At a Glance
- Up to $1,100 trade-in credit can make an iPhone 17 free.
- Multiple carriers offer the iPhone 17 series at no cost with a new line or trade-in.
- The base iPhone 17 starts at $799.
Why it matters: These offers let shoppers save up to $1,100 and potentially get a flagship phone for free.
The Apple iPhone 17 series launched with a fresh lineup that includes the standard iPhone 17, the ultrathin iPhone Air, and the high-end iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. While the new phones keep the premium price Apple is known for, a variety of carriers and Apple itself are offering generous trade-in credits and free-phone promotions that can bring the cost down to almost nothing.
iPhone 17 Series Overview
The iPhone 17 lineup introduces the iPhone 17 series with an A19 chip in the base model and an A19 Pro chip in the Pro models. Storage starts at 256 GB for the Pro models, double the 128 GB base of the previous generation. iOS 26 brings a minimalistic Liquid Glass interface, released on Sept. 15, but light and dark mode remain available.
Pricing and Colors
| Model | Starting Price | Available Colors |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | $799 | Lavender, mist blue, sage, white, black |
| iPhone Air | $999 | Space black, cloud white, light gold, sky blue |
| iPhone 17 Pro | $1,099 | Silver, cosmic orange, deep blue |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | $1,199 | Silver, cosmic orange, deep blue |
Trade-In and Carrier Deals
Apple offers trade-in credit of $40-$650 when you bring in an iPhone 13 Pro or newer. The Apple Card gives an additional 3 % cash back on purchases.
Carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Boost Mobile provide enhanced trade-in credits that can reach $1,100 on qualifying devices. These credits are applied as monthly bill credits over 24 to 36 months, depending on the plan.
Carrier-Specific Offers
| Carrier | Plan | Credit on Trade-In | How it Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Unlimited Premium | $830 off any iPhone 17 | Trade in a qualifying phone and add or upgrade a line. |
| AT&T | Unlimited Premium | $1,100 off iPhone 17 | 36-month bill credits after trading in an iPhone 14 Pro Max or newer. |
| T-Mobile | Experience Beyond / Go5G Next | Free iPhone 17 | Trade in an eligible phone and add a new line. |
| T-Mobile | Other plans | Up to $300 credit | Trade in an eligible phone. |
| Verizon | Unlimited Ultimate | Up to $1,100 off iPhone 17 | 36-month bill credits after trade-in. |
| Boost Mobile | Infinite Access for iPhone | $830 off iPhone 17 | Pay in full for a free year of service. |
How to Maximize Savings
- Check the trade-in value of your current phone. Devices newer than the iPhone 13 Pro can earn up to $650 directly from Apple.
- Choose a carrier plan that matches the credit offered. Unlimited plans typically provide the highest credits.
- Add a new line or upgrade an existing line to qualify for the free-phone offers.
- Pay the bill credits over the plan’s term to spread the discount.
- Consider pre-paying the phone if you want a free year of service, especially with Boost Mobile.
### Key Takeaways
- Up to $1,100 in trade-in credits can effectively make an iPhone 17 free.
- The base iPhone 17 starts at $799, while the Pro Max begins at $1,199.
- Carrier plans vary; the most generous credits come from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Boost Mobile.
- Trade-in credits are applied as monthly bill credits, so the savings are spread over 24-36 months.
- For those who prefer no contract, retailers offer trade-in programs that give gift cards instead of bill credits.
If you’re ready to upgrade, review the latest carrier offers and calculate the total cost after credits. With the right plan, you can enjoy a brand-new iPhone 17 series device for a fraction of the list price.
