Editor's Pick: Best iPhone plans October 2026

Jacqui Dent - Editorial Strategist

Last updated 23 September 2026

Contents

In this best iPhone guide:

What is the best iPhone 18 Pro plan?
What is the best iPhone 17 plan?
What is the best iPhone 16 plan?
How does WhistleOut choose the best iPhone plans each month?

Buying a new iPhone is not a cheap endeavour therefore the best iPhone plans tend to be whichever is cheapest with each model. The newest iPhone range — released towards the end of each year of course are always the best devices themselves.

In this guide, we've focused on 36-month handset repayment terms when making our picks, to keep the overall monthly costs more manageable.

What is the best iPhone 18 Pro plan?

If you've got your eyes on the new iPhone 18 Pro on a mobile plan, this deal from Vodafone is one of the best you can get right now. You'll currently get 65GB of data every month, as well as unlimited local talk and text. If you go over your allowance, you'll get unlimited data at slower speeds of 2Mbps. Just be aware you forfeit this discount if you leave early or change your plan.

You'll get $13/mth off plan fees for first twelve months when you stay connected to this plan. This offer is valid until October 15.

$58 Small Plan

65GB data
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
36 mths device payments
Deal: Incl. $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply

$103.30/mth

Min. cost $2,143.80

Go to Site

$103.30/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $2,143.80

Go to Site

Or if you still want to keep your options open, here's how this plan compares to other popular plans from our database:

Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Incl. $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply $103.30/mth Min. cost $2,143.80 Go to Site	$103.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,143.80	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $97.30/mth Min. cost $2,137.80 Go to Site	$97.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,137.80	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Incl. $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Upgrade & Protect Plus* + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply $108.30/mth Min. cost $2,148.80 Go to Site	$108.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,148.80	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Incl. $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Upgrade & Protect Plus* + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply $113.30/mth Min. cost $2,153.80 Go to Site	$113.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,153.80	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $79 Optus Launch Plus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $780 value over 36 months. SIM plan costs $59/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth. Ends 12 Nov 2026. T&C apply. $117.30/mth Min. cost $2,157.80 Go to Site	$117.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,157.80	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $128.30/mth Min. cost $2,168.80 Go to Site	$128.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,168.80	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Order the new iPhone 18 Pro and get $300 bonus trade-in credit + Incl. $10/mth off plan fee for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $132.30/mth Min. cost $2,172.80 Link not supplied	$132.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,172.80	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Order the new iPhone 18 Pro and get $300 bonus trade-in credit. Ends 09.10.26. T&Cs apply. $132.30/mth Min. cost $2,172.80 Link not supplied	$132.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,172.80	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Order the new iPhone 18 Pro and get $300 bonus trade-in credit + Incl. $15/mth off plan fee for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $142.30/mth Min. cost $2,182.80 Link not supplied	$142.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,182.80	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $148.30/mth Min. cost $2,188.80 Go to Site	$148.30/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,188.80	Go to Site

If you decided to go with the 24-month device repayment option instead then Optus is the best option although the offer is slightly different. You'll currently get 100GB of data every month for the first 12 months, as well as unlimited local talk and text. If you go over your allowance, you'll get unlimited data at slower speeds of 1.5Mbps. Just be aware you forfeit this discount if you leave early or change your plan.

With its current promotion, you'll get $21 per month off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan, after the first 12 months you'll be paying $60 per month for the plan cost itself and get 60GB of data per month. This offer is valid until November 12.

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

100GB data
Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device
24 mths device payments
Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.

$126.45/mth

Min. cost $2,137.80

Go to Site

$126.45/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $2,137.80

Go to Site

Or if you still want to keep your options open, here's how this plan compares to other popular plans from our database:

Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $126.45/mth Min. cost $2,137.80 Go to Site	$126.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,137.80	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Incl. $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Upgrade & Protect Plus* + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply $142.45/mth Min. cost $2,153.80 Go to Site	$142.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,153.80	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Incl. $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply $132.45/mth Min. cost $2,143.80 Go to Site	$132.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,143.80	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Incl. $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months + Upgrade & Protect Plus* + Get $200 Bonus Trade-in Credit. T&Cs apply $137.45/mth Min. cost $2,148.80 Go to Site	$137.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,148.80	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $79 Optus Launch Plus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $600 value over 24 months. SIM plan costs $59/mth for first 12 months, then $79/mth. Ends 12 Nov 2026. T&C apply. $146.45/mth Min. cost $2,157.80 Go to Site	$146.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,157.80	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $157.45/mth Min. cost $2,168.80 Go to Site	$157.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,168.80	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Order the new iPhone 18 Pro and get $300 bonus trade-in credit + Incl. $10/mth off plan fee for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $161.45/mth Min. cost $2,172.80 Link not supplied	$161.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,172.80	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Order the new iPhone 18 Pro and get $300 bonus trade-in credit. Ends 09.10.26. T&Cs apply. $161.45/mth Min. cost $2,172.80 Link not supplied	$161.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,172.80	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 24 mths device payments Deal: Order the new iPhone 18 Pro and get $300 bonus trade-in credit + Incl. $15/mth off plan fee for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $171.45/mth Min. cost $2,182.80 Link not supplied	$171.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,182.80	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $177.45/mth Min. cost $2,188.80 Go to Site	$177.45/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $2,188.80	Go to Site

What is the best iPhone 17 plan?

The best iPhone 17 mobile plan, is available from Vodafone. You'll currently get 65GB of data every month, as well as unlimited local talk and text. With its current promotion, you'll get $13/mth off plan fees for first twelve months when you stay connected to this plan. This offer is valid until October 29.

If you go over your allowance, you'll get unlimited data at slower speeds of 2Mbps. Just be aware you forfeit this discount if you leave early or change your plan.

