Major carriers are slashing prices on the just-released iPhone 17, with some offers making the base model completely free when you trade in an old device.
At a Glance
- iPhone 17 base model can be had for $0 through T-Mobile or AT&T with qualifying trade-in
- Up to $1,100 off the 17 Pro/Pro Max at AT&T and Verizon with any-condition trade-in worth $230+
- iPhone 16 inventory clearing, driving deep discounts on Apple’s 2024 lineup
- Why it matters: You can walk away with Apple’s latest flagship-or a still-current older model-without paying full retail
iPhone 17: How to Get It Free
Apple lists the entry iPhone 17 at $799, the 17 Pro at $1,099, and the 17 Pro Max at $1,199, but carrier promotions wipe out most of that cost.
T-Mobile gives $900 off (free base model) when you:
- Trade in any device
- Add a new line or switch to an Experience More/Go5G Plus plan
- Stay for 24 monthly bill credits
AT&T offers up to $830 off any iPhone 17 with a trade-in valued at $130+, or up to $1,100 off the Pro models with a trade-in worth $230+. Credits stretch over 36 months.
Verizon mirrors the $1,100 max and adds a $50 promo card plus free two-day shipping (code 2DAYSHIP) when you activate a new Unlimited line-no trade-in required on some plans.
Apple direct shoppers receive up to $670 trade-in credit and 3% cash back with an Apple Card.
iPhone 16: Steeper Markdowns as Stock Clears
Retailers are clearing iPhone 16 shelves, pushing aggressive deals:
- T-Mobile: up to $1,100 off with Experience Beyond plan and trade-in, or four free phones when you open four new Essentials lines
- Verizon: save $730-$900 across the lineup when you add an Unlimited line
- AT&T: up to $442 off on installment with eligible unlimited plan
- Apple: up to $670 trade-in or up to $899 when Apple connects you to a carrier
iPhone 16E, 15 & 14: Budget Options Still Available
iPhone 16E deals
- AT&T: $2 per month (reg. $16) via 36 bill credits-no trade-in needed
- Verizon: 128GB model free with Unlimited Plus/Ultimate new line
- T-Mobile: free with number switch or new line + trade-in
- Apple: up to $670 trade-in; older iPhones net bigger values
iPhone 15 deals
- No direct Apple sales; carrier stock dwindling
- Verizon: $630 off with new Unlimited line (no trade-in)
- T-Mobile: basic model free with new line + trade-in or number port
- Best Buy: $100 off when activating on Verizon/AT&T plus trade-in value
iPhone 14 deals
- Apple and carriers no longer stock Pro/Pro Max new
- Best Buy: $80 off remaining iPhone 14 configs; trade-in accepted
- Back Market: refurbished basic iPhone 14 from $329 with 1-year warranty
| Model | Typical Price | Best Current Deal | Effective Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $799 | T-Mobile/AT&T trade-in | $0 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | AT&T/Verizon trade-in | ~$3/mo |
| iPhone 16 Pro | $999 | T-Mobile (Beyond plan) | $0 |
| iPhone 16E | $599 | AT&T installment | $2/mo |
| iPhone 15 | $699 | Verizon Unlimited add | $69 |
Key Takeaways
- Free iPhone 17 is real: trade-in + new line on T-Mobile or qualifying AT&T plan
- iPhone 16 clearance means bigger discounts without the newest-model premium
- 16E offers the cheapest entry into current-gen Apple silicon, often free with bill credits
- Older iPhone 15/14 units remain budget-friendly but stock is shrinking fast
- All major carrier deals require 24- or 36-month installment agreements; cancel early and you’ll owe the balance
Act quickly if you want Apple’s latest silicon for zero dollars-carrier offers can change without notice.
