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iPhone plans in Australia July 2023

Don’t want to spend all your money on an iPhone upfront? Get one on a plan and make paying for your new phone more manageable.

Want the latest iPhone model or a high-quality refurbished one? We have over 200+ iPhone plans from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

Which iPhone are you after?

Is it better to buy an iPhone plan online?

Buying an iPhone with a mobile plan online is a totally safe decision, but it's entirely up to you whether you'd prefer buying it online or in-store. That being said, there are a couple of benefits to buying an iPhone plan online:

  • Buying online gives you the opportunity to compare all options available, instead of what the people selling the phone want you to see.
  • Some exclusive deals are only available to online customers.
  • You can usually pay a little extra for shipping protection to ensure that your phone will arrive safely.

How do I compare iPhone plans?

We thought we'd do a quick step-by-step guide on how to use our comparison tables to find the right iPhone plan for you. If you're happy to browse yourself, feel free to skip to the next section.

Compare iPhone 14 plans

Click through the tabs to view the different iPhone 14 models.

Compare iPhone 13 plans

The iPhone 13 launched on 24 September 2021. Click through the tabs to view the different iPhone 13 models.

Compare iPhone 12 plans

While it's no longer the newest model, you can still get the iPhone 12 from a couple of providers on 12- and 36-month contracts.

Switch between the base model, the Mini, Pro and Pro Max versions using the tabs below.

Compare iPhone 11 plans

The iPhone 11 is 2 generations old, but is still an extremely capable handset. Choose between the 64GB and 128GB versions by switching through the tabs below.

Which is the best iPhone plan?

Which iPhone plan is best for you will depend on the model and plan provider. The overall cost depends mostly upon 2 things:

  1. The cost of the phone, which is the same no matter which provider you choose
  2. The mobile plan price, which varies between providers

Both Telstra and Optus will let you switch what plan you're on once a month for free, though Vodafone will charge a "Plan Transfer Fee" if you downgrade to one of its cheaper plans.

These are the main features you'll get from each major provider:

Telstra iPhone plans

With Telstra, you can choose between 12- and 24-month repayment periods when you get an iPhone with one of its Upfront mobile plans. Telstra is Australia's largest mobile network, and you'll get the following on one of its plans:

  • Anywhere from 40GB for $55 up to 180GB for $115 per month
  • "Unlimited" data that lets you keep browsing past your monthly data limit (capped at 1.5Mbps maximum download speed)
  • Access to the Telstra 5G network on all but the cheapest plan
  • Telstra data sharing between up to 10 plans under the same account
  • Data-free streaming of Apple Music and selected live sport

You'll have to pay off the remaining value of your handset if you want to cancel your plan early, but you won't be charged any additional fees.

Vodafone iPhone plans

Vodafone lets you pick up the latest iPhone models on a 12-, 24- or 36-month contracts. Vodafone also has cheaper plans than either Telstra or Optus, which could help you spend the least in the long run.

This is what you get when you pair an iPhone with a Vodafone Infinite plan:

  • Anything from 10GB for $40 per month up to 150GB for $120 per month
  • Its "Infinite" data will let you stay online past your limit, though speeds are capped depending on your plan (from 2–25Mbps)
  • Access to the Vodafone 5G network on all plans
  • 30-day network satisfaction guarantee offers a refund in full if you change your mind within 30 days of purchase

You can cancel your plan whenever you like, but you'll have to pay off the value remaining on your iPhone.

Optus iPhone plans

When you sign up with Optus, you can get an iPhone paired with an Optus Choice plan, on a 12-, 24- or 36-month contract.

When you're with Optus, you can expect:

  • Plans from 20GB for $45 monthly up to 240GB for $85 monthly
  • "Unlimited" data that lets you keep downloading past your data cap, up to a maximum speed of 1.5Mbps
  • Optus 5G network access on all its Choice plans
  • Optus data sharing across plans on the same account
  • Optus Sport subscription included with your plan

Although Optus's plans aren't currently available on Finder, you can head to the Optus website for the latest details and promotions.

Is it better to buy a phone outright or pay monthly?

When you purchase a phone on a plan, you end up paying the same amount for the handset itself as you would if buying it outright. The difference is that in the outright case, you're paying it all upfront, while on a plan you'll be paying it in monthly instalments over 12–36 months.

