Best iPhone Deals: Trade-In and New-Line Offers That Can Save You Hundreds

May Be Interested In:Exclusion Diet in Pediatric Crohn's Tied to Clinical Remission in Small Study


It’s no secret that Apple makes some of the best and most popular phones on the market right now. Several of its iPhones have claimed spots on our list of the best phones for 2025 — including the top spot overall — thanks to their sleek design, user-friendly interface and cutting-edge hardware. Their one major drawback, however, is that they are not particularly affordable. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely out of reach for those on a tight budget.

An iPhone 14 Pro against a blue background.

James Martin/CNET

For years, Adam Oram has been finding and highlighting the best deals from all across the web to help shoppers save money, and he’s gathered the latest and greatest iPhone deals below to help you find the right model at a great price. You’ll find massive discounts on all the latest models, like the flashy iPhone 16 Pro Max, but there are also some excellent previous-gen options for those on a budget, like the iPhone SE. Some carriers will even give you a new phone for free (assuming you meet some special requirements). Just note that straightforward discounts are still pretty hard to come by, and just about every offer below will require a trade-in or the activation of a new line. Most will also lock you into a 24- or 36-month contract.

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.

What is the best iPhone deal right now?

If you’re wondering what the top iPhone deal is right now, the truth is that it’s largely dependent on your personal needs. If you are looking for the best deal on the latest model, it’s hard to argue with the trade-in deals on the iPhone 16 at carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. They offer up to $1,000 off, essentially getting you the new phone for free (on contract) if you have a recent enough device to hand over.

Best iPhone deals

Below you’ll find the best deals on the iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and iPhone SE 2022, grouped by generation.

iPhone 16 deals

The iPhone 16 arrived on Sept. 20, 2024. There are several ways to get your hands on one for less right now.

You can buy a phone in the iPhone 16 series from the Apple Store, and if you have an older phone to trade in, you could get up to $630 in trade-in credit. You’ll also get 3% cash back if you buy it with your Apple Card*.

T-Mobile is offering a number of trade-in and new-line discounts on the iPhone 16 series at the moment. Exchanging your old phone will save you up to $1,000 if you have a Go5G Next plan, which scores you the basic iPhone 16, 16 Plus or 16 Pro for free. People on a Go5G Plus plan can get up to $830 off when you trade in an old device, which still scores you the basic iPhone 16 for free. Those on other qualifying service plans can only save up to $300.

You can also save up to $830 with both a new line and a trade-in, and military members, first responders and folks over 55 can take advantage of special trade-in offers for up to $800 off.

AT&T is offering great deals on the iPhone 16 lineup. If you’re after the basic iPhone 16 or 16 Plus, you can save up to $700 with an eligible trade-in, which drops the monthly cost down to just $4 and $6 respectively. If you want to upgrade to a Pro model, a trade-in will save you up to $1,000, which nets you the 128GB iPhone 16 Pro for free, or the 16 Pro Max for just $6 a month.

Note that you need to have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan to get these offers, and the discount will be applied as bill credits over a 36-month period. AT&T is also offering a special online-only offer of $200 off with the activation of a new line.

Verizon is offering some slight savings on all iPhone 16 models right now. Adding a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan will save you $470 on the basic iPhone 16, $390 on the iPhone 16 Plus, $460 on the iPhone 16 Pro and $480 on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Discounts are applied as bill credits over a 36-month period, which drops the cost down to just $10, $15, $15 and $20 a month, respectively.

If you’ll also be trading in an old phone with the activation of a new Unlimited Ultimate line, the discount jumps up to $830, which scores you the basic iPhone 16 for free.

Best Buy isn’t carrying any unlocked iPhone 16 models right now, but you can score some serious savings if you sign up with a carrier. The tech retailer has partnered with both AT&T and Verizon, and is offering trade-in discounts with qualified activation. AT&T customers can save up to $700 on the basic iPhone 16 or 16 Plus, or up to $1,000 on the 16 Pro and Pro Max models. If you’re a Verizon customer, an eligible trade-in will save you up to $830 on all four models.

Similar to Best Buy, you can save at Walmart on carrier options through AT&T. New and existing AT&T customers can trade in an eligible device worth $130 and get up to $830 off; if you have a device to trade in worth $180, you can save up to $1,100 off the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max. Even older devices valued at just $35 or more will net you a $350 discount. Keep in mind that you’ll have to activate a new line or upgrade your line to an eligible plan if you’re not already on one. 

Similar to Best Buy, Target is offering up to $1,250 off the iPhone 16 series right now. Trade in your old phone and either activate a new line or upgrade an existing one and you’ll get up to $700 off the basic iPhone 16, or up to $1,000 off the 16 Pro or Pro Max. Plus, you can get an extra $250 off in bill credits when you switch your existing number to AT&T. Just note that you’ll have to visit your local Target branch in person to take advantage of these offers.

