Unlocking the Best Deals: How to Get Your Hands on the iPhone 15

Politics, News Sept. 15, 2023, 3:21 p.m.

Apples iPhone 15 has sparked high demand. Carriers like Boost Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer deals, including free iPhones and trade-in options. Evaluate plan costs carefully.

Apple's Latest iPhone 15: How to Get It Without Breaking the Bank

Apple's unveiling of the iPhone 15 has ignited a wave of excitement among consumers eager to get their hands on the latest tech marvel. Over the past few years, Apple's iPhones have seen a surge in demand, catapulting the company's U.S. smartphone market share from 40% in mid-2018 to a commanding 55% today, as reported by Counterpoint Research.

The base model of the iPhone 15 boasts impressive features, including 128GB of storage, the powerful A16 Apple Bionic processor, an all-new 48-megapixel camera, the innovative Apple Dynamic Island feature, and, for the first time ever on an iPhone, a universal USB-C charging port. However, these cutting-edge features come at a price, with the starting cost of the base iPhone 15 set at $799. The good news is that there are several ways you can acquire the latest iPhone without straining your finances. Here's how you can do it.

1. Boost Mobile's Offer: Free iPhone 15 Pro

Boost Mobile is enticing customers with a remarkable offer – a free iPhone 15 Pro for those who sign up for the carrier's smartphone membership plan. The Pro model is an even more advanced version of the iPhone 15, equipped with an A17 processor, a sleek titanium casing, and an enhanced camera. It comes with a premium starting price of $999.

What's remarkable about Boost Mobile's offer is that you can get the iPhone 15 Pro for free without needing to trade in your old iPhone. All that's required is to sign up for the company's Boost Infinite Access plan.

The Boost Infinite Access plan, priced at $60 per month, provides you with unlimited talk, text, and data. Furthermore, after being on this plan for 12 months, you become eligible for a free upgrade to the latest iPhone model. Boost's deal is an excellent choice if you frequently upgrade your iPhones, prefer minimal out-of-pocket expenses for a new phone, and appreciate the simplicity of a fixed monthly payment.

2. AT&T's Trade-In Offer: Free iPhone 15

Existing AT&T customers and those considering switching to the carrier have a chance to secure a free iPhone 15 through a trade-in program. To qualify, you'll need to trade in an eligible phone and subscribe to an unlimited plan. The base price for the lowest-tier unlimited plan starts at $75 per month before discounts.

AT&T states that you can receive up to $830 in bill credits if the trade-in value of your smartphone is $130 or higher. Although the complete list of eligible devices and their values is not provided, you can enter your current device in a drop-down menu to determine your eligibility.

For example, trading in an iPhone X might yield $350 in bill credits, while an iPhone 11 could fetch the full $830 in bill credits.

3. Verizon's Trade-In Deals: Up to $830 Off

Verizon is offering various deals for the iPhone 15, including opportunities for existing customers who trade in eligible iPhones. According to Verizon, eligible iPhone trade-ins can net you up to $830 in value if you're on either the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan.

Furthermore, Verizon is providing a free iPhone 15 Pro to both new and existing customers who add a new line and trade in an old iPhone. Notably, Verizon states that the condition of the old iPhone doesn't matter.

Verizon also mentions that customers can select from the Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plans, potentially qualifying for either $830 or $415 off the new iPhone 15 when trading in an eligible smartphone.

4. T-Mobile's Generous Offers: Free iPhone 15 Pro and Discounts

T-Mobile has enticing offers in store for new and existing customers interested in the iPhone 15. Eligible customers can receive a free iPhone 15 Pro by trading in their old device and subscribing to T-Mobile's Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plans.

Additionally, T-Mobile is extending discounts of up to $650 off any iPhone 15 model for customers who opt for the Magenta MAX plan, $350 off for those choosing the Go5G or Magenta plan, and $200 off for nearly all other T-Mobile plans when trading in an eligible device.

Moreover, T-Mobile emphasizes that customers purchasing any iPhone 15 model through their network can enjoy a substantial $700 discount on the second iPhone 15 when adding a new line, applicable to "almost all" T-Mobile plans.

While these offers may seem irresistible, it's crucial to carefully review the fine print before making a decision. Keep in mind that additional costs such as taxes and activation fees may apply when taking advantage of these deals.

Furthermore, many of these offers require specific phone plans, some of which may be on the pricier side. According to tech website Tom's Guide, unlimited data plans from major carriers can range in price from $60 to $90. Therefore, it's essential to evaluate whether the cost of the monthly plan aligns with your budget, as obtaining a free or discounted iPhone 15 should ideally not outweigh the expense of the chosen plan.

In conclusion, Apple's iPhone 15 is generating substantial buzz, and there are enticing deals available for those looking to acquire it. Whether you choose Boost Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, carefully assessing your needs and budget is essential to ensure that you make the most cost-effective choice for your new iPhone 15.