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Not sold the iPhone 18 Pro? There’s still time to grab the iPhone 17 Pro at a discount

16 September 2026 at 23:51

In case you were unaware, Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max last week, alongside its first-ever foldable, the iPhone Duo.

Naturally, the iPhone 18 Pro preorders quickly followed suit, with rebates of up to AU$1,595 when you trade in an old phone, and accompanying SIM plans from AU$39/m.

While it’s always nice to have the latest tech, a fresh product launch also means an older device is ripe for discounts, and that’s certainly the case for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Apple may have discontinued both models from its online store, but retailers and telcos, including Amazon, Optus and Vodafone, still have stock β€” including the popular Cosmic Orange colour β€” meaning you still have time to score one at a discount. Whether you just want to save money, aren’t fussed with having the latest iPhone, or you simply prefer the colour options of the iPhone 17 Pro series, now’s a great time to take advantage of any offers.

Buying outright

If you want to buy outright, then Amazon and Optus are great options, although if you’d prefer to shop at the former, you’ll want to hurry as the retailer doesn’t have stock of all sizes and all colours.

The standout offer has to be a 9% saving on the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) in Cosmic Orange, now AU$1,995. The same phone is also available in Silver for the same price.

If you’d prefer the smaller iPhone 17 Pro, Amazon no longer has stock of the base 256GB variant. Instead, the most affordable option is 512GB for AU$2,197 in Deep Blue, or AU$2,229 in Cosmic Orange.

Alternatively, you could get the 256GB iPhone 17 Pro from a retailer such as The Good Guys, and pair it with Optus’ Small plan, or any of our other highly recommended SIM-only plans.

With a telco

Optus arguably has some tempting offers of its own. Not only can you split the cost of either the iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone 17 Pro Max into monthly interest-free instalments over up to 36 months, but all colours and storage sizes are in stock.

And, for a limited time, you can pair either iPhone with Optus’ Small plan, which has currently been reduced to just AU$39/m while the included data has increased from 60GB to 100GB. These benefits only apply to the first 12 months, after which the plan reverts to its regular AU$60/m for 60GB data β€” at this point, I’d recommend you check out the best SIM-only mobile plans for a more affordable option.

If you’re able to, it’s cheapest to pay the device off over 12 months, as you can see in the table below.

Repayment

Device/month

Months 1-12

After month 12

Total during device term

12 months

AU$166.56

AU$205.56/m

Device paid off

AU$2,466.72

24 months

AU$83.28

AU$122.28/m

AU$142.28/m x 12

AU$3,186.72

36 months

AU$55.52

AU$94.52/m

AU$115.20/m x 24

AU$3,906.72

However, if you intend to remain on that Optus plan for three years anyway, all three options cost exactly the same over 36 months: AU$3,906.72. With the 12-month option, you'd simply pay $205.56/month for year one, then $60/month for years two and three.

Vodafone also has some attractive offers, with monthly device payments for the iPhone 17 Pro starting at AU$47.18/m. Once again, you’ll spend the least amount of money if you pay off over 12 months.

Repayment

Device/month

Months 1-12

After month 12

Total during device term

12 months

AU$141.58

AU$186.58

Device paid off

AU$2,238.72

24 months

AU$70.79

AU$115.79/m

AU$128.79/m x 12

AU$2,934.72

36 months

AU$47.18

AU$92.18

AU$105.18/m x 24

AU$3,630.72

This is just a snapshot of the iPhone 17 Pro offers available right now, but if you want to take advantage, you’ll need to be quick, because once stock has gone, it’s gone.

Verizon voice services were down for some β€” here's everything we know

While it wasn't as widespread as the massive Verizon outage in January 2026, the big red carrier did experience an issue that primarily impacted voice services in the United States.

Starting at about 4 PM ET reports on services like DownDetector began spiking for Verizon, with comments on the site and on social media reporting that folks were having issues making calls. I'm even seeing this on my iPhone 17 Pro Max, which is connected to Visible β€” a Verizon MVNO β€” with many calls still failing.

At its height, DownDetector showed over 13,000 reports of issues with Verizon, while other carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T were also seeing spikes. Verizon's Support account on X (formerly Twitter) was first to respond to some customers, confirming an issue "impacting voice services for wireless customers in some parts of the U.S."

