Advice on Best Place for Buying iPhone 16 Pro Max

LAussietrekker on 16/09/2024 - 10:56
Last edited 16/09/2024 - 15:31 by 1 other user

HI, I know this is OzB so I'm likely to get a rough time because I'm buying a 16 Pro Max.

I don't have a phone to trade in, and I'd like the base level of Pro Max at 256. I would like to know where would be the best place to buy it for a discount? (If any? EDU links, Gift card discounts etc.?)

It seems at the moment there is only a nominal $2 discount from JB and It also seems the best value is not to get locked into a 3 year plan but to buy an annual SIM like Boost etc. I'm not currently locked into a phone provider but I'm with Voda and they only give bonuses to new customers instead of loyal old ones, So I'd be happy to dump them too for their loyalty bonus!.

Thanks and yes, I know I should have an Android because Apple is rubbish etc. etc. but that's not the advice I'm seeking please.

Mobile Apple Mobile Phone

Comments

  • McSquintus on 16/09/2024 - 11:05
    +3

    If you are part of a rewards program such as flybuys, you can convert your points for a gift card like Officeworks to help bring your price down. You can also see if your health insurance or corporate portals allows you to buy gift cards at a discounted rate.

    • bheart on 16/09/2024 - 11:27
      +11

      Last time I bought an iPhone for family overseas, this is what I did
      - wait for 20x point on apple giftcard at wollies/coles (couldn’t remember which one) buy variable giftcard for the amount needed
      - buy from apple store
      - claim GST on departure. This is optional for you. I had to go overseas anyway so I waited

      • Aussietrekker on 16/09/2024 - 11:41

        Thank you, this is useful advice.

      • jay889344 on 16/09/2024 - 12:33
        +13

        Just a little note on the GST on departure part of this - correct me if I'm wrong, but the assumption for that GST back is that the item doesn't then re-enter Australia and if it does, you are meant to declare it.

        Obviously, most people don't but I think its important to note that technically thats what is meant to happen and I don't know what the consequences are, but I know there are potential penalties for false declarations on re-entry to Aus

        • prisonerzero on 17/09/2024 - 12:39
          +4

          You can pool the limits if you are travelling with your family.

      • Roman Sandstorm on 16/09/2024 - 14:44

        @bheart

        • wait for 20x point on apple giftcard at wollies/coles (couldn’t remember which one) buy variable giftcard for the amount needed
        • buy from apple store

        I did exactly this last year in purchasing a 15 Pro Max.

        The 20x points equalled 40,000 Qantas FF points, which I felt was better than a possible 5% or so discount from other gift cards.

        I admit, it was a tad embarrassing unloading 20 x $100 Apple cards in the Apple Store. It was a little bizarre, buying all the cards at the Woolies counter, than walking 50m to Apple to get rid of the cards just purchased.

        OP may be able to wait for a similar promotion. I think there are sites that list that sort of thing.

        • sumyungguy on 17/09/2024 - 11:08
          +3

          Twenty cards is nothing. Some bargain hunters will soon be handing over 57 x $50 Ultimate Gift Cards (via Aldi) for the top model iPhone 16

        • bozaar on 18/09/2024 - 10:20
          +2

          You can just load the card into your apple account, then place order via phone. Of course you may have to wait for them to either dispatch or get your click and collect order read.

        • virhlpool on 19/09/2024 - 13:12
          +1

          Woolworths = Everyay Rewards points
          Coles = Flybuys points

          2000 points = $10, in both cases.

          Not sure where do Qantas Frequent Flyer points come into picture? Am I missing something?

          • Roman Sandstorm on 19/09/2024 - 13:51

            @virhlpool: You can link Everyday Rewards to your QFF account, and get 0.5 FF points per Rewards point.

            At the time last year, I think I had a targeted campaign to get 1-for-1. Hence the 40k points on $2000 of gift cards.

            • virhlpool on 19/09/2024 - 13:57

              @Roman Sandstorm: Oh I see.. How much worth is 2000 Rewards points converted to QFF at 0.5 conversion? I usually convert 2000 points to $10 at Woolworths stores, which is the easiest.

              • Roman Sandstorm on 19/09/2024 - 14:16

                @virhlpool: 2000 Rewards points = 1000 QFF points.

                I'd rather accumulate QFF points than the odd $10 here and there.

