As the iPhone 15 becomes available for pre-order, carriers are already unveiling their latest offers. All three major carriers are offering up to $1,000 off, but there are certain requirements and the need to commit to buying a new phone through them.
While this isn’t a new tactic from carriers, the iPhone 15 presents an opportunity for T-Mobile and Verizon to encourage customers to switch to their pricier plans. Here’s what you need to know about the deals offered by AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Check this out: iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max: First look
How Can I Get $1,000 Off?
AT&T:
AT&T offers the easiest service. To qualify for the $1,000 discount, you simply need to stay on one of their current or past unlimited plans (excluding the cheapest Value Plus plan) and trade in your old phone. Eligible phones for the discount include last year’s iPhone models, as well as any iPhone from the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 series. Additionally, certain Samsung and Google devices are also eligible.
If you choose to take advantage of this offer, AT&T requires you to sign up for a 36-month installment plan where the $1,000 discount is spread out over monthly payments. If you decide to leave AT&T before the plan is complete, you will need to pay the remaining balance on your phone.
Verizon:
To receive the full $1,000 discount from Verizon, you’ll need to add a new line or switch from another carrier and sign up for their premium unlimited plan called Unlimited Ultimate. Similar to AT&T, you must trade in your old phone and commit to a 36-month plan. If you decide to leave Verizon early, you will still owe the remaining balance on your phone.
On a positive note, Verizon accepts any iPhone, even if it’s in poor condition, for trade-in. So, you can even trade in an old broken iPhone 4 and still get the full discount. Additionally, you can sell or trade your current phone elsewhere for extra cash.
Verizon did not disclose why they are restricting this offer to subscribers on their premium plan.
T-Mobile:
T-Mobile’s top deals are somewhat restrictive, similar to Verizon. To qualify for the best deals, you need to be on either their Go5G Plus plan that launched in April or their premium Go5G Next plan that was added in August. In both cases, you may need to trade in a specific device to receive a $1,000 credit on your monthly bill.
Eligible devices for trade-in include the Pro models of iPhone 11 and the “Ultra” models of Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, S23, or Note 20. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 and 4 and the Z Fold 3 and 4 are also eligible. The good news for T-Mobile customers is that their financing plans are shorter compared to AT&T and Verizon, running for 24 months. Users on the Go5G Next plan can trade in their phones and upgrade after 12 months of payment.
T-Mobile is also extending this offer to both new and existing customers. However, T-Mobile limits those on their Go5G plans to upgrade only one line to Go5G Plus while keeping the other lines on the regular Go5G plan. If you have multiple lines and want to take advantage of the offer on one line, the other lines will need to switch plans as well.
T-Mobile stated that they launched the Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans to provide customers with more value and features. They also have other promotions available for customers who do not wish to switch plans.
What If I Don’t Have a Smartphone or Don’t Want to Switch Plans?
All three carriers offer discounts to customers with older devices or those who don’t want to switch to premium plans.
AT&T:
AT&T still requires you to have an unlimited plan, but they offer a $830 discount on the new iPhone 15 if you trade in an older device such as an iPhone 11, 12, or 13 mini. Eligible Samsung devices include the Galaxy S20 and S21 lines, Note 20 lines, and the original Z Fold and Z Flip. They also accept trade-ins of various Android devices.
For devices in the iPhone X line and beyond, you can receive up to $350 in credit. This includes the XS and XR models, as well as the second and third generation of the iPhone SE. Many old phones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, LG, Motorola, ZTE, Asus, and Microsoft are also eligible. These devices must be on a qualifying plan, and you will need to pay for your new device over a 36-month period.
Verizon:
Verizon offers up to an $830 discount on the new iPhone 15 if you are on their latest plans, including Unlimited Plus, Do More, Play More, Get More, and One Choice. For those on cheaper plans, like Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome or 5G Start, you can get up to a $415 discount with a trade-in. The eligible devices for trade-in may need to be in good condition, and you will need to pay for your phone through Verizon over a 36-month period.
T-Mobile:
T-Mobile offers up to a $650 discount on any iPhone 15 model with qualifying trade-ins, as long as you are on their Magenta Max plan. Eligible devices include iPhones from the XS, XS Max, and 11 series, as well as certain Android phones. For a $350 discount, you must be on a Magenta or Go5G plan. These plans allow trade-ins of the previously mentioned iPhones, as well as the iPhone XR. Customers on older plans can receive a $200 discount and trade in iPhones ranging from the iPhone XR to the iPhone 13 series.
