If you have an iPhone on your holiday shopping list but are trepidatious about spending a ton of money, we've got you covered. The season has a ton of deals on Apple's recently-released iPhone 15, including trade-in deals to get something back from your old phone and carrier switch plans for massive savings. Even if you don't want to go through a carrier, there are discounts available from major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and Apple themselves. These deals might come with the phones already locked to a carrier or entirely unlocked, so you can connect to any service provider.
Best phone: How does the new iPhone 15 compare a month later?
We've seen a number of new phones launch lately, including the iPhone 15 series and Pixel 8 family. We tested these and more to find the best phone.If you go the carrier deal and trade-in route, just be aware that your final price will be more complicated than it is for other offers. But we're here to help you through that process and give you all the information you need to make it smooth. Most of the focus here is on the iPhone 15. However, there are good deals to be had on earlier models as well, including the iPhone 14 Pro Max for free with a new contract at Verizon. Here's a listing of the best prices we've found.
Best iPhone 15 deals
The recently-released iPhone 15 looks much the same as the last generation from the outside, but the internals are very different. We've got a big examination of the difference between the two phones here, but a few important notes include that the 15 charges by USB-C, has an upgraded camera, and features Dynamic Island.
Apple iPhone 15
Apple's iPhone 15 is available from several carriers with solid pricing. At AT&T, trading in an eligible phone can bring the cost down to nothing. Verizon and T-Mobile have up to $1,000 off or free with trade-in. Note that a carrier will make you commit to a new wireless contract for these deals. Best Buy right now is the top spot for picking one up, at $730 with a new contract and no trade-in.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger screen than the base model. At AT&T, trading in an eligible phone can get you as much as $830 off. Verizon and T-Mobile have up to $930 off, making the phone free with trade-in. You can also get the AT&T and Verizon deals at Best Buy, where the phone is $830 with a new line. Carrier prices require purchase of a new unlimited wireless subscription. The lowest cash price is still $899 from Apple.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
The iPhone 15 Pro is the higher-performance option, boasting more RAM and a more durable titanium body. At AT&T, trading in can get you as much as $830 off or a free phone, or $930 if you also sign up for a new line. Verizon and T-Mobile have the same offer. You can also get the AT&T and Verizon deals at Best Buy, or get the Pro for $900 with a new contract. Most carrier prices require purchase of a new unlimited wireless subscription.The lowest no-strings cash price is $999 from Apple.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
At the top of the performance pile is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a huge phone with incredible speed and power. At AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile, trading in an eligible phone can net you as much as a thousand dollars off. Best Buy has AT&T and Verizon deals for the same price, or $100 off with no trade-in but a new line activation. These carrier prices do require purchase of a new unlimited wireless subscription. The best price for an unlocked phone is $1199 from Apple.
Best iPhone 14 deals
The iPhone 14 is still a really great phone, featuring fast and stable performance and Apple's trademark stylish build quality. There are four different models on the market: the flagship 14, the 14 Plus, and the 14 Pro and Pro Max.
Apple iPhone 14
The Apple iPhone 14 is the base model of the 2022 line, featuring the same hardware as the iPhone 13 but with a faster GPU, upgraded main camera and front camera improvements. It comes in five color options. Best Buy, AT&T, T-Mobile and Apple all have trade-in deals where the phone is free when you exchange a device. Apple has the lowest base price on the market, at $30 less than the others.
Apple iPhone 14
You're not seeing double - well you sort of are as this is the iPhone 14 base model again. However, this separate offering from Amazon presents a great deal on a renewed iPhone 14, with all the same functionality as a new model for over $100 off. This was renewed according to Amazon's strict settings and has been extensively tested. It is unlocked to work on any cellular carrier.
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
The iPhone 14 Pro Max has the same hardware and design as the iPhone 14 Pro, but in a larger package with a 6.7-inch OLED display, which again has Always-On technology and Dynamic Island, and there's a bigger battery. Right now, with a new contract at Verizon, you can get it for free with no trade-in.
Other iPhone deals
If you don't mind having the latest and greatest, there are a few older iPhone models available for a steal. Budget shoppers can still get a lot of functionality for very reasonable prices.
Apple iPhone 13
Best Buy has the iPhone 13 with 128GB of storage on sale for $100 off the retail price. This is an unlocked phone that can be used with any carrier, so you don't have to worry about committing to a new plan. This is a durable and reliable phone that performs well while traveling. You can also trade in an older phone for up to an additional $230 off.
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 was the entry-level model for the Face ID iPhones, with an all-screen front design and Face ID replacing Touch ID. It has the oldest core hardware of all the current phones offered by Apple, but it is still powerful with a dual camera on the rear. This is a solid deal for an unlocked phone.
How did we find the best iPhone deals right now?
The first place to find low prices on iPhones is with top-level carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and then popular retailers including Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. I read the fine print on trade-in offers, bundle deals, and carrier incentives, focusing primarily on discounts available for the latest iPhone 15 models. I also compared prices for several generations of older iPhone models, in order to offer even more affordable options. This approach allowed me to curate a comprehensive list of the latest and greatest iPhone deals.
How to decide which iPhone deal is best for you
Deciding between the best iPhone deals depends on your preferences and needs. Primarily, consider the specific model that you think you want, taking into account its features, size, and performance. From there, compare the overall cost, factoring in potential savings, upfront fees, and long-term expenses. Assessing the terms and conditions of each deal is vital, including trade-in requirements, carrier plans, and contractual obligations. Balancing these aspects while considering your budget can help in deciding which iPhone offers to grab
Are carrier deals better than retailer deals for iPhones?
Carrier deals and retailer deals both offer advantages and disadvantages. Carrier deals often involve trade-ins and discounts but tie you to specific carrier plans, while retailer deals can be more flexible by providing unlocked phones that can be used with any service provider. The choice depends on your preference and flexibility in terms of carrier selection and coverage area.
Are trade-in offers actually good iPhone deals?
Yes. Trade-in offers allow you to exchange your old device for a discount on a new iPhone. It's a great way to make your upgrade more budget-friendly while getting some value out of your investment in your old phone that you may not otherwise be able to realize.