      • ryefig on 17/09/2024 - 09:03

        claim GST on departure. This is optional for you. I had to go overseas anyway so I waited

        Hey @bheart, could you give some insight on how you did this?
        I would have thought that the receipt would have payment type listed as 'gift cards' meaning that you may be ineligible to claim GST back?

        • bheart on 17/09/2024 - 10:59

          It did not matter if giftcards were used. Where did you read it was ineligible? All they cared was GST amount on the receipt, the device serial matched that on the receipt. You just need to show the phone and receipt at TRS at airport

          More info here: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/touris…

          • ryefig on 17/09/2024 - 11:41

            @bheart: Got it. I was under the impression that the method of payment was important. Makes sense that the GST Component is what TRS cares about. Thanks!

            Now to conjure up the 'bravery' to take in a pile of gift cards to the Apple store when the new phones come out.
            I don't suppose you remember if the apple store printed you an invoice with your name without too much hassle?

            • sina566 on 17/09/2024 - 18:52

              @ryefig: Don't know if this helps, as it's more so for online purchases, but you can add all the gift cards to your Apple account and use all the credit at once. You might even be able to use this in store.

      • kaleidoscope on 17/09/2024 - 22:00
        -1

        If you’re going to return back with phone do this at your own risk…

  • 7ekn00 on 16/09/2024 - 11:52
    +1

    How long have you been buying new iPhones? and how many are ever discounted upfront?

    It's interesting how they are now saving 2MP of detail in a 48MP file size!
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwLQOIlSzno

    Couldn't possibly be a ploy to force more iCloud space purchases :P

  • sumyungguy on 16/09/2024 - 11:53

    Solid choice! It only takes a few weeks after release for them to become available pre-owned, especially the Max versions which are super popular.

    • entropysbane on 19/09/2024 - 08:54

      I ordered one the day that orders become an available direct from Apple, so no saving (hands in ozbargain badge).
      The back orders aren’t as long this year, no doubt because of the economy, and that the standard iPhones this year are almost as performant. Really the diff is the camera and battery. It is for daughter’s 21st birthday so has to be extra special, and her uni side job is a dance instructor so the camera is important. otherwise I would probably have got her the 16 plus.
      I am happy to keep going with my 13 mini, as these mothers are enormous.

      • sumyungguy on 19/09/2024 - 09:11
        +1

        You've given the purchase due consideration and there's a few mitigating factors so I'd say your badge is secure. Hard to beat as a Gen Z gift. I trust you've made provision for screen breakage?

        • entropysbane on 22/09/2024 - 19:42

          ESR case screen and camera lens protectors.

  • Drakesy on 16/09/2024 - 12:11
    +5

    10/15% off ultimate him/home giftcard
    +
    10% GST refund if you head overseas within 2 months of buying it
    +
    Wait until the S25 is released in Jan/Feb when we start seeing the first 10% or so off.
    +
    ANZ Black credit card churning to get $800 cashback.

    Have a feeling though given the differences between the 15 and 16 are so minimal (in some ways a downgrade - battery) very few people will be upgrading and they may have high stock levels.

    • Gdsamp on 16/09/2024 - 12:27

      10% GST refund if you head overseas within 2 months of buying it

      genuine question on what the process is for doing this? are folks just not declaring it on return

      • Fredfloresjr on 16/09/2024 - 12:28

        Yep

      • Drakesy on 16/09/2024 - 12:28

        genuine question on what the process is for doing this? are folks just not declaring it on return

        Bingo

      • MrThing on 16/09/2024 - 18:21
        +2

        nar they declare them but the government is super nice and says, dw pal

      • prisonerzero on 17/09/2024 - 12:39

        "Families coming back to Australia on the same flight or voyage may combine (pool) their individual duty free concession limits. To do this, families must stay together when going through Customs clearance."

        They give the example of a $2700 limit for 2 adults and 2 children.

        • Brick50 on 17/09/2024 - 20:45

          I would happily buy one of these for the TRS refund but only 2 of us travelling, my understanding is that we cannot claim any of it is that right? $900 limit per person but purchase price must be under the limit?

    • richmond12 on 17/09/2024 - 09:07
      +1

      @Drakesy i havent seen reviews yet - does the 16 has worse battery?

  • jv on 16/09/2024 - 12:12
    +13

    Advice on Buying iPhone 16 Pro Max

    Get a good phone cover and screen protector.