At the moment, there don’t appear to be any deals on the iPhone 16 Plus, but all configurations are still available.

iPhone 15 deals

The iPhone 15 series hit shelves back in September 2023. And although the phones in this lineup are a generation old, they still have plenty to offer — with the basic model even retaining a spot on our list of the best phones of 2025. Plus, it’s pretty easy to get your hands on one of these previous-gen models for less right now, which makes them a good value for Apple users on a budget.

Viva Tung/Celso Bulgatti/Getty Images

Apple isn’t offering any direct discounts on the iPhone 15 series at the moment, but it has knocked $100 off the starting price for these previous-gen models. Plus, Apple does have a trade-in program that can save you hundreds on a new iPhone 15. Technically, you can save up to $630, but that’s only if you’re trading in another iPhone 15, which is an unlikely scenario. For the iPhone 14 series and older, the most you’ll save is $450. The iPhone Upgrade Program or Apple Card financing (and cash back) are also options, and you can save even more when you opt to sign up with a carrier. 

AT&T is offering discounts in the form of monthly bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 15 on an installment plan. People who have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan can get the basic iPhone 15 for just $6 per month, which is $514 off the usual price. This offer also knocks $344 off the price of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which drops it down to just $21 per month. The iPhone 15 Pro is also discounted, but only the 1TB model is still in stock, which is available for $31 per month. At the moment, there aren’t any discounts available on the iPhone 15 Plus.

You can also save up to $200 off on a new line with an online order.

Both the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are sold out at Verizon, but you can still score some big savings on the basic models. Adding a new line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan gets you the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus for free, with no trade-in required. These discounts are applied in the form of monthly bill credits over a 36-month period.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently sold out at T-Mobile, but there are plenty of ways to score some savings on the other models. Trading in an old phone will save you up to $1,000 if you’re on a Go5G Next plan, which nets you the basic iPhone 15, 15 Plus or 15 Pro for free. If you’re on a Go5G Plus plan, you can save up to $830 with an eligible trade-in, which still gets you the basic iPhone 15 or 15 Plus for free. Those on other service plans will only save up to $300 with an eligible trade in.

You can also save up to $830 with both a trade-in and the activation of a new line. T-Mobile is also offering a discount of $630 off when you switch your existing number over from another carrier, and military members, first responders and people over 55 years old can take advantage of special offers for up to $800 off.

Best Buy has knocked $70 off the starting price of the basic iPhone 15 and 15 Pro, so you can snag an unlocked model starting at $660 right now. And if you’re looking to get signed up with AT&T or Verizon, you’ll get $100 off when you opt for same-day activation. If you want the 15 Pro or Pro Max, they’re available for $100 less than the list price, but there aren’t any unlocked models available — you’ll have to choose either an AT&T or Verizon carrier model.

Best Buy also has its own trade-in program, where you can exchange your old phone for additional savings. And all iPhone 15 purchases come with some freebies, including three free months of Apple TV Plus, Apple Fitness Plus and Apple Music, as well as four free months of Apple Arcade — as long as you’re a new or returning subscriber.

Right now Spectrum is offering $100 off the iPhone 15 Pro or 15 Pro Max, and you’ll get an extra $100 in credit towards any iPhone 15 model with an eligible trade-in. The phone you trade in just needs to have a value greater than $1, so even old and damaged devices will still net you at least $100.

iPhone 14 deals

The iPhone 14 series is still a popular line of phones and comprises the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and top-spec iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple discontinued the 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max in September 2023, so finding these phones in new condition is getting tougher, but they’re still a solid value when you can find them in stock and on sale.

James Martin/CNET

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus are available to buy directly from Apple with a low $599 starting price. Plus, Apple has its own trade-in program, where you can score some discounts in exchange for your old phone. Technically, you can get up to $630 in credit, but that would only be if you’re downgrading from a more recent model (which is pretty unlikely). However, the iPhone 13 series can still net you up to $350, which is a pretty significant discount.

You’ll also get 3% back if you use your Apple Card for the purchase.

T-Mobile only has the basic iPhone 14 in stock, and it’s offering a few different ways to get your hands on one for free right now. If you’ve got an old phone to trade in, you can get it for free if you’re on a Go5G Next or Plus plan, and those on other plans can save up to $300. You can also get it for free with both a new line and a trade-in or when you switch your existing number over from another carrier. If you’re only activating a new line on a qualifying plan, you’ll still save 50% (up to $315). T-Mobile also has exclusive offers for military members, first responders and people over 55.

AT&T isn’t offering any direct discounts or special offers on the iPhone 14 right now, but you can save with an eligible trade-in. You’ll also save $200 on a new line when you open it online.