$58 Small Plan

65GB data
Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices
36 mths device payments
Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply.

$88.02/mth

Min. cost $1,593.72

Go to Site

$88.02/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,593.72

Go to Site

Or if you still want to keep your options open, here's how this plan compares to other popular plans from our database:

Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $77.86/mth Min. cost $1,437.96 Go to Site	$77.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,437.96	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $88.02/mth Min. cost $1,593.72 Go to Site	$88.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,593.72	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $68 Medium Plan 220GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $18/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $93.02/mth Min. cost $1,598.72 Go to Site	$93.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,598.72	Go to Site
Vodafone	Vodafone $78 Large Plan 420GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Includes $23/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $98.02/mth Min. cost $1,603.72 Go to Site	$98.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,603.72	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $107.86/mth Min. cost $1,467.96 Go to Site	$107.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,467.96	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $108.86/mth Min. cost $1,468.96 Go to Site	$108.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,468.96	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $117.02/mth Min. cost $1,622.72 Link not supplied	$117.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,622.72	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $117.02/mth Min. cost $1,622.72 Link not supplied	$117.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,622.72	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $127.02/mth Min. cost $1,632.72 Link not supplied	$127.02/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,632.72	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $128.86/mth Min. cost $1,488.96 Go to Site	$128.86/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,488.96	Go to Site

What is the best iPhone 16 plan?

If you've got your eyes on the iPhone 16 on a mobile plan, this deal from Optus is one of the best available. You'll currently get 60GB of data every month, as well as unlimited local talk and text. If you go over your allowance, you'll get unlimited data at slower speeds of 1.5Mbps.

$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan

100GB data
Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device
36 mths device payments
Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply.

$73.68/mth

Min. cost $1,287.48

Go to Site

$73.68/mth

(plan + phone)

Min. cost $1,287.48

Go to Site

Or if you still want to keep your options open, here's how this plan compares to other popular plans from our database:

Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $73.68/mth Min. cost $1,287.48 Go to Site	$73.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,287.48	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra $99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan 300GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $15 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Premium Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $121.47/mth Min. cost $1,432.92 Link not supplied	$121.47/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,432.92	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus $69 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Upgrade & Protect included when you add a phone on a payment plan. Plus, get up to $10/mth SubHub credit for 12 mths. T&Cs apply. $103.68/mth Min. cost $1,317.48 Go to Site	$103.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,317.48	Go to Site
Optus	Optus $70 Optus Choice Plus Plan 240GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $104.68/mth Min. cost $1,318.48 Go to Site	$104.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,318.48	Go to Site
Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments Deal: Get $10 off for first 12 months on new Upfront Essential Mobile Plan. New services only. Ends 05.10.26 $111.47/mth Min. cost $1,422.92 Link not supplied	$111.47/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,422.92	Link not supplied
Telstra	Telstra $74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan 50GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices 36 mths device payments $111.47/mth Min. cost $1,422.92 Link not supplied	$111.47/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,422.92	Link not supplied
Optus	Optus $90 Optus Choice Plus Plan 480GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $124.68/mth Min. cost $1,338.48 Go to Site	$124.68/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $1,338.48	Go to Site

How does WhistleOut choose the best iPhone plans each month?

For WhistleOut's best iPhone plan picks, the first key consideration is the monthly cost, which changes based on our categories. Our 36-month plan recommendations have cheaper monthly pricing albeit with longer payment terms. Alternatively, the 24-month alternatives are costlier per month but have the handset paid off sooner and reflect the more traditional duration for postpaid plans. Because there’s not much point in recommending a dirt-cheap plan if it doesn’t come with any data, you’ll notice our plan picks offer plenty of gigabytes per month.

Speaking of data, more recent iPhone handsets are 5G-capable, which means they can reach download speeds up to ten times faster than 4G speeds. Because of this, our main plan recommendations are for plans that include 5G network support on the respective network. After all, if you’re forking out for a new phone, you might as well tap into some of the latest speed perks, too.

In terms of 5G in Australia, Telstra has the widest-reaching network with Optus and Vodafone in second place. The good news is that whichever of the big three telcos you go with, you shouldn’t expect to pay extra in excess data charges, with all three opting to cap speeds rather than add fees.

Outside of the combined monthly cost of the plan and handset, as well as monthly data, our winners and runners-up tend to be separated by the included additional features. These may include basics like reduced monthly pricing (via plan bundling, credit or limited-time discounts) or bonus data if you sign up by a particular deadline. International inclusions are also a great feature, which may either be a set number of included minutes up to unlimited talk and text with a range of selected countries.

Other perks are less obvious, like unmetered content to help preserve a monthly data quota through to included bolt-on services, which range from limited-duration trials to included for the life of the plan. Because the big three telcos are close competitors, they also may offer price matching on handset repayments or trade-in credit for eligible smartphones to help keep monthly costs down.

For information on phone plans with other popular phones, read our Editor's picks for the best mobile phone plans for this month.

When a plan wins the golden Editor's Pick ribbon, it means that as well as being the best plan for this month, the provider has gone into the running for our WhistleOut Awards, judged annually.

Our Editor's Picks are selected by our team of data experts. We may earn a commission if you click on one of the products listed, but a service provider isn't required to have a commercial relationship with us to be eligible for consideration. See here for more information about how we work.

Jacqui Dent

Editorial Strategist

Jacqui Dent is an Editorial Content Strategist at WhistleOut Australia, where she writes about mobile phone plans, NBN plans and everything in between. Over her ten-year career, she has worked to provide informed advice to the public, first in the sphere of writing and now in the world of consumer tech. Jacqui has also written about consumer telco products for Business Insider, Pedestrian and the 50Up Club.

Read full bio