    • sumyungguy on 16/09/2024 - 22:38

      It occurs to me Amex Platinum Edge covers $500 Smartphone Screen Cover with a 10% excess. No doubt there are other cards with similar cover. iPhone 16 Pro Max screen is currently $619. Of course OP may choose AppleCare+

  • AustriaBargain on 16/09/2024 - 13:01
    +13

    YOLO, stop thinking about it and just buy it. If you know you want it just get it, per year of ownership and after resale value it works out to be pretty cheap to own the best phone in the known universe. Some people spend $10,000 on shiny rims for their cars that they can't even see when they drive. An iPhone 16 Pro Max is pretty modest as far as luxury purchases go. You use it all day every day, it's exceptional value.

    • Aussietrekker on 16/09/2024 - 13:05
      -1

      yes, in previous times I've sold the old devices and they actually turn out to be pretty good value overall. (better than Android that are generally worth very little 2-3 years later). but I have a use for my iPhone 13, so it's not being sold this time.

    • Roman Sandstorm on 16/09/2024 - 14:50

      @AustriaBargain
      Agreed. I feel we often take for granted what astonishing tech modern smartphones are. They may seem expensive, but if you add up the number of hours per year that you use it, it's not really that much. And it's a supercomputer, and a super-camera, that makes phone calls and SMSs.

      Likewise, I feel TVs also offer amazing value, considering the amount of use they get. A quality 65" TV for between $1500 - $2500 or so is incredible if you think you'll likely get at least five years at maybe five hours per day out of it.

  • ricsantos on 16/09/2024 - 13:21
    +6

    What features of the 16 Pro Max are you after specifically? If you want to save some coin, maybe buy a 15 Pro Max, either new or used. Very similar phone, no camera control and not as large are the key differences, along with camera spec bump.

    • Drakesy on 17/09/2024 - 11:19
      +1

      Agreed, the "upgrades" this year are marginal at best, if anything the Iphone 15 Pro Max is the value buy at the moment given most of the upgrades are in the software which will inevitably get rolled out across the board.

      • MrFunSocks on 17/09/2024 - 14:57
        -3

        most of the upgrades are in the software which will inevitably get rolled out across the board.

        That's not how apple works. Software features are always kept exclusive to that current phone or newer, they pretty much never get rolled out to older phones at a later date.

        • Drakesy on 17/09/2024 - 15:51

          /s?

          • MrFunSocks on 21/09/2024 - 22:49

            @Drakesy: No. Apple always arbitrarily lock software to new devices. Things like the Always On Display have no reason to not be on every OLED iPhone other than because they wanted people to buy the new phone.

        • dealsucker on 17/09/2024 - 16:13

          Not really. All iOS 18 features will be on 15PM

        • xsacha on 18/09/2024 - 03:18
          +2

          What MrFunSocks says is right. A lot of die hard iPhone users dont even realise there are artificial gates. Most are hardware related. For example, Apple Intelligence will require 8GB of RAM as the hardware gate.

          Although it doesn't launch with iOS 18, this is the main iOS 18 feature.

          This includes Apple's new upgraded Siri (with ChatGPT). It is only available on iPhone 16 and the Pro range of iPhone 15, despite it using an online model for most of the work.

          There's a bunch of artificial gates in every release. Another example in iOS18 is the new charging limit options that require iPhone 15 and 16. You can now set your iPhone to charge to 80% or 90%.. oh, unless your phone is an iPhone 14 or below.
          In iOS 19, maybe they will be gating features for iPhone 15 Pro Max as well. Just because.

          • Drakesy on 18/09/2024 - 17:00

            @xsacha: Yeah they'll probably get to Iphone 17 and suddenly the Iphone 15 will also be able to magically run Apple Ai…

  • renster72 on 16/09/2024 - 13:47
    +3

    wait for a bit see if anyone drops below officeworks price of $2147 then go in and get 5% off .. hopefully someone will drop it by even a dollar before they match price..!

  • Rkel403 on 16/09/2024 - 14:04
    +1

    5% off Apple gift cards on NIB rewards if you have insurance with them

    • pipboy on 17/09/2024 - 12:38
      +1

      Note NIB Apple gift card purchases have a limit of $2k per calendar month.

      Also 5% off at Macquarie marketplace

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/866030

      You can get this with their free debit Mastercard too through the banking app (that deal post says credit card and home loan, I have neither).