Add a new line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan and you can get the iPhone 14 or 14 Plus for free at Verizon. The discount comes in bill credits over 36 months, and there’s no trade-in required. Note that Verizon is only carrying certified refurbished models of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, though you can still pick them up at a discount with a new line.

The basic iPhone 14 is still full price at Spectrum, but you can snag the 14 Plus for $200 off. Plus, you’ll get an extra $100 on top of the trade-in value when you exchange your old phone. Spectrum accepts any devices valued at just $1 or more, so even old and damaged phones will still net you some savings. If the final trade-in value exceeds the cost of the new device, the difference will be refunded to your Spectrum mobile account.

Best Buy has knocked $50 off the price of the basic iPhone 14, which is one of the few straightforward discounts available at the moment. Plus, you’ll get an extra $100 off when you opt for same-day activation and sign up with either AT&T or Verizon. The tech retailer also has its own trade-in program, where you can score even more savings in exchange for your old phone.

Best Buy isn’t currently carrying any new 14 Pro or Pro Max phones, though it does have some refurbished models.

iPhone 13 deals

The iPhone 13 may not be Apple’s flagship series anymore, but these are still solid phones worth considering — especially for folks on a tight budget. Like the iPhone 14 series, these 2021 models are getting pretty tough to find in new condition, but we’ve rounded up the best places to get your hands on one.

As with other iPhone models, Best Buy will knock $100 off the starting price of the iPhone 13 when you choose same-day activation with AT&T or Verizon. That means you can get your hands on one for as little as $450 right now, which is a pretty serious bargain. You can also take advantage of Best Buy’s trade-in program for even more savings. And you’ll get three free months of Apple Music, Apple TV Plus and Apple Fitness, plus four free months of Apple Arcade. 

T-Mobile is just about the only major carrier that still has the iPhone 13 in stock, and even it has only the 512GB model available. You can pick it up for 50% off when you activate a new line, which saves you up to $315 and drops the price down to just $13 per month. Discounts will be applied as bill credits over 24 months.

iPhone SE (2022) deals

The budget option in Apple’s lineup, the iPhone SE was updated in 2022 but was targeted squarely at people who wanted a no-frills iPhone experience. Starting at $429, it’s an affordable device for anyone who wants to stick with something familiar.

Kevin Heinz/CNET

Best Buy has knocked $50 off the starting price for this already affordable Apple phone, and you’ll get an extra $100 off with same-day activation through AT&T or Verizon. You can save even more with an eligible trade-in, and this deal comes with three free months of Apple Music, Apple TV Plus and Apple Fitness, plus four free months of Apple Arcade. 

If you prefer an unlocked model, you can get your iPhone SE straight from the source. Apple has its own trade-in program that could save you up to $630, but that’s only if you’re looking to downgrade (which is pretty unlikely). The iPhone 12 series can net you up to $280 off, which is the best discount you’re likely to get. Most other phones will knock $100 to $200 off the starting price, which is still a pretty great bargain considering how affordable this model is.

AT&T customers on an eligible unlimited plan can score the third-gen iPhone SE for just $2 per month when they purchase the phone on an installment plan. That saves you $358 total with no trade-in or new line required. Discounts are applied as bill credits over 36 months.

iPhone 13 Pro Max compared to other iPhone models

Sarah Tew/CNET

How we choose the best iPhone deals at CNET

Many of us here at CNET have covered deals on top tech for over five years, including cell phone deals from brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, OnePlus and more. In that time, we’ve learned how to spot the best deals from trustworthy retailers and carriers to simplify the phone buying process. We look for direct discounts, trade-in offers and other bonuses offered for both unlocked and carrier phones when choosing the best deals for you to score the best deal and avoid online shopping scams. 

*All information about the Apple Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.



share Share facebook pinterest whatsapp x print

Similar Content

Trump in Paris for reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, meets with Macron and Zelenskyy
Trump in Paris for reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, meets with Macron and Zelenskyy
Clockwise from top left: author Justine Doiron, black pepper chai blondies, ACV Brussels sprouts in toasted cornmeal and crusted sweet potatoes and pepitas
Holiday recipes from Justine Cooks, including 2 festive side dishes
Coming face to neck with Vladimir Putin
Coming face to neck with Vladimir Putin
Police force steps away from X over 'quality and quantity of interactions'
Police force steps away from X over ‘quality and quantity of interactions’
Convenient or intrusive? How Poland has embraced digital ID cards
Convenient or intrusive? How Poland has embraced digital ID cards
Games to look forward to in 2025: Directive 8020
Games to look forward to in 2025: Directive 8020
Real News, Real People: Impactful Stories of Today | © 2025 | Daily News