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iPhone Basics

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Buying an iPhone

So you want an iPhone

Apple's iPhone has become a widely popular device since its launch in 2007. Before you purchase an iPhone, however, you should familiarize yourself with the different options you have to choose from. This includes deciding on a monthly cellular contract and where you're going to purchase your iPhone—either online, from Apple, or from another retailer.

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are currently available for pre-order. They will be available for purchase starting on September 19, 2014.

Understanding your options

picutre of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

There are two current versions of the iPhone: the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The biggest difference between these two new iPhones and previous models is the size. Compared to a 4-inch screen on the iPhone 5S and earlier versions, the iPhone 6 has a 4.7-inch screen, while the 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch screen. Both versions of the iPhone 6 also include a larger, higher-quality camera than previous models.

  • The iPhone 6 (16GB) starts at $199—a 64GB ($299) and 128GB ($399) version are also available.
  • The iPhone 6 Plus (16GB) starts at $299—a 32GB ($399) and 128GB($499) version are also available.

These prices require you to sign a two-year contract with a wireless provider, such as AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, or T-Mobile. In addition to regular cell phone service, you'll be required to purchase a mobile data plan, which usually costs at least $20 per month. You can also get the iPhone 5S for $99 or the iPhone 5C for free with a two-year contract, but keep in mind that these are older models.

Visit Apple.com to Compare iPhone Models and see the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, 5S, and 5C side-by-side.

Which model is right for you?

If you're still not sure which model you want, take some time to think about the features that are most important to you and how they fit into your budget. Things to consider before you buy include a cellular service contract (can you afford a monthly cellular phone bill?) and data storage (do you need a lot or just a little?).

Cellular service contract

To place phone calls with your iPhone, you'll need to purchase cellular phone service. Cellular service providers offer a variety of calling plans to fit your budget and lifestyle. There are two types of cellular service options to choose from: a two-year cellular contract and no contract. Both have their pros and cons.

  • Choosing to sign up for a two-year cellular contract means you'll pay a discounted price for your iPhone, and you'll commit to paying for cellular phone service on a monthly basis for two years. Cellular service providers offer many different options to choose from when selecting a calling plan.
  • Some cellular service providers, like Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile, offer a no-contract option. This means you'll pay full price for your iPhone, but you'll also have the freedom to choose when to end your cellular service with no penalties or fees.

If you aren't ready for a new cell phone or a new cellular service contract, the iPod Touch might be an option for you. It has most of the features of the iPhone, but cannot be used to make phone calls or send text messages. You can, however, connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi and download apps from the App Store.

Data storage

There are several different ways to approach storing data on your iPhone. Here are some things to think about before you make a decision:

  • At 16GB (16 gigabytes of memory), the smallest model has enough data storage for many users. However, if you anticipate storing lots of music, movies, or TV shows on your device, you may want to purchase the 32GB, 64GB or 128GB model instead.
  • If you truly need lots of storage, look into Apple's iCloud service before you purchase one of the larger, more expensive models. iCloud allows you to store your media "in the cloud" (in other words, online), so you don't have to worry about storing it on your device. We'll take a closer look at iCloud in our lesson on Syncing Your iPhone.

For more help making a decision, you can always ask an associate at your local Apple Store for advice. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-MY-APPLE for more information about the product you're interested in.

When you're ready to buy

When you're ready to make your purchase, you have several different options. Depending on your preferences, you can purchase your iPhone and sign up for a cellular service plan by:

Your decision will probably come down to whoever has the iPhone you want in stock and the cellular service plan that works for you. You might find yourself doing a little bit of research to find a suitable plan before buying your new iPhone.

Beware of any sales, promotions, or contest giveaways that sound too good to be true. Because the iPhone is in high demand, there will always be scammers and other disreputable sellers—especially online—who will try to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. When in doubt, purchase your device from a well-known retailer.

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