The Best iPhone Deals and Upgrades

Looking for a deal on a new iPhone? You've come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll share tips on how to score the best iPhone deals, significantly reducing the cost of a new iPhone. We'll tell you how to:

• Score a free iPhone by trading in your current device
• How to time your iPhone search to maximize your savings
• What kind of trade-ins fetch the highest dollar amount from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
• Some fine print details to be on the lookout for before jumping for an iPhone deal

Whether you’re looking for the latest iPhone 16, last year’s iPhone 15 Pro Max, or an older iPhone model, here's everything you need to know about iPhone deals.

Tips on How To Find the Best iPhone Deals

As you look for the best iPhone deals on the market, you’ll want to keep a few key tips in mind.

Consider Your Needs

First, decide what you actually need from an iPhone deal. Are you looking to score the latest iPhone with all the most advanced features? Do you have an Apple trade-in phone? Deals and agreements will differ depending on what you want and what you have to trade in for it.

You’ll also be much more likely to find a discount deal for a new iPhone 16 compared to an older iPhone model like the iPhone 15, which came out a couple of years ago. Generally, more Apple deals are available with more recent iPhone models. However, older iPhone deals are also available as shown later in this article.

If a freebie on the latest Apple iPhone is what you’re after, many carriers offer free phones when you switch. Keep in mind, in addition to switching, you’re usually required to select a qualifying phone plan that you must stick with while the monthly free phone bill credits are applied to your account. Another way to land a free Apple iPhone can be to activate a new line with your existing carrier. 

Read the Fine Print

Always read the fine print of any deal. As noted, any given deal’s terms and conditions may require you to stick with the same carrier or provider for a certain time after activation. 

Similarly, many of the best iPhone deals require you to sign up for unlimited data plans. While these might just be right for you, they might be more than what you need. Calculate how much you’ll pay for these plans overall to determine whether an iPhone discount is worth it.

Time Your Search

For the best iPhone deals, you must time your search properly. In many cases, phone manufacturers and cell carriers offer the best deals and discounts for iPhones for a limited time in conjunction with new iPhone releases in the fall—particularly during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Christmas season. This way, carriers try to get more people to buy as many new phones as possible. 

Trade In Your Phone

If you want to get the best prices on Apple devices, you usually need to trade in an eligible device in working condition. Otherwise, you may have to pay full price for your new iOS device. The more recent your trade-in device is, the higher its value will be. To see what your trade-in phone is worth, try our Phone Deal Finder.

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Trade-Ins at Apple

Right now, Apple itself is offering special trade-in deals for those looking to upgrade to the new iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro from iPhone 15 and 15 Pro devices. You can purchase a new phone directly from Apple, taking advantage of in-store pickup or delivery options. Or, you can trade in your own Apple device to get up to $650 off your new purchase. For instance, an iPhone 11 is worth an estimated $200.

Do you have an Apple Card? If so, you can get another 3% back on your purchase for even more savings.

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Trade-In Deals at Verizon

Alternatively, you can trade in your old phone to get an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro at Verizon. Not on Verizon? You can get up to $1,000 off with a trade-in plus another $200 switch bonus if you swap from your current cell carrier to Verizon.

Are you already an existing customer? If you also qualify for a phone upgrade, you can save up to $830 on the iPhone 16 with an eligible trade-in device.

This could be one of the best iPhone deals if you are already or want to become a Verizon customer. Ancillary discounts like a $70 coupon for a pair of Beats Fit Pro, or $200 off an iPad are available as well.

iPhone 16 Trade-In Deals at AT&T

If you want to get AT&T coverage instead, you could get up to $700 in bill credits for an iPhone 16 if you are a new or existing customer. However, you either have to already be signed up for or plan to sign up for one of the qualifying unlimited plans to get the full deal. Only trade-ins that are valued at $130 or higher will qualify, as well.

T-Mobile iPhone 16 Trade-In Deals

T-Mobile has its fair share of iPhone 16 deals available on Essential, Essentials Saver, and all Go5G plans. While most deals require you trade in an old phone, not all do, so it's always worth a look. Plus, you get access to arguably the best 5G network and unlimited premium data, so you will never be throttled based on your data usage.

iPhone 16 Deals at Best Buy

The popular electronics retailer occasionally offer great deals on the new iPhone 16. You have to trade in your current phone and activate your new phone with Verizon or AT&T at the Best Buy store.

This is essentially another way to take advantage of the mentioned discounts since the price reductions match. As an example, if you sign up with AT&T or Verizon, you’ll get up to $830 off the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus. If you opt for the Pro or Pro Max, you’ll get up to $1,000 off your new iPhone purchase.

This could be a good choice if you want to buy your phone in-store rather than online.

iPhone 16 Deals at Amazon

One way to score a deal on an iPhone 16—or any other iPhone model—is to scour Amazon. Depending on when you look, you may be able to find a cheap unlocked iPhone via the online behemoth, though you'll likely have to buy it upfront if you're not going through a carrier (the same goes for buying an unlocked iPhone via the Apple Store).

The Bottom Line

Hopefully, this article has helped you figure out which iPhone offer you’re most interested in. If you need more help finding the best iPhone deal for you, try our free, unbiased Phone Finder and we’ll show you the latest iPhone promotions you’re eligible for. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the smartest way to buy an iPhone?

To buy an iPhone smartly, purchase shortly after a new model launch for discounts on older versions, consider getting a SIM-free model for flexibility, explore certified refurbished options for savings, and look for zero-interest financing plans to spread out the cost. These strategies can help you save money while maximizing your options​.

Is it cheaper to buy an iPhone outright?

Yes, it can be cheaper to buy an iPhone outright because you avoid long-term contracts and can choose more affordable SIM-only plans. Buying outright often gives you the flexibility to switch carriers for better deals, potentially lowering your overall monthly costs.

Can you buy an iPhone without a plan?

Yes, you can buy an iPhone without a plan by purchasing a SIM-free model directly from Apple or authorized retailers. This allows you to use the phone with any carrier or a prepaid SIM card of your choice. Buying outright gives you more flexibility and often saves you money in the long run.