With the release of the iPhone 15, carriers have already started announcing their latest offers. All three major carriers are providing discounts of up to $1,000, but there are certain requirements that need to be met, including committing to a new phone payment plan through the carrier.
Carrier advertising has long been focused on locking customers into contracts, and this practice continues with the iPhone 15. Offering different discounts based on the plan and traded-in phone is now common.
The new aspect of the iPhone 15 carrier offers, particularly for T-Mobile and Verizon, is the attempt to persuade customers to switch to their newest, pricier plans that were introduced in the past few months.
Here’s what you need to know about the carrier offers for the iPhone 15 from the three major carriers in the US: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
How to Get a $1,000 Discount?
AT&T
AT&T has made it relatively easy. To be eligible for the discount, you only need to be on one of their current or previous unlimited plans (excluding the cheapest Value Plus plan with one line) and trade in your old phone for the new one. The discount is applicable to last year’s iPhone models, older flagship phones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max, and any iPhone from the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 series (except the iPhone 13 mini). It also includes eligible phones from Google and Samsung.
AT&T requires customers to sign up for a 36-month installment plan, where the $1,000 discount is spread out over the monthly payments. If you decide to leave AT&T before the end of the 36 months, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance on the phone.
Verizon
For Verizon customers to receive the full $1,000 discount, they must either add a new line or switch from another carrier and sign up for Verizon’s premium unlimited plan called Unlimited Ultimate, which was launched recently. Similar to AT&T, Verizon requires customers to trade in their old phone and commit to a 36-month payment plan, with the $1,000 discount applied as monthly credits. Leaving Verizon before the plan ends may result in having to pay the remaining balance.
On the positive side, Verizon accepts any iPhone in any condition for trade-in. So, even if you have a broken iPhone 4 lying around, you can still get the full discount. Additionally, you can sell or trade your current phone elsewhere for extra cash.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s top deals are only available to customers on their Go5G Plus plan or the premium Go5G Next plan. Trading in an eligible device will earn you a $1,000 credit applied to your monthly bill. Eligible devices include Pro iPhones from the iPhone 11 Pro series and the “Ultra” models of Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, S23, or Note 20. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and 4, Z Fold 3 and 4 are also included.
While T-Mobile’s financing plans are shorter than AT&T’s or Verizon’s, lasting only 24 months, upgrading to the Go5G Plus plan requires changing plans for one line, with the rest of the lines remaining on the regular Go5G plan. T-Mobile is open to new and existing customers for this deal.
Customers who don’t want to switch plans or have an older device can still take advantage of discounts from all three carriers.
What if I Don’t Want to Switch Plans?
AT&T
AT&T still requires customers to have an unlimited plan for their offer. The discount is $830 off for the new iPhone 15 if you trade in an older device, such as an iPhone 11 or 12 or an iPhone 13 mini. You can also trade in select devices from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, LG, Motorola, ZTE, Asus, and Microsoft. The devices must be on a limited plan, and you still need to commit to a 36-month payment plan.
Verizon
Verizon’s offer provides up to $830 off the new iPhone 15 for customers on their latest plans or up to $415 for those on cheaper plans. The specific devices eligible for trade-in have not been listed. Similar to AT&T, you need to pay for the phone through Verizon, either with a lump sum or in monthly payments over 36 months.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers up to $650 off any iPhone 15 model for customers on their Magenta Max plan, and up to $350 off for those on a Magenta or Go5G plan. Eligible devices include iPhones from various series and some unspecified Android phones.
Regardless of the carrier and plan chosen, the phone being traded needs to be in good working condition. It’s also important to note that leaving the carrier before the payment plan ends may result in additional fees.
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