      Both channels delivered the digital gift cards to my email instantly

    • Aussietrekker on 16/09/2024 - 15:04
      +12

      in light of this these are my sums, tell me how I'm a sucker. I paid 3 years ago list price (thereabouts). for a 13 pro max of ~$1800, today it's ~800 so my cost over 3 years is about $1000. which is ~$1 a day. now I dont want to bother learning another ecosystem because It works with the kids devices, wife's etc. and what some people have been saying we all use these things for literally hours a day. way more than my car or other items that cost way more than $1 a day, so I may be a sucker for buying into the ecosystem, but it works. I dont have to fiddle around with it too much and I dont need to give tech support to others in the family which frankly is worth it alone.

      • Fredfloresjr on 16/09/2024 - 15:27
        +2

        Just let the SamsungGyup boys express themselves. They will try to justify their androids no matter what. They are like VEGANS.

        • Drakesy on 17/09/2024 - 11:20
          +8

          Goes both ways ;)

          Lets be honest though there's nothing really innovative in the Iphone 16 that the 15 can't already do

      • s1Lence on 19/09/2024 - 17:51

        i think it's because alternatives worth half as much are practically just as good and you won't notice a difference in everyday use

    • MrThing on 16/09/2024 - 18:21
      +1

      pro tiktok machines

      • smartazz104 on 17/09/2024 - 10:03
        +4

        Android users think they are power users.

        • MrThing on 20/09/2024 - 10:55
          -1

          we are

    • ThithLord on 17/09/2024 - 08:57
      +2

      Always some impotent Apple hatred for a laugh.

      Some people like using their phones for longer than one major OS update, mate.

  • theHMASfriendship on 16/09/2024 - 18:37
    +2

    Suggest getting the Product Pro instead, discussion here

  • djsweet on 16/09/2024 - 19:11
    +1

    Apple Store is best. You can return it within 14 days and easy fix if you have any problems. You can get rewards points or flybuys bonuses on Apple gift cards from time to time. This can save you a bit.

    • niknikniknik on 17/09/2024 - 21:58
      +2

      That's not a good deal at all. Assuming you value the phone at full value (256GB at $2148) you'd be paying $42per month for a Vodafone plan. Phones on a plan are rarely ever a good deal, and certainly not in this case.

      • djsweet on 18/09/2024 - 11:07

        It’s not a bad deal if you actually need 200GB per month. I doubt you’ll find any prepaid giving you 200GB over 30 days for $42.

    • xsacha on 18/09/2024 - 03:36

      Even upfront is cheaper. You can get prepaid unlimited cheaper than this (eg. Felix) or a more realistic data amount for someone on Wifi every day, costs about $120-180/year

      There are better plans as well, such as $1200 off your iPhone over 2 years for $99/month, which will cost less.
      .

  • neoleo on 16/09/2024 - 22:47
    +1

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/866037
    10% discount with gift cards from Aldi in less than 2 weeks, if you want to wait.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/865939
    10% discount in the form of Flybuys points. This promotion will expire on Wednesday.

    Honestly most people don't need iPhone Pro Max, just the standard iPhone is more than good enough for most people.

    Comment from Ricsantos above is reasonable. "What features of the 16 Pro Max are you after specifically?" I know many younger Asians like to have the latest flagship phone either latest iPhone or Samsung for example. But in reality, most people don't need >$1,000 phone as people only use their phone for light use cases like mostly fb, Instagram, video, music, etc.

    • JimB on 19/09/2024 - 09:29

      To be honest, an iPhone 12 is more than good enough for most people.

      Thanks for the tip, the Aldi gift card looks like a good offer. Hopefully my Aldi store has 18 available.

      I'm upgrading from my iPhone 11 to the iPhone 16 Plus

  • smartazz104 on 17/09/2024 - 10:04
    +1

    Thanks and yes, I know I should have an Android because Apple is rubbish etc. etc. but that's not the advice I'm seeking please.

    Don't listen to people who are only trying to justify their mistakes.

  • scooba on 17/09/2024 - 11:04

    How long do you plan on keeping the phone OP?

    • Aussietrekker on 17/09/2024 - 14:04

      probably 3 years again?

      • neoleo on 17/09/2024 - 18:52

        Should aim longer even better with longer free OS upgrades from Apple.

        • xsacha on 18/09/2024 - 03:41

          A lot of phones are doing seven years now. Doesnt mean you need to aim to keep it that long. It should mean it keeps its resale so you can make some of your money back though

      • scooba on 17/09/2024 - 19:23

        You wouldn't keep it for 4 or 5 years considering the Apple generally supports their flagships for at lease 5 years?

