With the highly anticipated iPhone 15 now available for pre-order, major carriers in the United States have wasted no time in rolling out their latest offers. All three major carriers – AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon – are vying for customers' attention by offering substantial discounts of up to $1,000 on the new device. However, these deals come with specific requirements and commitments, primarily revolving around financing the iPhone 15 through the carrier.

The concept of carriers enticing customers with discounts in exchange for commitment is nothing new. It traces back to the era of two-year contracts, a practice predating the early years of the iPhone. Even the strategy of offering varying discounts based on the chosen plan and the phone being traded in has been a staple of carrier promotions for some time.

What distinguishes the iPhone 15 deals from T-Mobile and Verizon, at least, is their focus on luring customers into adopting their newer, pricier plans introduced over the past few months. Let's delve into the details of these carrier deals, dissecting what each provider offers and the conditions attached.

AT&T's Straightforward Deal

AT&T presents the most straightforward carrier deal. As they've done in the past, AT&T requires both new and existing customers to subscribe to a wide range of their recent and older unlimited plans (excluding the cheapest Value Plus option for single lines). Additionally, customers must trade in a recent phone in good condition to qualify for the offer.

Eligible phones for the $1,000 discount include models from the previous year and older premium phones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max, along with any devices from the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 series (except the iPhone 13 mini). Moreover, the Google Pixel 7 Pro and various Samsung devices, including the Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4, S22 Ultra 5G, X Cover6 Pro, and the entire S23 line, also make the cut.

AT&T adheres to its 36-month installment plan structure, disbursing the $1,000 discount as monthly bill credits. However, if you decide to leave the carrier prematurely, you'll be responsible for paying off any remaining balance on your phone.

Verizon's Premium Plan Incentive

For Verizon customers aiming to maximize their savings on the iPhone 15, the requirements are slightly more demanding. To receive the full $1,000 discount, customers must either add a new line or switch from a competing provider and subscribe to Verizon's highest-tier unlimited plan, aptly named "Unlimited Ultimate," introduced just the previous month. As with AT&T, Verizon also necessitates trading in an eligible phone and committing to a 36-month installment plan, with the $1,000 distributed as monthly bill credits. Exiting Verizon early will require settling the outstanding balance.

A noteworthy aspect of Verizon's offer is its acceptance of any iPhone in any condition for trade-in, making it convenient for customers with older or even damaged devices. You can trade in an old iPhone 4 gathering dust in a drawer to secure the full discount. Interestingly, you can then choose to trade in or sell your newer phone elsewhere for extra cash.

Verizon has not officially disclosed why this offer is exclusive to those opting for its priciest plan.

T-Mobile's Selective Approach

T-Mobile, similar to Verizon, sets specific criteria for customers to qualify for their top deal. To access their best offer, you must be on either the "Go5G Plus" plan introduced in April or their priciest "Go5G Next" option added in August. Under either plan, you are required to trade in an "eligible" device, with the $1,000 discount applied as monthly bill credits. Eligible devices include Pro model iPhones dating back to the iPhone 11 Pro, as well as "Ultra" models of Samsung Galaxy devices like the S21, S22, S23, or Note 20, in addition to the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and 4, and Z Fold 3 and 4. The traded-in devices must be in good condition.

One advantage for T-Mobile customers is the shorter duration of their financing plans compared to AT&T and Verizon. T-Mobile's plans run for 24 months, with Go5G Next users even having the option to trade in their phones and upgrade after making 12 months of payments. Furthermore, T-Mobile extends this offer to both new and existing customers.

However, there is a drawback. T-Mobile restricts the ability to upgrade to Go5G Plus to only those on the Go5G plan. This means that if you have an older plan and one person on it wishes to take advantage of this deal, all others on the same plan will need to switch as well. According to T-Mobile, this decision was made to ensure that customers on Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans receive consistent device deals. They do offer alternative deals for customers who prefer not to switch plans.

Each of the three carriers also provides less attractive deals for customers with older devices or those unwilling to upgrade to premium plans.

AT&T's Graduated Discounts

AT&T's alternate offer still requires an unlimited plan but offers a discount of $830 on a new iPhone 15 when trading in an older device, such as an iPhone 11 or 12 series phone or the iPhone 13 mini. On the Android side, eligible devices include those from the Galaxy S20 or S21 lines, Note 20 lines, and earlier Z Fold and Z Flip models. Additionally, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 7, OnePlus 9 Pro 5G, and OnePlus 10 Pro 5G are also eligible.

The discount decreases to $350 in credit for devices dating back to the iPhone X line (including XS and XR models) and the second- and third-generation iPhone SE. An array of older Samsung, Google, OnePlus, LG, Motorola, ZTE (Red Magic 3), Asus (ROG Phone 3), and Microsoft (Surface Duo) phones are also eligible under this offer. To qualify, the traded-in devices must be on an installment plan, and customers must remain on an unlimited plan while financing the device over 36 months.

Verizon's Tiered Offer

Verizon's alternative offer provides up to $830 off a new iPhone 15 for customers on their higher-end plans, including Unlimited Plus, Do More, Play More, Get More, and older One options. This offer also necessitates trading in "select" devices, though the specific devices qualifying were not available at the time of this analysis.

For customers on more affordable plans such as Verizon's Unlimited Welcome or 5G Start, the discount drops to up to $415 off a new iPhone with a trade-in. Again, the devices may need to be in good condition, and customers are required to finance the phone through Verizon over 36 months, with the discount applied as monthly bill credits.

T-Mobile's Tiered Offer Structure

T-Mobile provides tiered discounts as well. Customers on the Magenta Max plan can receive up to $650 off any iPhone 15 model with an "eligible" trade-in. Eligible devices for this deal include iPhones dating back to the XS, XS Max, and 11 series (including the third-generation iPhone SE) and undisclosed Android phones.

For a $350 discount, customers must be on a Magenta or Go5G plan. Eligible devices for trading in here include all the above iPhones

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