Why my new iPhone 16 cost me way more than its retail price

The new iPhone 16 can be pricey. The base model starts at $799, while the Pro Max rings in at $1,199. Add in such options as more storage and AppleCare+, and the price shoots up from there. OK, that’s to be expected. But for those of you who buy the phone itself, the spending doesn’t necessarily end there.

After upgrading to the new iPhone 16 Pro from my old iPhone 14 Pro, I had to grab a host of accessories to accompany my device. Here’s what I ended up buying and how you may want to budget for extra expenses as well.

Also: We’ve used every iPhone 16 model and here’s our best buying advice for 2024

First off, I purchased the iPhone 16 Pro with 512GB of storage. I nixed AppleCare+ for now, though I can always change my mind within 60 days. I didn’t want to trade in my iPhone 14 as my wife gets custody of my hand-me-down phones. That stuck me with a total cost of $1,299 plus tax. OK, but I was far from done.

The iPhone 16 and 15 lineup use a USB-C connector as opposed to the Lightning connector on the iPhone 14 and earlier phones. Though I have some spare USB-C cables and power adapters, the iPhone 16 comes with a larger battery and offers a faster charging rate.

None of my existing cables and adapters would be able to take advantage of the better charging, so I opted for a new charger. On my nightstand, I like to use a MagSafe charger on which I rest the phone. I shelled out for a new charger with an attached cable and a new adapter with two USB-C connections. Total price: $98 plus tax.

Was I done? Nope, not yet.

Though some people prefer to go case-less, I like to protect my expensive iPhones with a good, sturdy case. I already had an existing case for my iPhone 14 Pro. But because the 16 Pro has a greater height and adds in the physical Camera button, the old case wouldn’t work.

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Here, I picked up the iPhone 16 Pro Clear Case with MagSafe for $49 at the Apple Store. Offering a hardshell construction with a clear design, this one also allows for the new camera button.

Was that all? Ah, no, there’s more to go.

I also like to add screen protection to guard against scratches and other marks. I had an old screen protector from a previous phone, but that wouldn’t fit, so it was time for another one.

For this one, I headed to a ZAGG booth near the Apple Store. I’ve used ZAGG screen protectors before and have been happy with them. The prices are reasonable, and the people at the booth know how to apply them properly. I chose a glass anti-glare screen that set me back $45.

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Now finally, I was all set, right? Not quite.

To keep my phone charged on the go, I like to use power banks, particularly the ones from Anker. These use MagSafe to stick onto the back of the iPhone to charge up the internal battery. I prefer the power banks to battery charging cases that I have to physically put on and take off the phone.

I already had a bank for my iPhone 14 Pro that served me well. But when I tried that one with the iPhone 16 Pro, the charge time was so slow and long that the bank actually ran out of juice before the phone was fully charged. That made me head to Amazon to purchase a new Anker power bank specifically for the iPhone 16 Pro. This one works great and is slimmer than the previous version, so the phone fits better in my hand. Cost? $70.

Also: The best iPhone accessories you can buy: Expert tested

Fortunately, this is where my iPhone shopping spree comes to an end — at least for now. My phone is happy. I’m happy. My wallet? Not so much. Certainly not after a total price tag of $1,600 plus tax. And keep in mind that the initial outlay could have been higher. Had I opted for the maximum storage of 1 TB — another $200 — and two years of AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss for $259, total damages would have topped $2,000.

Whatever your budget, let this serve as a reminder to all intrepid iPhone buyers. The cost of the phone is only part of the equation. Want to protect and charge your expensive device with the right accessories? Then be prepared for an extra dose of sticker shock.