standout additions is a dedicated camera control button, complemented by enhanced functionality powered by Apple Intelligence. This year marks a significant moment for South African consumers as they can access the latest iPhones simultaneously with major markets like the United States.
Pre-Orders and Pricing Details
Pre-orders opened today across several markets, with official shipments starting on 20 September. In South Africa, Vodacom’s contract pricing begins at R999 per month for the base iPhone 16 over a three-year contract, while the iPhone 16 Pro starts at R1,149 per month under the same conditions.
Vodacom has not yet disclosed pricing for the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max, but these deals come with the added benefit of a two-year warranty.
For those looking to buy the iPhone outright, Computer Mania is offering cash prices for several models in the lineup, though the iPhone 16 Plus is currently not listed. According to Computer Mania:
- The iPhone 16 (128GB) is priced at R20,599, while the 256GB model costs R23,499.
- The iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) starts at R25,899, with the 256GB option available for R28,399.
- For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, only the 256GB model is listed, priced at R31,099.
Comparison with Other Retailers
Digicape, another popular retailer, has also opened pre-orders, with slightly higher prices compared to Computer Mania. However, they offer R2,400 worth of “free added value” and a two-year DPP basic warranty with every iPhone 16 purchase. Here’s how Digicape’s pricing compares:
- The iPhone 16 starts at R21,049, with the iPhone 16 Plus priced from R23,999.
- The iPhone 16 Pro starts at R26,499, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at R31,799.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Digicape and Computer Mania prices for the iPhone 16 lineup:
| Device | Internal Storage | Digicape | Computer Mania |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 | 128GB | R21,049 | R20,599 |
| 256GB | R23,999 | R23,499 | |
| iPhone 16 Plus | 128GB | R23,999 | N/A |
| 256GB | R26,499 | N/A | |
| iPhone 16 Pro | 128GB | R26,499 | R25,899 |
| 256GB | R28,999 | R28,399 | |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 256GB | R31,799 | R31,099 |
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus Specifications
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are powered by iOS 18 and Apple’s latest A18 chip, offering significant performance improvements. They come with OLED displays—6.1 inches for the iPhone 16 and 6.7 inches for the iPhone 16 Plus. Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the dual rear cameras (48MP + 12MP), while both models also feature 12MP front cameras. Other notable specs include USB-C ports, 5G connectivity, and FaceID for biometrics.
| Specification | iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED |
| CPU | Apple A18 | Apple A18 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 12MP | 48MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Cellular | 5G | 5G |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dual SIM | Yes, with eSIM | Yes, with eSIM |
| Biometrics | FaceID | FaceID |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 |
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max Specifications
The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max feature Apple’s powerful A18 Pro chip and come in four storage options—128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The display sizes have also increased slightly to 6.3 inches for the iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9 inches for the Pro Max. Both models boast a triple camera system (48MP + 48MP + 12MP), perfect for users seeking professional-level photography capabilities.
| Specification | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Display | 6.3-inch OLED | 6.9-inch OLED |
| CPU | Apple A18 Pro | Apple A18 Pro |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 48MP + 12MP | 48MP + 48MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Cellular | 5G | 5G |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Dual SIM | Yes, with eSIM | Yes, with eSIM |
| Biometrics | FaceID | FaceID |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 |
Conclusion
The iPhone 16 lineup promises to deliver exceptional performance, enhanced functionality, and exciting new features like Apple Intelligence and a dedicated camera button. With pre-orders now open, South Africans can access these latest models alongside global markets. Whether through a contract with Vodacom or an outright purchase from retailers like Computer Mania or Digicape, there are various options to suit your budget and preferences.