More than 3 hours later, Verizon confirmed that the issue was resolved, in a statement writing: "Our engineers have resolved the issue that affected voice services for some wireless customers this afternoon.Β  We know how much you rely on us, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience.Β  If you are still having any trouble with your service, please try restarting your device."

Ahead, you can read our live reporting on Verizon's issues that impacted voice services for many of its customers across the United States from about 4PM ET through 7:30PM ET on August 8, 2026.

Verizon confirms an issue on X

While Verizon hasn't listed an active issue on its site yet, the carrier is responding to individual accounts noting service issues. Responding to one user on X, the @VerizonSupport account writes, "We are aware of an issue impacting voice services for wireless customers in some parts of the U.S. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and resolve the issue."

We are aware of an issue impacting voice services for wireless customers in some parts of the U.S. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and resolve the issue. Please visit our Check Network Status page for updates on service in your area. We know how…August 8, 2026

I'm in New Jersey with an iPhone connected to Visible, and I'm experiencing voice issues, specifically when trying to make or receive calls. These ultimately result in a "Call Failed" response, but I still have four bars of service, and LTE or 5G remains functional.

Many Verizon customers experiencing issues, though, are taking to social platforms like X from Virginia and Western New York. It's not just the Northeast, either, as the outage appears to be impacting much of the East Coast.

@Verizon why can’t we call out in? Phones in Virginia are not workingAugust 8, 2026

This is about to be the last straw tbh @VerizonAugust 8, 2026

@Verizon you service is really bad in area code 716 todayAugust 8, 2026

Verizon's system issue is mainly impacting phone calls, not data or internet

As far as we can tell, the issue impacting Verizon today is mainly hindering phone calls. I've experienced it on Visible, as has my colleague Lance Ulanoff, who's on Verizon, as have many other impacted users who are taking to social media to post about issues with the carrier.

Internet works, but can’t make a phone call. Nightmare considering what Verizon chargesAugust 8, 2026

The post above hits the issue squarely on the head right now – this user is on Verizon, and internet likely over 5G or LTE is working, but is unable to make phone calls.

Seriously @Verizon. Another Outage in Michigan pic.twitter.com/2hbgeGdqoPAugust 8, 2026

Let us know if you're impacted by the Verizon voice outage

If you're on Verizon, Visible, or another carrier, vote in the poll below to let us know whether you're currently affected by this voice service issue. Feel free to comment down below as well and let us know what issue you're experiencing.

Verizon confirms an active 'Voice Issue'

Now, if you navigate to Verizon's site and check for outages, there is now some language confirming a voice issue if you're in an impacted area. That's good news, as it's always mission-critical for carriers to be responsive and communicative during an outage like this.

Verizon Voice Issue

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

And here's what it looks like on an iPhone that's connected to Verizon when the call fails, and this screenshot is from my colleague Lance, but I'm also experiencing the same error – albeit after it tries for a few seconds – in New Jersey on Visible.

Verizon call fail

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

While many reports of issues making or receiving phone calls with Verizon were originally in the Northeast and on the East Coast, it appears to be a more widespread issue as more users have begun posting on social media from places like Nashville, Michigan, and Chicago.

Let us know in the comments below if you're impacted by this Verizon issue.

Me too in NashvilleAugust 8, 2026

Are you experiencing the Verizon outage? What to know as more than 10,000 users reported issues with their wireless servicehttps://t.co/G5EMMOE616August 8, 2026

Verizon is down. My sister keeps calling me, talking for a few secs and the call drops. She has done this 10x ( so far). I told her Verizon is down. I texted her that Verizon is down and she (boomer) keeps asking me how to make her phone work. I finally told her to shut it off &…August 8, 2026

Reports on Down Detector are starting to drop

While at the height of this issue with Verizon, we saw many reports on social platforms like X and over 13,000 reports on Down Detector; reports on the latter are now sitting at under 10,000, at 9,367. That does show that Verizon's voice service might be starting to recover, and at the same time, my colleague Lance was just able to make two successful phone calls on his iPhone connected to Verizon.

That's good news and hopefully an effect that can trickle across those experiencing issues. We're still waiting for an update from Verizon on X or on its own site noting the issue is resolved, but the carrier has made it clear it is working on it. fix.

Verizon Down Detector Reports

(Image credit: Future)

Verizon's engineers are 'working quickly to identify and resolve the issue'

Verizon responded to our inquiry and has confirmed an active issue "impacting voice services" for its customers in the United States.

