Apple iPhone 7 SA launch date, price set

Update: For a look at prepaid pricing in South Africa have a look at our price roundup here.

The iStore has announced that it will be launching the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in South Africa on 14 October.

As for a price, the chain revealed that pricing will start at R12 999 for the 32GB iPhone 7, R14 999 for the 128GB model and R16 999 for the 256GB variant.

Prefer the Plus-sized iPhone? Then you’ll be spending R15 499 for the 32GB model, R17 499 for the 128GB variant and R19 499 for the 256GB option.

The store chain will also offer cellular contracts across all four networks for those wanting to get a plan as well.

The iPhone 7 SA launch is set for 14 October, and pricing seems in line with the likes of Samsung

As for standout features, both phones are IP67 water-resistant and powered by a super-powerful A10 quad-core chip, marking the first time Apple uses a big.LITTLE architecture of sorts (two high-powered cores and two energy-efficient cores). Both phones also feature a 12MP f/1.8 main camera, offering a larger aperture and better low-light performance on paper than last year’s models.

But the iPhone 7 Plus jumps on the dual camera bandwagon, offering a 12MP telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom and Huawei-style depth-of-field effects (check out some samples here).

Easily the most controversial move was Apple’s decision to ditch the 3.5mm audio jack however, but the company is including an adapter in the box.

Apple Watch Series 2 is coming as well

The iStore has also announced that the Apple Watch Series 2, which was unveiled on the same night as the iPhone 7, will be released in South Africa on 14 October.

The retailer will also be packing the “full range of interchangeable bands”.

Pricing starts at R6899 for the 38mm Aluminium model, followed by R7499 for the 42mm Aluminium watch, R9999 for the 38mm Stainless Steel model and R10 999 for the 42mm Stainless Steel variant.

The Apple Watch Series 1 isn’t “swim-proof” but packs some decent features anyway

Don’t want to spend that much money? Then the Series 1 watch might be for you instead, packing the same processor but being the same design as the original watch.

The Series 1 starts at R4999 for the 38mm Aluminium watch, but a 42mm Aluminium device is also available for R5999.

Got more money than sense? Then the ceramic Apple Watch Edition is available for R22 999 (38mm) and R23 999 (42mm).

And yes, users can trade in their 38mm or 42mm Apple Watch Sport and get discounts of up to R2000 and R2500 respectively.