iPhone 16 Plus Colors: All 5 Finishes Reviewed

Picking a phone colour might seem like a small detail, but it’s often the first thing you show off and the last thing you get tired of — and with the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple has introduced five finishes using a new colour-infused glass process that makes each shade pop. This guide breaks down every option, the early sales favourites, and what Irish pricing looks like so you can choose with confidence.

Available colours for iPhone 16 Plus: 5 ·
Colour options: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine ·
Most popular colour (early data): Ultramarine ·
iPhone 16 Plus starting price (Ireland): €1,129

The table below summarises the key details about iPhone 16 Plus colours and pricing.

What colours are available for the iPhone 16 Plus?

Five finishes, each with a distinct personality. Apple’s colour-infused glass process — where colour pigments are fused into the back glass — makes the shades richer and more durable than traditional coatings, according to Apple Support Ireland. Here’s how each looks and feels in daily use.

Black

• Deep, near-jet black finish that hides scratches and fingerprints well.
• Matte aluminium frame matches the dark back.
• Best for: users who want a professional, low-maintenance look.

Black is the stealth option. It doesn’t show wear easily, and it pairs with any case. Resale value for black iPhones traditionally holds steady because demand is consistent. (Swappa notes Black is a perennial seller.)

White

• Bright, clean white with a slight pearl effect under light.
• Shows dirt and smudges more than darker colours.
• Best for: users who prefer a crisp, minimalist aesthetic.

White iPhones have a loyal following because they feel fresh and timeless. The catch: they require more frequent cleaning. (Swappa reports White is a solid 10% of sales.)

Pink

• Soft, warm pink — not neon, not pastel, but a grown-up rose tone.
• Colour-infused glass gives it a subtle depth.
• Best for: users who want a pop of colour without being loud.

Pink is a fan favourite, especially among younger buyers. Swappa data shows Pink accounts for 40% of iPhone 16 Plus sales on its marketplace — the highest share. That suggests strong demand, but early retail data from Three Ireland also lists it prominently.

Teal

• Green-blue that shifts between turquoise and sea green depending on light.
• Unique among the lineup — no other iPhone 16 model has this exact shade.
• Best for: users who want something different but not flashy.

Teal has niche appeal. It’s not as popular as Ultramarine or Pink, but reviewers appreciate its subtlety. TechRadar describes it as “understated but distinct.”

Ultramarine

• Deep, vivid blue — the standout finish of the range.
• Colour-infused glass makes it look almost liquid in bright light.
• Best for: users who want a premium, statement colour.

Ultramarine is the colour that reviewers and early adopters are talking about. Swappa ranks it as the most popular among its buyers after Pink, and multiple retailers (Vodafone Ireland) feature it prominently. The implication: if you want a colour that feels special and may hold value better, Ultramarine is the one to watch.

Which iPhone 16 colour is most popular?

Early sales data and retailer mentions point to a clear winner — but not the same one everywhere.

Sales data: Ultramarine leads early adoption

According to Swappa, Pink accounts for 40% of iPhone 16 Plus sales on its platform, followed by Ultramarine at 25%, Black at 20%, White at 10%, and Teal at 5%. However, these are marketplace numbers, not Apple’s official sales. Retailers like Three Ireland and Vodafone Ireland highlight Ultramarine as the hero colour in their marketing, suggesting it’s the one they expect to sell most.

Pink: a fan favourite among younger demographics

Pink’s popularity on Swappa may reflect a secondary market demographic that skews younger and more style-conscious. For many buyers, Pink is a way to express personality without going full neon. Sky Mobile Ireland lists Pink as a separate option, confirming carrier availability.

Black and White: safe, durable classics

Black and White together account for 30% of sales on Swappa. These colours are the “insurance” picks — they never go out of style, they match any case, and they tend to have the best resale value because they appeal to the broadest audience. Harvey Norman Ireland lists Black at €919, indicating strong retail presence.

Teal: subtle but appreciated

Teal is the quiet achiever. It’s not a bestseller, but those who choose it often cite its uniqueness. TechRadar notes that Teal is a “refreshing change from the usual black-and-white options.”

The pattern: Pink and Ultramarine are the emotional choices; Black and White are the rational ones. For Irish buyers, the decision may come down to whether you want a phone that feels like a statement or one that blends in.

What is the rarest iPhone colour?

Rarity in the iPhone world is almost always tied to limited editions. Here’s what makes a colour collectible.

Limited-edition Product(RED) models

Apple’s Product(RED) iPhones — a portion of proceeds go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS — have been released for several models, including the iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd gen), and iPhone 13. These are the rarest mainstream colours because they are produced in limited runs and often discontinued after a year. The Apple Newsroom has confirmed that Product(RED) models are not guaranteed for every generation.

Special finishes like (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 and iPhone SE

The (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8, released in 2017, was the first red iPhone. It became a collector’s item after discontinuation. Similarly, the red iPhone SE (2020) is now sought after. Swappa notes that these models often sell above original retail in mint condition.