The full statement reads: β€œWe are aware of an issue impacting voice services for wireless customers in some parts of the U.S. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and resolve the issue. Please visit our Check Network Status page for updates on service in your area. We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate your patience.”

There's no exact word on what started this issue or an ETA for when service might return to normal, but the carrier has its engineers actively working on it, and for some, it seems the network is starting to rebound. Let us know if you're still being impacted in the comments below.

Verizon's making progress on the issue, and suggests 'restarting your phone' if you're still having issues

Verizon shared another update with this, and it mentions a classic recommendation during any outages – the old adage of restarting your device.

The full statement reads: "Verizon engineers are making progress on an issue impacting voice services for some wireless customers. If your service is still impacted, we recommend restarting your device. We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience some of our customers experienced today. Our team is continuing to work non-stop until this issue is fully resolved. Please visit our Check Network Status page for updates on service in your area."

Restarting the device might help get your device back online while Verizon's engineers work toward a full resolution of the carrier's voice services for impacted customers. It does seem that for some, though, the network is coming back.

I have Verizon as well and service was streaky today. It’s better now though.August 8, 2026

Verizon says the issue is resolved

Well, along with Down Detector reports dropping to well under 1,000 and with fewer posts about Verizon being down or experiencing an outage on X and Threads, Verizon has confirmed the issue that impacted voice service for its customers is now resolved.

The statement reads: "Our engineers have resolved the issue that affected voice services for some wireless customers this afternoon. We know how much you rely on us, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience. If you are still having any trouble with your service, please try restarting your device."

That's excellent news and arrives about three and a half hours after issues with making phone calls began spiking, and more than 13,000 reported issues later. Verizon isn't sharing what caused the issue today, though; if you're still experiencing an issue, the carrier does suggest restarting your device. Service for my iPhone on Visible – a Verizon MVNO – and for Lance's iPhone on Verizon has returned to normal, so I do hope it's working again for you if you were experiencing an issue.

Additionally, Verizon isn't saying anything about compensation or credit for today's outage, though it is clear that it was pretty widespread for phone call issues.

O2 to begin UK 2G switchoff in 2029, and that means you might need a new smart meter

24 June 2026 at 09:50
  • O2's 2G networks set to be pulled from 2029 in line with industry
  • 4G and 5G networks are more secure and more efficient
  • Some IoT and connected systems still use 2G

Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) has become the latest UK mobile operator to announce plans to shut down its legacy 2G networks, beginning in 2029.

At the same time, VMO2 said not having to look after 2G networks will free up more resources to look after, and improve, 4G and 5G network capacity, speeds and reliability.

The company already started shutting down its 3G networks in 2025, with a national cutoff planned as soon as this year, but 2G networks remained open in the meantime.

VMO2 to start pulling 2G networks from 2029

EE is also turning off its 2G networks from 2029, with VodafoneThree following suit in 2030.

While VMO2 promises to warn customers to help them identify affected devices and migrate to more modern networks, most smartphone users are unlikely to notice an impact because modern smartphones rely on 4G and 5G networks instead.

But IoT devices, smart meters, payment terminals, alarm systems and other crucial infrastructure has traditionally used 2G networks.

"While most customers won’t need to take any action at all, some businesses might need to start planning for this now," CTO Jeanie York explained.

The industry-wide 2G shutdown ultimately falls under government plans to strengthen telecoms security, following concerns over supply chain risks, cyberattacks and the general security of critical national infrastructure.

VMO2 also disclosed the environmental benefits of the shutdown. Though its 2G networks only carry 0.5% of all VMO2 mobile network traffic, it accounts for more than 10% of the company’s total cell site energy consumption. The company declared that its 4G and 5G networks are 10x more efficient.

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Don’t overspend on your mobile plan β€” these 5 EOFY deals on SIM-only plans will give you more data for less

The end-of-financial-year sales have seen many smartphone deals across flagship, mid-range and budget handsets, including some rare discounts on the current iPhone 17 range.

If you splurged on a new phone during the sales, you may be interested in signing up for a new SIM-only plan if you bought one outright, especially if you’re not 100% happy with your current provider.

Even if you didn’t buy a new phone, it can still pay to shop around for a new SIM-only plan, as you may find one that fits your needs better than your current one. You could be paying for a ton of data with your current provider that goes unused, for example. Or maybe you’d benefit from having international calls included in your monthly price.

