Apple’s new iPhone 17 lineup is available to pre-order now and officially launches on September 19. The lineup includes four models: iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Prices start at $799 for the base model and go up to $1,199 for the Pro Max. While Apple dropped the “Plus” model, it introduced the slim iPhone Air at $999.
The big question is: how can you get one of these new devices for free? The answer comes down to trade-in credits and carrier promotions.
How to score an iPhone 17 for free
Apple itself offers up to $700 in trade-in credits if you buy directly. That’s a solid discount, but it won’t get you a free phone. Carriers, however, are going all in.
- AT&T: Get up to $1,100 off with eligible trade-in. That covers the entire cost of the iPhone 17 Pro. As for the iPhone 17 the carrier is offering it for free or up to $830 off with eligiable trade-in. That’s $0.00. AT&T has what it calls Switch and Save. Switch to any plan and they’ll pay off your phone balance. AT&T will also pay up to $800 per line to help you break your contract with another carrier. Plus, this can be combined with all of their latest promotions.
- Verizon: Offers up to $1,100 in trade-in credits with select plans, making the iPhone 17 Pro completely free. iPhone 17 Air is priced at $27.77/month for 36 months (0% APR). With an eligible trade-in and Unlimited Ultimate plan, you can get up to $999.99 in bill credits, making the phone effectively free. You can get the iPhone 17 Pro Max with up to $1,100 in trade-in credits with select Unlimited plans, which can cover the full retail price.
- T-Mobile: Customers can get up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 Pro (or any iPhone 17 model) with an eligible trade-in, in any condition, when activating on the Experience Beyond plan or, for existing users, on Go5G Next. New customers who switch a line to T-Mobile on Experience More or Go5G Plus can get up to $830 off the iPhone 17, which makes the base model free without requiring a trade-in.
- Xfinity Mobile: Free iPhone 17 Pro with trade-in and qualifying data plan. New and existing customers can get the iPhone 17 Air free when you upgrade or add a new Premium Unlimited line and trade in a qualifying phone. (Offer ends 10/9/25. Xfinity Internet required. After 100 GBs, data may be temporarily slower than other traffic. Data thresholds vary.)
- Boost Mobile: Up to $830 off when paired with select plans on iPhone 17, which makes it free.
Credit: Apple
What this means for you
If you’ve been waiting to upgrade, this launch gives you more ways than ever to land a new iPhone without paying full price. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro can be free through trade-in credits across major carriers. Verizon and Xfinity are also making the slimmer iPhone 17 Air free when you meet plan and trade-in requirements, while the powerhouse iPhone 17 Pro Max can be nearly or fully covered with generous credits. These deals won’t last forever, so the smartest move is to compare carriers, factor in your current phone’s trade-in value, and see which plan best fits your budget and data needs.
Related Links:
- Even with Trump’s tariff blessing, Apple hikes iPhone 17 prices
- Apple Watch gets FDA-approved hypertension alerts
- 6 cool iPhone hacks to get the most out of life
Kurt’s key takeaways
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup raises the bar with new models and competitive pricing. The real story, though, is how aggressive carriers are getting with trade-in offers. Whether you want the entry level iPhone 17, the compact Air, the balanced Pro, or the maxed-out Pro Max, you don’t have to pay sticker price if you play your cards right. Just keep in mind that most “free” deals spread bill credits over 36 months and require specific unlimited plans. Look closely at the fine print so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Would you switch carriers to score a free iPhone 17, or stick with your current provider and pay more? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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1 comment
I’m already thinking about changing carriers so I might switch for the free iPhone