These are the best ways to buy an iPhone

Hate it or love it, we’ve all probably wished we could own an iPhone. But they’re so expensive, right? Grethe Kemp looks at purchasing options that might suit you.

1. Always buy from iStore
Many people don’t know you can get cellphone contracts on iPhones from iStore. Not only do they offer contracts for all cellular providers, but their deals will beat offerings elsewhere. Currently, they have am exclusive two-phones-for-the-price-of-one deal, in which you get two iPhone SEs at R399 per month on a Vodacom uChoose Flexi 165 24-month plan.

So few people know you can get iPhones on contract from iStore that they’ve launched a campaign, #iPhoneEqualsiStore, to raise awareness.

2. Use an FNB credit card
You can fund your Apple device through an affordable monthly interest rate of only 10% (linked to Prime Rate).

After 12 or 24 months you’ll receive a guaranteed residual value if you select to trade in your device, allowing you to fund your device for only 12 or 24 months plus giving you access to upgrade your phone every year.

Buying with your FNB card is a quick and easy in-store process – you simply swipe it, so no need to go through a cumbersome cellular contract process. If you don’t have an FNB card you can apply quickly and easily through their app.

3. Buy it with an iStore Card 
Like the FNB card, you can also buy an iPhone with an iStore credit card and pay it off over 12 or 24 months. The iStore card works like a regular credit card and only costs R35 a month. Go to an iStore or visit istorecard.co.za to see if you qualify.

4. Trade it in
Have an old model? Visit your closest iStore and have your phone evaluated at the tech desk.

Once you’ve submitted all your documents, you can either put your cashback towards a new model, or have it electronically transferred into your bank account within 14 working days.

5. Buy a demo or pre-owned model
iStore also sells demo and certified, pre-owned iPhones at discounted rates.

You can get an iPhone 6s CPO, for instance, for R5 499. Demo products are not available for purchase online, but you can see what’s available, and at which iStore, by visiting myistore.co.za

6. Buy cash
Paying cash might seem impossible, but iStore has various models that are surprisingly affordable.

The iPhone SE, for instance, goes for R4 299. Buying cash is always the smartest option, since you’re not paying interest every month.