Given how competitive the telco market is currently, providers are jostling for your attention β€” whether it’s generous mobile data allowances, discounts on the monthly plan fees or inclusions like international calls and texts β€” and it would be a good idea to take full advantage.

The best part is, unless your current plan is tied up with a mobile phone, it’s so easy to switch providers. If the promotional plan discount of the SIM-only plan you signed up has just wrapped up, you can easily swap to a different provider that’s offering its own discounted plan with next to zero hassle.

I’ve put together a list below of the best SIM-only plans I’ve spotted this EOFY across a range of use cases and budgets, with all the inclusions and discounts:

Best value EOFY SIM-only plan

TPG Large Plan | 100GB | AU$22.50 per 28-day renewal (first six renewals, then AU$45 per renewal)

While we’ve usually spruiked the TPG plan that’s a step down from this one (50GB data for AU$17.50 per month) as the best value SIM-only deal, getting 100GB of mobile data for AU$22.50 is an outright steal, even if it’s just for the first 6 months. Unlike many of the SIM-only plans at this price range, you get access to the full Vodafone 5G network, bringing with it added benefits of extended coverage and faster download speeds. One perk also worth mentioning is the inclusion of unlimited international calls and texts to 31 destinations. Do note is that this is a 28-day plan, which means you’ll have 13 payments each year.

Total minimum cost: AU$22.50
Total cost for first year: AU$405
Ongoing yearly cost: AU$540View Deal

Best cheap EOFY SIM-only plan

Swoop Mobile | 30GB | AU$12.40 p/m (first 6 months, then AU$24.90 p/m)

There are cheaper plans than this, but this entry-level offering from Swoop Mobile not only provides 30GB of mobile data, but it also uses Vodafone’s 5G and 4G networks, which is rare at this price point. You also get unlimited national calls and texts at this price.

Total minimum cost: AU$12.40
Total cost for first year: AU$223.80
Ongoing yearly cost: AU$298.80View Deal

Best EOFY SIM-only plan on the Telstra network

Exetel PlusOne eSIM plan | 130GB | AU$40p/m

Exetel has only a single mobile plan offering, but the brand nails the brief perfectly with a great value option on the Telstra 5G network (with speeds capped at 150Mbps). You get a generous 130GB of data each month, unlimited international calls to 15 countries including the UK and US, and the ability to bank up to 1000GB of data. And all this for just AU$40 per recharge (30 days). Do note that this plan is only available with an eSIM, so you'll first need to check if your phone is compatible.

Total minimum cost: AU$40
Total yearly cost: AU$480View Deal

Best EOFY high-data SIM-only plan

Vodafone Large Plan | 400GB | AU$36.50 (first 6 months, then AU$73p/m)

Of the big 3 Aussie telcos, Vodafone has regularly provided the best value, and the mere fact that the brand made it to this list means that it can compete with MVNOs in certain price points. Vodafone is offering 50% off plan fees for the first 6 months, making the 400GB Large Plan, at less than AU$40 per month, the best high-data SIM-only plan this EOFY. To sweeten the pot further, you also get unlimited minutes to 'Zone 1' nations and 300 minutes to 'Zone 2' nations. To see which countries are available, you can learn more about international calls with Vodafone.

Total minimum cost: AU$36.50
Total cost for first year: AU$657
Ongoing yearly cost: AU$876View Deal

Best EOFY long expiry SIM-only plan

Lyca Mobile Large | 900GB | AU$220 (first 12 months, then AU$480)

Lyca Mobile's Large plan has long been TechRadar’s favourite long-term expiry plan, especially now the included data has increased from 600GB to 900GB (although the price did also increase from AU$175 to AU$220 for the first 12 months). Granted, the ongoing cost after the first year is quite pricey, but you at least have the option to shop around for a different promo on a long-expiry plan afterwards. The mobile data will be provisioned in 75GB instalments each month, which can be helpful in case you accidentally use too much data in a single month. You'll also receive international minutes to 35 destinations with this plan.

Total minimum cost: AU$220
First year cost: AU$220
Ongoing yearly cost: AU$480View Deal

More of the best SIM-only plans

Keen to shop around more? Check out the most popular SIM-only plans in the widget below:

Vodafone Australia's mobile network has been resolved β€” here's what to do if you still can't make calls

One of Australia's biggest mobile networks was down for a few hours, with Vodafone confirming that many of its customers were experiencing "intermittent issues" β€” but normal services have since been restored.

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