Is the new year the right time for you to get a new iPhone? It just might be, especially if you don't want to spend a ton of cash. Apple's recently-released iPhone 15 is more affordable than ever, thanks to trade-in deals or switching carriers for bigger savings.
If you don't want to go through a carrier, there are discounts available from retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and even Apple. Some deals come with the phones already locked to a carrier, some are entirely unlocked, so you can connect to any service provider.
Best phone: How does the new iPhone 15 compare three months 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 cost will take more steps to calculate than it will for other offers. But we're here to help you through that process and give you all the information you need to make it a smooth transition. Most of the research here is on the iPhone 15, but there are good deals to be had on earlier and refurbished models as well. Here's a listing of the best prices we've found.
Best iPhone 15 line-up deals
From the outside, the iPhone 15 looks much the same as the last generation, but the internal hardware is quite different. We've got a detailed examination of the difference between the two phones here, but a few important notes include that the 15 charges through the much more convenient USB-C, has an upgraded camera, and features the Dynamic Island first introduced in the iPhone 14 Pro.
Apple iPhone 15
You can get the Apple iPhone 15 from several carriers with similar pricing. At AT&T, it's $730 on a new line, but if you trade in an eligible phone, it 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 contract for these deals. Best Buy right now is the most affordable place to pick one up, at $730 with a new wireless contract and no trade-in.
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
The iPhone 15 Plus offers a larger screen for all your needs. At AT&T, trading in an eligible phone can net you as much as $830 off. Verizon and T-Mobile offer 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 unit 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 memory and a beefier but lightweight titanium body. At AT&T, trading in can yield you as much as $830 off or a free phone, or $930 if you sign up for a new line as well. Verizon and T-Mobile have the same deal. You can also get the AT&T and Verizon offers 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 big phone with enviable speed and power. At AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile, trading in an eligible phone can net you 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. Carrier prices do require purchase of a new unlimited wireless subscription. The best price for an unlocked 15 Pro Max is $1199 from Apple.
Best iPhone 14 deals
The iPhone 14 is still a very desirable phone, with fast and stable performance and Apple's trademark stylish industrial design. There are four different models to choose from: The flagship iPhone 14, the 14 Plus, and the 14 Pro and Pro Max, and we've got solid deals on two of them.
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 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 with Always-On technology and Dynamic Island, plus a bigger battery. Right now, with a new contract at Verizon, you can get it for free with no trade-in needed.
Other iPhone deals
If you don't mind a little less juice in terms of performance, we found a good price on the iPhone 13. These are still very capable mobiles, just not the latest versions.
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. Verizon has the same price for a 128GB model, or free with a new line.
Refurbished iPhone deals
Buying refurbished electronics is beneficial for both your wallet and the environment. They retail for less and reduce the amount of manufacturing waste, and most major retailers restore them to nearly-new condition.
Apple iPhone 14
This is the same iPhone 14 base model as we featured above. 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 almost $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
Walmart has really nice deals on refurbished iPhones, and this is a great example. Being able to take $269 off the list price is huge, and you get the big screen and boosted performance of the Pro Max. This is a really solid phone and when you buy a refurbish it's unlocked, so you can use it with any carrier,
Apple iPhone 12
The best refurbished iPhone deal we found at Amazon is this big price cut on the base model iPhone 12. Our updated review of the iPhone 12 points out its great 5G support, updated processor and decent camera. Amazon's renewed products are uniformly high-quality and saving $83 is a fantastic deal.
How did we find the best iPhone deals right now?
The first place to look for low prices on iPhones is with major carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and then popular retailers including Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. I go deep into the fine print on trade-in offers, bundle deals, and carrier incentives, focusing primarily on discounts available for the latest iPhone 15s. 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.