However, plans that come with handsets tend to be uncompetitive, which means you'll be locked in for a set period on a plan that probably isn't the best value. That being said, it could still be favourable for you to pay for your new phone over 12–36 months compared to forking out thousands of dollars outright.

Below, we've done a quick analysis of how much you might save when buying a phone outright and getting a more competitive plan versus buying it on a plan:

On a planBought outright
Phone modeliPhone 11 (64GB)iPhone 11 (64GB)
ProviderTelstraMate
Outright cost$0$1,199
Monthly cost$104.96 ($49.96 phone + $55 plan)$40 plan
Monthly data40GB40GB
Contract period24 monthsNo contract
Talk/textUnlimitedUnlimited
Total cost over 24 months$2,519.80$2,159

As you can see, you'll save around $350 over 2 years buying a phone outright with a cheaper SIM-only plan. That being said, some contract phone plans will offer bonuses like free headphones, especially if the phone is a new release, which does add some value.

Keep in mind that your monthly repayments will be higher on a 12-month contract than on a 36-month one, but it also means you're locked into the contract for a shorter period of time.

For low-data users, buying a phone on a plan will almost never be worth it compared to buying it outright, if you can afford to. If you only need a few GB per month, that $350 of savings suddenly jumps up to nearly $1,000 if you choose, for example, a $15 ALDImobile 3GB plan for that 2-year period, instead.

Can't decide which iPhone to buy?

If you'd like some more information on the different iPhone models, check out our table below for our detailed reviews of the different models available. You should also check out Finder's best phones of 2022 to see which iPhone came out on top.

Name Product Display Display Rear camera Battery size Overall rating More info More info
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
Apple iPhone 14 Plus
6.7
inches

2778‑by‑1284

  • Display

    6.7 inches

    2778‑by‑1284

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP
  • Battery size

    N/A
12MP + 12MP
N/A
View details
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.7
inches

2796 x 1290

  • Display

    6.7 inches

    2796 x 1290

  • Rear camera

    48MP + 12MP + 12MP
  • Battery size

    N/A
48MP + 12MP + 12MP + 12MP
N/A
View details
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
6.1
inches

2556x1179

  • Display

    6.1 inches

    2556x1179

  • Rear camera

    48MP + 12MP + 12MP
  • Battery size

    N/A
48MP + 12MP + 12MP + 12MP
N/A
View details
Apple iPhone 14
Apple iPhone 14
6.1
inches

2532 x 1170

  • Display

    6.1 inches

    2532 x 1170

  • Rear camera

    12MP + 12MP
  • Battery size

    N/A
12MP + 12MP
N/A
View details
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Frequently asked questions about iPhone plans

Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone at the Apple Store?

No. Regardless of how you purchase it, a new iPhone will cost you the same amount. The only difference is whether you're paying upfront, as you would at the Apple Store, or paying in instalments as you would on a phone plan.

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Images: Apple

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4 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    VinceMarch 22, 2018

    I have my own iPhone X and want the best sim only plan in Australia. Theo/what is that. Thanks

      Default Gravatar
      NikkiMarch 28, 2018

      Hi Vince,

      Thanks for your message and for visiting Finder.

      While we don’t have a Finder page that covers SIM-only plans for iPhone X, you can use any SIM-only plans, given that it meets the size requirement for your device, on your iPhone once it’s unlocked. Some iPhones will only work with a SIM card provided to the carrier they’re locked to. If you purchased your iPhone within the past few years, it’s likely to be unlocked. If your iPhone is older than that, it might be locked to a particular network. For you to be able to freely use any SIM, you need to network unlock your mobile phone.

      While we don’t provide a specific product recommendation, you may want to refer to the link above for a list of Finder handpicked SIM-only plans. You can press the “Go to site” button when you are ready to sign up and make a purchase.

      Feel free to reply to this message should you have further questions.

      Thanks and best regards,

      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    stuNovember 17, 2017

    i need home internet
    a new phone
    whats the cheapest and most reliable

      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JudithNovember 17, 2017Staff

      Hi Stu,

      Thanks for reaching out to us. I hope all is well with you today.

      I am sorry because I am unable to give a recommendation on which options are cheapest and most reliable as your decision would entirely depend on your needs.

      We may give you a list of options that you may review though. Please check out the following pages:

      Home internet plans
      Cheap phones in Australia

      Please take time to review the relevant details of information as well as the Product Disclosure Statements / Terms & Conditions of each option so you would be able to compare and eventually decide on which option would suit your needs. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Judith

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