Makro is a South African warehouse retailer that sells cellphone contracts in-store alongside its general range. An iPhone 13 contract bought there is underwritten by a partner network — the store handles the sale, the network provides the service and holds the contract.
The iPhone 13 is now several generations old, which usually makes it one of the cheaper routes into a still-supported iPhone. At a warehouse retailer it may appear as remaining stock or as part of a periodic promotion rather than as a permanent line.
Availability is therefore the first question, and price the second.
Compare options
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Whether the model is currently stocked | Older iPhones come and go at general retailers |
| Which network provides the contract | Determines coverage and contract terms |
| Storage size | The iPhone 13 was sold in several sizes; retailers often carry one |
| Total contract cost | Monthly instalment × term, plus upfront |
| Handset condition | New or certified pre-owned |
| Store promotion | Warehouse retailers run periodic offers that can beat network pricing |
| Membership requirements | Some warehouse retailers require membership to purchase |
| After-sales route | Whether faults go to the store, the network or Apple |
Retailer stock and promotions on older iPhone models change frequently. Confirm current availability, the exact storage size and the total contract cost in-store before signing.
Compare by network, brand or budget
By network. Confirm which network is behind the deal and check its coverage at your address. Then price the same iPhone 13 directly with that network — the retailer’s promotion may or may not beat it. See MTN, Telkom or Vodacom iPhone 13 deals.
By model. Compare against the iPhone 14 and 15 before settling. Where the monthly gap is small, the newer model is generally the better 24-month commitment. See iPhone 14 contract deals.
By budget. At a warehouse retailer the promotion is the variable. If a deal looks strong, calculate the total rather than judging on the monthly figure.
Best-fit use cases
Use-case considerations
You shop there anyway and a promotion is running. The clearest case — convenience plus a real saving.
You want a still-supported iPhone at a lower monthly cost. The iPhone 13 supports 5G and continues to receive iOS updates, generally below current-model pricing.
You want the mainstream configuration. If the standard storage size suits you, a general retailer usually covers it.
You want a specific storage size or colour. Weaker fit — an Apple specialist or network store is more likely to have it. See iStore contract deals.
You are trading in an old handset. General retailers rarely match Apple-specialist trade-in programmes. Get quotes from both.
You want in-store setup. Varies considerably at general retailers; ask before buying.
Related parent and child options
Related child pages
- iPhone contract providers South Africa — every route to an iPhone contract.
- Makro contract deals — the retailer’s wider contract range.
- iPhone contract deals — all iPhone models across networks.
- Contract deals South Africa — the national hub.
What to check before applying
- Whether the iPhone 13 is currently in stock, and in which storage size.
- Which network provides the contract, and coverage at your address.
- Total contract cost — monthly × term, plus any upfront amount.
- Handset condition — new or certified pre-owned — and the warranty.
- Whether membership is required to purchase.
- Data, minutes and SMS included in the plan.
- Whether the same deal is cheaper direct from the network.
- Where a faulty handset goes for repair.
- Returns policy and cooling-off period.
- Early cancellation terms.
Contract applications are subject to the credit provider’s checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and a credit and affordability assessment. Requirements vary and can change, so confirm before travelling to a store. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Does Makro sell iPhone contracts?
Warehouse and general retailers commonly sell cellphone contracts in-store in partnership with mobile networks. Which models are carried varies by branch and by promotion, so check current availability directly.
Is the iPhone 13 cheaper at a warehouse retailer?
Sometimes, when a promotion is running. It is not automatic. Compare the total contract cost — monthly × term plus upfront — against the same handset bought direct from the network.
Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying?
It supports 5G and still receives iOS updates, which makes it a reasonable lower-cost choice. If the monthly gap to an iPhone 14 or 15 is small, the newer model generally suits a two-year commitment better.
Do I need a membership card to buy a contract?
Some warehouse retailers require membership for purchases. Confirm before travelling, and check whether membership carries a cost.
Which network will my contract be with?
Retailers partner with one or more networks, and that determines your coverage and contract terms. Ask which network is behind the specific deal before signing.
What if the phone develops a fault?
Depending on the arrangement, repairs may be handled by the retailer, the network or an Apple-authorised service provider. Establish this at the point of sale.
Compare your options: see iPhone contract providers to compare every route, or browse all iPhone contract deals.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.