At a Glance
- iPhone 17 now available with trade-in credits up to $650 and carrier offers that can make the phone free.
- iPhone 16 lineup offers discounts of up to $899 when combined with trade-ins or carrier upgrades.
- Older models like the iPhone 15 and 14 still have sizable savings, especially through carrier trade-in programs and installment plans.
Why it matters: These deals let you upgrade to a newer iPhone while keeping costs low, turning a large purchase into a series of manageable monthly payments or even a free phone.
The latest iPhone releases have sparked a wave of discounts from Apple and carriers. Whether you’re eyeing the newest iPhone 17 or looking for a bargain on older models, there are plenty of ways to cut the price. Below is a rundown of the most attractive offers, grouped by generation.
iPhone 17 Deals
Apple lists the base model at $799, the Pro at $1,099 and the Pro Max at $1,199, while the ultra-thin Air starts at $999. Trade-in credit can reach $650 when you exchange a recent Apple device, and you’ll also receive 3 % cash back if you pay with an Apple Card.
Carriers offer even deeper discounts:
| Carrier | Plan Requirement | Trade-in Value | Resulting Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Experience More or Go5G Plus | Up to $1,100 | Base, Pro, and Air free |
| AT&T | Any trade-in | $130-$700 off | Basic iPhone 17 for $4/month |
| AT&T | $230+ trade-in | $1,100 off | Pro Max for about $3/month |
| Verizon | Unlimited plan | Up to $1,200 off | Free Pro if eligible Unlimited |
| Best Buy | Trade-in | Up to $1,100 | No unlocked models available |
All discounts are applied as bill credits spread over 24-36 months. If you cancel early, the remaining balance is due immediately.
iPhone 16 Deals
The iPhone 16 series sees the biggest savings on older devices. Apple will give up to $650 for any trade-in, and you can add 3 % cash back with an Apple Card.
Carriers can boost the discount:
- T-Mobile: Experience Beyond plan gives the entire 16 series for free with any trade-in.
- T-Mobile: Experience More plan offers up to $830 off; other plans up to $300.
- AT&T: Installment plans can save up to $442; switching to an unlimited plan can save up to $800.
- Verizon: Unlimited Ultimate plan offers $730 (basic) to $1,100 (Pro Max) off, applied over 36 months.
The trade-in value depends on the device’s age and condition, with Apple’s own trade-in program often giving the highest credit.
iPhone 16E Deals
The budget-friendly 16E still has generous offers. Apple’s trade-in credit can reach $650, potentially making the 128 GB model free if you trade in an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Carrier deals include:
- T-Mobile: Switching numbers can earn up to $800, making the basic 16E free with a trade-in and new line.
- Verizon: Unlimited Plus or Ultimate lines give $600 off, freeing the 128 GB model.
- AT&T: Installment plans can drop the price to just $2/month with a $528 discount and no trade-in required.
- Boost Mobile: Unlimited Premium plan ($60/month) can get a new 16E for about $100.
All bill credits are spread over 36 months.
iPhone 15 Deals
The iPhone 15 lineup launched in September 2023. Although it’s two generations old, it still offers value.
- Verizon: Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate plans give $630 off with no trade-in.
- T-Mobile: The 15 Pro and Pro Max are sold out, but the basic model can be free with a new line and trade-in or a number transfer.
- Best Buy: No direct discounts, but its trade-in program can save $100 if you sign up for Verizon or AT&T.
All purchases include two free months of Apple TV Plus and three free months of Apple Fitness Plus, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade for new or returning subscribers.
iPhone 14 Deals
The iPhone 14 series remains popular. The base model is still available on Back Market, a refurbished marketplace that guarantees a one-year warranty.
- Best Buy: $80 off select configurations and a trade-in program for extra savings.
- Verizon: No new 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max in stock, but refurbished units are available.
Because Apple discontinued the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max in September 2023, new units are hard to find, but refurbished options keep the price low.
How We Choose the Best iPhone Deals
We evaluate offers by looking for direct discounts, trade-in programs, and carrier bonuses. Direct price reductions and bill-credit plans are preferred because they lower the upfront cost and keep the total payment predictable. We avoid promotions that rely on hidden fees or complex conditions.
We also cross-check trade-in values from Apple’s website against third-party retailers to ensure you get the highest credit. Finally, we factor in any additional perks, such as free streaming months or Apple Card cash back, to gauge the overall value.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 17 can be free on several carriers if you trade in a recent device.
- The iPhone 16 offers the deepest discounts when combined with a trade-in or a plan upgrade.
- Older models like the iPhone 15 and 14 still provide good value, especially through carrier trade-in programs.
- Always compare trade-in offers from Apple and third-party retailers before purchasing.
- Look for carrier plans that spread the discount over 24-36 months to keep monthly payments low.
