Can You Still Buy The iPhone 12 Pro Max?

The iPhone 12 series has been replaced by the iPhone 13 range. But can you still buy the iPhone 12 Pro Max?

Apple killed the iPhone 11 Pro Max when the iPhone 12 range launched in 2020. Similarly, with the launch and release of Apple’s new iPhone 13 lineup, a selection of iPhone 12 models are no longer available via Apple’s official store.

This is good and bad news for iPhone users. It’s bad because, oftentimes, when a new iPhone series launch arrives, the price of Apple’s outgoing iPhones goes down. This has happened with the iPhone 12 and the iPhone SE 2020 – both of which are still available via Apple’s store.

The bad news is that Apple is not selling the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max anymore, so if you were waiting for the arrival of the iPhone 13 to pick up a cheaper iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 12 Pro Max, you’re out of luck.

Is The iPhone 12 Pro Max Discontinued?

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Following the launch of Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup of phones, both the iPhone 12 Pro and the iPhone 12 Pro Max disappeared from Apple’s store. Both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro are now discontinued, at least if you want to get one via Apple.

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max will still be available from carriers and phone networks, however, so if you’re after a bargain in 2022, and you don’t want the iPhone 13, your best bet is to pick up and iPhone 12 Pro Max via a carrier.

Because new iPhones are always very popular, carriers and phone networks will be looking to get rid of their iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max inventory quickly, and that ALWAYS means discounts.

Case in point: the iPhone 12 Pro Max is now available via Three with a free Apple TV for £68 a month with a small £99 upfront fee. Once the iPhone 14 lands, you can expect that price to come down more.

Given what happened to the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s pricing with the release of the iPhone 12 range, I’d expect contract prices for the iPhone 12 Pro Max to drop to around £30 a month with no upfront fee.

And when the iPhone 14 launches later this year, prices for the iPhone 12 Pro Max will drop considerably, so if you’re looking to pick up the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it would definitely be in your interest to wait until the iPhone 14 gets a release date.

What About A Refurbished iPhone 12 Pro Max?

One of the best ways to get an iPhone for less money is to buy it refurbished. We have an entire resource page dedicated to buying refurbished iPhones, so check that out if you need information. These types of iPhones, while not new, are not like traditional “used” phones – they go through quality checks and are reconditioned before they’re resold to you, the consumer.

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The upshot of buying a refurbished iPhone, or any refurbished tech for that matter, is that you will pay A LOT less for it than you would if you bought it new. With the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the phone is now discontinued anyway, so if you want an iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2022, buying it refurbished is your only real option anyway.

As noted above, refurbished iPhones are not the same as used iPhones – they look and function as good as new. They have to be tested and checked and vetted before they’re allowed to be resold. In most instances, you would not be able to tell a refurbished iPhone apart from a brand new one. But you will pay upwards of 40% less for a refurbished iPhone. And that is significant.

How Much Is The iPhone 12 Pro Max Today?

Because the iPhone 12 Pro Max is still relatively new, the refurbished market prices haven’t come down too much. In the US, you can pick up the iPhone 12 Pro Max for around $700 which is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than buying one new.

Similarly, you can now pick up the iPhone 12 refurbished for even less; that’s a pretty decent discount on the phone – it cost $799 at launch. But, again, the real savings on the iPhone 12 range won’t kick in until the iPhone 14 lands – two years is always the sweet spot with refurbished iPhones.

A better option, in my opinion, if you want to go the refurbished iPhone route would be the iPhone 11 Pro Max – that phone is now very affordable and it is still really, really good. Although it doesn’t have 5G which might be an issue for some.

Best Refurbished iPhone Retailer In USA

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Gazelle: The US' #1 Refurb iPhone Specialist

Gazelle is the USA’s biggest and most trusted refurbished tech retailer. It sells everything from iPhones to MacBooks and Samsung phones. All Gazelle phones are extensively tested before they’re sold, meaning they look and function as good as new. If you’re in the US, Gazelle is the one to go for. 

Pros:

• 30-Point Test on ALL Products
• 40% Cheaper Than Buying New
• Sells Phones, Tablets, MacBooks & More
• Excellent Warranty, Prices & Delivery Times

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We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Best Refurbished Phone Retailer In UK

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REBOXED: The Best For UK & EU

REBOXED has a massive selection of refurbished iPhones, Samsung phones, Apple Watch devices, AirPods, and more. If you’re after quality, reliability, and the best prices on the market, REBOXED is where it is at for users in the UK and Europe. 

Pros:

• 70-Point Test on ALL Products
• 40% Cheaper Than Buying New
• Sells Phones, Tablets, Headphones & More
• Excellent Delivery Times & Packaging

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We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Richard Goodwin

Richard Goodwin has been working as a tech journalist for over 10 years. He is the editor and owner of KnowYourMobile.