iPhone monthly contracts in the UK
Last updated: 22 October 2026
An iPhone on a monthly contract spreads the cost of the handset over the term. The monthly figure alone hides the real price, so for every iPhone we hold we show the upfront cost and the total across the whole agreement.
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iPhone contracts we have costed end to end
Total over the agreement = upfront cost + handset instalments + airtime instalments, worked from the network's own advertised terms checked 22 October 2026. Handset and airtime are usually separate agreements.
| Phone | Monthly | Upfront | Data | Total over the agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 16e · 128GB | £37.00/month | £20.00 | 30GB | £1100.00 |
| Apple iPhone Air · 1TB | £40.50/month | £50.00 | 1GB | £1424.00 |
| Apple iPhone 16 · 128GB | £49.00/month | £30.00 | 30GB | £1482.00 |
| Apple iPhone 17 · 256GB | £52.00/month | £30.00 | 30GB | £1590.00 |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro · 256GB | £52.25/month | £40.00 | 30GB | £1609.00 |
| Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max · 256GB | £55.00/month | £50.00 | 30GB | £1718.00 |
| Apple iPhone 18 Pro · 256GB | £56.16/month | £40.00 | 30GB | £2015.68 |
| Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max · 256GB | £58.20/month | £50.00 | 30GB | £2123.60 |
Prices are advertised rates from each provider's own page on the date we checked, not live quotes. Clicking a name takes you to the provider.
Compare the total, not the monthly price
Multiply the handset instalment by the number of months, add the upfront cost, then add the airtime you pay each month. That total is the honest comparison between two iPhone deals — a lower monthly price with a longer term can cost more overall.
The table above does that arithmetic for you from the network's advertised terms. Apple also sells iPhones outright with trade-in credit, and pairing an outright phone with a cheap SIM-only plan is often the cheaper route over two years.
Which iPhone suits you
The Pro models add camera and chip upgrades you may not use; the standard and 'e' models are far cheaper and still get years of software updates. An older iPhone bought outright, or a contract deal on a previous generation, is often the best value.
Check storage before you commit — 128GB fills quickly if you shoot video, and you cannot add storage later.
Before you sign
Phone contracts normally involve a credit check because the handset is financed. Handset and airtime are usually separate agreements: once the device plan is paid off your monthly cost should drop, and you can then move the airtime to a cheaper SIM-only deal.
CompareDirect is not a credit broker or lender and does not run credit checks. We list advertised terms and link you to the network's own page to buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest iPhone contract?
It depends on the model and the current promotion. In our 22 October 2026 snapshot the lowest-costed iPhone agreement is an entry model with a small upfront fee — see the table above for the ranked totals.
Are iPhone contracts better than buying outright?
Not usually. Buying outright and adding a SIM-only plan is frequently cheaper over 24 months. Compare the total in our table with the outright price plus a SIM-only plan.
Can I trade in my old iPhone?
Apple, the networks and specialist buyers all offer trade-in credit. Value it separately from the contract price — a good trade-in can turn an outright purchase into the cheaper option.
Do I have to pay the full price if I leave early?
On most handset finance you pay the remaining device balance to leave early. Check the early-termination figure in the agreement before you sign.
Are contract iPhones unlocked?
Phones sold by UK networks are sold unlocked, so you can move the SIM to another network once the device plan is settled.
Keep comparing
Listings are dated snapshots of providers' own pages, not live prices, and CompareDirect does not sell the products we list. We are not a credit broker or lender and give no financial advice.