        Only reason I ask is if you bought the handset from Apple's store, then purchased AppleCare Theft and Loss and kept it for 5 years it would cost you $42.63c a month not including a case. The AppleCare would cover you for the first 2 years so if anything goes wrong with the handset Apple will fix it under AC no questions, plus if you break a screen or back glass it'll only cost you $45 instead of $400 or whatever it is now.

        If you wanted a genuine Apple Silicone case it'll cost you $42.63 a month over 5 years for handset, AppleCare and case.

        Just my 2 cents.

  • ninjadefuse on 17/09/2024 - 12:33

    Costco if you have membership or know someone that will help you with theirs.

    90 day returns for change of mind.

    It's about $70-80 cheaper than RRP.

    • snappywan on 18/09/2024 - 22:26

      Do you think costco will have 16 pro 256gb on release day in stores? I can't seem to preorder it.

      • ninjadefuse on 19/09/2024 - 18:15

        I called crossroads today and they said they are getting 4 x 16 pro max tomorrow. If that's true then it's a waste of time. I think they've sold all their stock online already.

  • satellitemx on 17/09/2024 - 13:06

    If you know someone working at Apple, for an iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB at $2,149
    - $322 EPP Family and Friends 15% discount
    - $182 let's say 10% discount on Giftcard [1]
    + $97 pay the tax back to your friend (let's say 30%) [2]
    = $1,742

    1. Your friend will be buying using their account on EPP online store, so maximum of 8 giftcards can be used during check out.
    2. Your friend will be taxed on the amount of 15% discount (I heard).
    • skittlebrau on 17/09/2024 - 17:59

      Back when I worked there, we couldn't use EPP Family and Friends discount on iPhones, but maybe that's changed.

      The employee discount usable once per calendar year was 25% at the time, and we also couldn't use it on iPhones.

      • satellitemx on 17/09/2024 - 20:09

        If it's the case it must be region specific. My friend is in China but he can place order on any country's EPP store.
        Yeah typically latest gen iPhones are not immediately available for purchase after release. This year is different as iPhone 16 series is now available already, as I was told. Maybe not many people are buying it haha.

  • ricadam on 17/09/2024 - 13:45

    My plan is to make use of the Apple or JB Hi-Fi mobile trade in deals. Also, if you need a new phone plan you can currently get a $600 gift card when you sign up to a 2 year JB Hi-Fi mobile (Telstra) plan.

    • snappywan on 19/09/2024 - 19:13

      MobileMonster or MobileGuru (for given condition) gives better prices and you have time to initiate the sale.

  • AS2035 on 17/09/2024 - 20:02

    Apple store.

  • India pale ale on 17/09/2024 - 20:30

    You can try Costco as well
    They are generally cheaper than jb or ow

    You don’t necessarily need to be a member

    Apple is a good choice
    They are so sturdy, I’ve dropped mine so many times but it is still intact

    • Faulty on 19/09/2024 - 19:44

      Correct! Costco had the Pro/Pro Max listed at $100 below RRP for most models. Launch stock availability dwindles at Costco for a few months, and they typically have the lower storage capacity models.

  • SuperMid on 18/09/2024 - 08:13
    -5

    If your so desperate for a $1,800 item that you cant afford it without a discount, maybe you need to revaluate your financial situation.

  • SpicyStew on 18/09/2024 - 09:25

    CHINA

  • suchan on 18/09/2024 - 10:42

    What everyone above said about getting discounted gift cards from either Woolies / Coles and potentially some online websites may offer discounted gift cards too.
    For Apple Store always look for either Apple on Campus or Apple Education. Someone here posted that Apple on Campus has slightly cheaper prices compared to Apple Education.

    I've seen others buy discounted JB Hi-Fi gift cards then purchase from them.
    Enjoy.

    • fozzie on 18/09/2024 - 11:06
      +1

      Aoc doesn't offer discounted Iphones.

  • tsugnev on 18/09/2024 - 11:10

    Make friends with an Apple Genius. 15% off

    • JimB on 19/09/2024 - 09:24
      +1

      Genius

  • kl2999 on 18/09/2024 - 18:05
    -8

    Given iphone is made in India now days. Any one know where to buy E Coli test kits?

  • OzzyOzbourne on 18/09/2024 - 22:50

    Gumtree or Facebook 😅

  • bowdo on 19/09/2024 - 07:08

    About 2026 should be good

  • vekinoir on 06/10/2024 - 11:45

    Can I order one using Apple Edu and then claim GST on departure?

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