The iPhone 16 Plus is a supersized version of the standard iPhone 16, for anyone who wants a larger screen and longer battery. Other improvements in the new A18 processor, an improved ultra-wide lens with macro photography, the action button from the iPhone 15 Pros, and the all-new camera control button.
If you want the newest model, take a look at iPhone 17 plans instead.
iPhone 17 256GB Plans
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#1
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Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$77.86/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
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#2
|
Vodafone
$58 Small Plan
$88.02/mth
Min. cost $1,593.72
|
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#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$117.02/mth
Min. cost $1,622.72
Link not supplied
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iPhone 16 Plus plans
The iPhone 16 Plus is now only available on plans from Optus, and only in 128GB variants.
36-month iPhone 16 Plus plans
iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Plans
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#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$77.86/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$107.86/mth
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$108.86/mth
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
|
#4
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Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$128.86/mth
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
24-month iPhone 16 Plus plans
iPhone 16 Plus 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$97.29/mth
Min. cost $1,437.96
|
|
#2
|
Optus
$69 Optus Promo Plan
$127.29/mth
Min. cost $1,467.96
|
|
#3
|
Optus
$70 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$128.29/mth
Min. cost $1,468.96
|
|
#4
|
Optus
$90 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$148.29/mth
Min. cost $1,488.96
|
If you're looking to get your iPhone 16 Plus on a plan, there are a few solid telco deals around.
Optus: Save $300 on the RRP of the iPhone 16 Plus from Optus when you select a 24- or 36-month repayment term. Offer ends August 3.
Follow these links to compare plans for the rest of the iPhone 16 family:
How much does the iPhone 16 Plus cost in Australia?
Every iPhone 16 model got a price cut in Australia compared to the iPhone 15 family. In the case of the iPhone 16 Plus, it got a $50 discount. As such you'll pay $1,599 for the iPhone 16 Plus, down from $1,649.
Here's the complete outright pricing for the iPhone 16 family:
| Phone | RRP | Check price on |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16e (128GB) | $999 | - |
| iPhone 16e (256GB) | $1,199 | - |
| iPhone 16e (512GB) | $1,599 | - |
| iPhone 16 (128GB) | $1,249 | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 (256GB) | $1,599* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 (512GB) | $1,949* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Plus (128GB) | $1,399 | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Plus (256GB) | $1,599 | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Plus (512GB) | $2,149* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) | $1,799* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro (256GB) | $1,999* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro (512GB) | $2,349* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro (1TB) | $2,749* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) | $2,149* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) | $2,499* | Amazon |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) | $2,849* | Amazon |
*iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and some iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus storage variants were discontinued in September 2025. While the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models still being sold were given price cuts, this isn't the case for the discontinued variants or the Pro models. As such, we're still listing their launch pricing here. You should be able to find them cheaper, however.
iPhone 16 Plus features
This time around, the iPhone 16 Plus gets a new battery, a faster processor, an improved ultra-wide camera, and a more durable display. There are also two new buttons.
The first is the action button, that we saw on the iPhone 15 Pros. The second is "camera control".
Camera control is used for quickly opening the camera app, taking photos, and adjusting settings. In addition to acting as a button, the camera control is effectively a tiny trackpad. This means you can slide your finger across it to go between camera modes or tweak options like zoom and aperture.
In addition, the phones are considered the flagship devices for Apple Intelligence, with the company calling them the first iPhones designed for the technology.
Dodo's NBN 500 Unlimited plan is our pick for the best NBN 500 plan for September.
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Dodo
FTTP, HFC
nbn500 Unlimited Plan
$62.99/mth
Min. cost $62.99
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Apple Intelligence
The iPhone 16 Plus naturally supports Apple's new AI features. Dubbed Apple Intelligence, the features are fairly low-touch compared to some of the other implementations we've seen.
These include writing tools, smart summaries for notifications and email subjects, a more conversational Siri, and image and emoji generation.
The iPhone 16 can also use camera control button in a similar way to Google Lens. Clicking and holding camera control while you've got the camera app open can provide information about what you're looking at. Restaurant opening hours and reservation options, band details from a poster, and breed of dog were all examples Apple gave.
