When and where to buy the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

There are two new iPhone models that will be available for purchase soon. The iPhone 6 is equipped with a 4.7-inch Retina display, while the larger iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina display. In addition to being slimmer and lighter, both models also include a 64-bit A8 processor with improved graphics, an improved 8-megapixel rear camera, improved battery life, and an NFC chip that allows you to use the phone to make payments.

Here's everything you need to know about getting your hands on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus:

When and where
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available on Friday, September 19, with preorders set to begin on Friday,September 12.September 12.

Apple
Apple is scheduled to open its retail stores at 8 a.m. local time on September 19, however the launch of new iPhones usually results in long lines and massive crowds. The best bet would be to preorder the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus directly from Apple's online store on September 12.

Carriers
Apple's website can quickly become overwhelmed by the thousands of eager customers looking to purchase a new smartphone. You may find it easier to preorder one of Apple's new phones from your wireless carrier's website or store.

Verizon
Verizon will give you a $200 gift card when you trade in an old iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, or iPhone 5c, and purchase a new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus with a new Verizon Edge agreement, two-year contract, or when you pay full retail price. Owners of the iPhone 5S get an even better deal. The carrier will reward you with a $300 Verizon gift card if you trade in your old iPhone 5s. Verizon will open preorders for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus online at 12:01 a.m. PDT on September 12.

Sprint
Sprint announced a new "iPhone for Life Plan" that includes unlimited data for $50 a month. The plan, which is available to new and existing customers, is unique in that you "lease" the iPhone from Sprint. The iPhone 6 with 16GB of storage can be leased from the carrier for $0 down and $20 a month, bringing the total cost for the phone and plan to $70 a month.

The 16GB iPhone 6 Plus model can be leased from Sprint for $0 down and $25 a month. The interesting thing about the iPhone for Life Plan is that it "guarantees" a new iPhone every 24 months. This is the first time a national US carrier has offered a leasing option, which Sprint claims is the "most economical way to get an iPhone 6 today." The iPhone for Life Plan lease pricing is available for all models of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Both devices will also be available on Sprint's "Framily" plans starting at $30 a month for the iPhone 6 and on the company's traditional two-year contracts. The iPhone 6 will be available for $199 with a new two-year agreement, while the iPhone 6 Plus starts at $299. Preorders for both devices begin on online on September 12 at 2 a.m. CDT.

Editors' Note, September 10, 2014: Verizon and Sprint have confirmed that both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will be available for preorder on September 12. While we assume that AT&T and T-Mobile will also have the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus for preorder, they have not yet confirmed it to us. We have reached out to both carriers and will update this article when we get clarification.

AT&T
AT&T has created a landing page for the iPhone 6 and invites viewers to sign up to be learn more. The carrier, however, has not yet announced any pricing information. AT&T will open preorders for the iPhone 6 online at 12:01 a.m. PDT on September 12.

T-Mobile
T-Mobile will also offer Apple's new iPhones in-store and online on September 19. The company will begin taking preorders for the iPhone 6 online on September 12 (presumably at 12:01 a.m. PDT). Those interested in being reminded to preorder the device can signup on T-Mobile's website.

Retailers
You can sometimes find even better savings when buying from major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Sam's Club. While they have offered Apple's new iPhones in the past, none of these retailers have announced release or pricing information.

Best Buy
Best Buy will carry both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus starting on Friday, September 19. Phones can be purchased either through monthly installment plans or two-year contracts from Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. Best Buy will open preorders for the iPhone 6 in-store and online on Friday, September 12.

Customers trading in their iPhone 5S on AT&T Next, Sprint Easy Pay, or Verizon Edge will pay $0 down for a new iPhone 6 and receive a $300 Best Buy gift card. Those customers trading in their iPhone 5S on a two-year plan with AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon will receive a free 16GB iPhone 6 model and a $100 Best Buy gift card.

The retailer is also offering a $125 gift card when you trade in a working iPhone 4S and "standard Trade-In value" for the iPhone 5. The promotion runs from September 19 through September 27.

RadioShack
RadioShack stores will begin accepting preorders for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on September 12. The retailer will also be offering both models with a free $50 iTunes gift card in RadioShack stores on September 19. Customers trading in an older iPhone model in working condition will receive a minimum of $100 for their device and up to $300 depending on the model. RadioShack's iTunes gift card promotion will run until September 27.

Options
Storage and color
Both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus will be offered in three different color combinations: gold with white accents, silver with gray accents, and space gray with gray accents. The device will also be available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage models.

Pricing
The iPhone 6 will be offered with 16GB of storage for $199, with 64GB for $299, and with 128GB for $399. Of course all of these prices are provided you sign up for a new two-year agreement with one of the carriers that offer the phone. Off-contract and unlocked prices are $649, $749, and $849 for the 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB models, respectively.

The iPhone 6 Plus will be available for $299 with 16GB of storage, $399 with 64GB, and $499 with 128GB. The phone can be had without a contract or unlocked for $749, $849, and $949 for the 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB models, respectively.

International
Both devices will be available through all major networks in the UK. An unlocked and SIM-free iPhone 6 with 16GB of storage will cost £539, with 64GB for £619, and with 128GB for £699. An unlocked and SIM-free iPhone 6 Plus can be had for £619 with 16GB of storage, £699 with 64GB, and £789 with 128GB.

In Australia, an unlocked and SIM-free iPhone 6 with 16GB of storage will cost AU$869, AU$999 for the 64GB model, and AU$1,129 for the 128GB model. An unlocked and SIM-free iPhone 6 Plus will start at AU$999 for the 16GB model, while the 64GB and 128GB will run you AUD$1,129 and AUD$1,249, respectively.