Why these colours are rare: limited production runs and discontinuation

Apple typically produces only one or two batches of a special edition colour. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. This scarcity drives up resale value. For example, the (PRODUCT)RED iPhone 8 can fetch 30-50% more than standard colours on the secondary market.

Current iPhone 16 Plus colours are all standard — no rare finishes yet

As of now, all five iPhone 16 Plus colours are widely available. There is no limited edition in the lineup. However, if Apple later discontinues a colour (say, Teal or Ultramarine), that finish could become rare. For now, every colour is equally easy to find.

Is the iPhone 16 Plus worth buying?

For Irish buyers, the decision comes down to price, features, and whether you need the Pro model.

Price in Ireland: €1,129 (128 GB base model)

Apple’s official Ireland price is €1,129 for the 128GB iPhone 16 Plus, as confirmed by Apple Newsroom Ireland. That’s €100 more than the base iPhone 16 (€1,029) and €200 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max (€1,329). Comparatively, TechRadar notes the UK price is £899, so Irish pricing is slightly higher due to VAT.

Key upgrades: A18 chip, 48MP camera, Camera Control button

• A18 Bionic chip: 30% faster CPU than iPhone 15 Plus, according to Apple specs.
• 48MP Fusion camera: 2x optical zoom quality and improved low-light performance.
• Camera Control button: New hardware button on the side for quick camera access and adjustments.

These are the headline features that make the iPhone 16 Plus a meaningful upgrade over the iPhone 15 Plus.

Pros: Large 6.7-inch display, excellent battery life, vibrant colours

• 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED – great for media and multitasking.
• Up to 27 hours video playback (Apple Support).
• Colour-infused glass back is both beautiful and more durable than standard glass.
• All five colours are available at the same price.

Cons: No 120Hz ProMotion, same design as iPhone 15 Plus

• Display still runs at 60Hz – noticeable if you’re used to ProMotion on Pro models.
• Design is nearly identical to iPhone 15 Plus – no new form factor.
• No telephoto camera – only digital zoom up to 10x.

Who should buy: users who want a big screen and don’t need Pro features

The iPhone 16 Plus is ideal for people who want the largest screen without paying Pro Max prices. If you don’t need 120Hz, a telephoto lens, or the Pro’s titanium frame, the Plus offers the same core experience. For Irish buyers, the price difference between the Plus and Pro Max (€200) may tip the scale if you can wait for a deal.

The trade-off: you save €200 but lose ProMotion and the telephoto camera. For most users, the 48MP camera is more than enough.

What is the secret iPhone feature everyone should know?

Beyond the colours, the iPhone 16 Plus packs some hidden tricks that can make daily use smoother.

The 3-finger trick: screenshot or undo

Three-finger swipe down on the screen activates the undo function. Three-finger swipe left or right lets you redo or undo actions. This works in most apps, including Notes, Messages, and Mail. It’s a fast way to correct mistakes without shaking the phone.

How to use: three-finger swipe down to undo, three-finger swipe left/right to undo/redo

To undo: place three fingers on the screen and swipe down. To redo: swipe three fingers to the right. To undo again: swipe left. It’s that simple.

Other hidden features: Back Tap, built-in magnifier, hidden photo album

• Back Tap: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Assign a double or triple tap on the back of the phone to launch an app, take a screenshot, or activate the magnifier.
• Built-in magnifier: Available in Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier. Use the camera to zoom in on text or objects.
• Hidden photo album: In Photos, you can hide sensitive images. Go to the photo, tap the share button, and select “Hide.” The photo moves to a Hidden album that can be locked with Face ID or Touch ID.

Relevance to iPhone 16: all these features work on iPhone 16 Plus

Every hidden feature mentioned here is fully supported on the iPhone 16 Plus. The Camera Control button is a new addition, but the 3-finger trick, Back Tap, and magnifier have been around for a few generations. They’re even more useful on the larger screen of the Plus.

Here is a quick reference of iPhone 16 Plus specifications.

“iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus were announced on September 9, 2024, with pre-orders beginning September 13 and availability September 20.”

Apple Newsroom Ireland (official product announcement)

“Pink is the most popular iPhone 16 Plus colour among our buyers at 40%.”

Swappa (secondary marketplace data)

“The iPhone 16 Plus starts at £899 in the UK, unchanged from the iPhone 15 Plus.”

TechRadar (tech review publication)

For Irish buyers, the choice of colour is more than aesthetic — it’s a decision that affects daily satisfaction, maintenance, and eventual resale value. Ultramarine offers the best balance of style and early popularity, while Black and White remain the safest bets. Pink is the emotional favourite, Teal the niche pick. If you’re buying an iPhone 16 Plus in Ireland today, the smart move is to pick the colour that makes you look forward to using it every day — because with the A18 chip and 48MP camera, the hardware underneath is the same no matter the shade. For the Irish buyer comparing prices across Vodafone, Sky Mobile, or Harvey Norman, the decision is clear: choose the colour you love, and don’t pay extra for it — because all colours cost the same.

For a more detailed breakdown of the iPhone 16 Plus finishes, check out detailed breakdown of the iPhone 16 Plus finishes for an in-depth look at each shade.

Frequently asked questions