Most Apple Intelligence features are also coming to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Plus design
The iPhone 16 Plus isn't that different to the iPhone 15 Plus, but there are a few key changes worth mentioning.
To start, it gets the action button that was first introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. This replaces the mute switch, and by default, a long press swaps your device from silent to loud and vice versa. You can swap this out for a different action, however, such as starting a voice memo, turning on an accessibility feature, or opening a custom shortcut.
And as aforementioned, the iPhone 16 Plus gets the new camera control button for photography, as with every other iPhone 16.
Lastly, Apple rejigged the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 camera alignments so that they can shoot spatial video and photos for playback on the Vision Pro. This has resulted in a smaller camera bump.
iPhone 16 Plus camera
The iPhone 16 Plus (and standard iPhone 16) both have an upgraded 48MP primary lens that can also do 2x optical zoom paired with a new 12MP ultra-wide lens. The ultra-wide lens gains auto-focus, enabling macro photography on a non-Pro iPhone for the first time.
iPhone 16 & iPhone 16 Plus camera samples
Check out these camera samples taken on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. Click or tap on any photo to see a larger version.
iPhone 16 Plus battery
The iPhone 16 Plus gets a small bump in battery compared to the iPhone 15 Plus. Apple says the iPhone 16 Plus can last up to 27 hours of video playback, up from 26 in the iPhone 15 Plus.
During our testing, we were able to consistently get eight hours or more of screen time per charge. This should easily mean a day and a half of moderate usage for most people, and as much as two with lighter usage.
iPhone 16 Plus processor
The iPhone 16 Plus is powered by a new A18 processor. Apple says the chip has 30% faster CPU performance than the chipset in the iPhone 15 Plus, and 40% faster graphics.
Notably, the A18 is fast enough to handle the AAA games that have been launching on iPhone lately, including titles like Death Stranding and Resident Evil. These were previously exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 Plus eSIM
US iPhone models haven't had a physical SIM since the iPhone 14, and relied on eSIM. iPhone 16 models sold in Australia have both eSIM and a physical SIM. This includes the iPhone 16 Plus.
eSIM (an electronic SIM or embedded SIM) is a rewritable SIM card that’s built directly into the phone. It never leaves your phone. Instead, you simply download a "software SIM" from your provider of choice.
iPhone 16 Plus 5G
The iPhone 16 Plus naturally has 5G connectivity. WhistleOut's coverage checker tool has 5G coverage maps, making it easy to see whether you can get 5G. All you need to do is pop in your address when searching for a new phone plan. After you've done so and hit Search, you can jump straight to the coverage map by tapping See Coverage Map and then tapping Click To Activate Interactive Map.
This map will show you what kind of coverage you have in your area. 5G coverage is highlighted using the darkest shade of purple, but unticking 4G and 3G can help make it clearer. The drop-down menu lets you choose between telcos.
Coverage maps are only approximate, only show outdoor coverage, and may be impacted by local conditions such as buildings.
| iPhone 16 | iPhone 16 Plus | iPhone 16 Pro | iPhone 16 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch OLED | 6.7-inch OLED | 6.3-inch OLED | 6.9-inch OLED |
| Resolution | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR | Super Retina XDR |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP + 12MP | 48MP + 12MP | 2x 48MP + 12MP + LiDAR | 2x 48MP + 12MP + LiDAR |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Processor | A18 | A18 | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| Storage | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 512GB | 128GB - 1TB | 256GB - 1TB |
| Water-Resistance | IP68
|
IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| 5G | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 | Sub 6 |
| Price | From $1,399 | From $1,599 | From $1,799 | From $2,149 |
iPhone 16 Plus plan providers
Optus is the only provider still offering the Phone 16 Plus on a plan.
Optus iPhone 16 Plus plans
Optus iPhone plans come with solid data inclusions.
Higher-end Optus plans also come with unlimited international calls to selected destinations included with the plan.
All Optus plans are contract-free, and devices can be paid off across 12, 24, or 36 months.
In addition, all Optus postpaid plans are free from excess data charges. If you go over your allowance, you'll be slowed to 1.5Mbps rather than being billed $10 per gigabyte.
Alex Choros
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