If you're planning to upgrade to a new Apple iPhone, T-Mobile currently has two major promotions that can reduce the cost of the phone. But like most carrier deals, the savings come with conditions attached.
One offer is geared toward people switching carriers, while the other focuses on existing customers with military, first responder or 55+ plans.
Here's a breakdown of both options and what to watch out for before signing up.
Option 1: Switch to T-Mobile and get up to $830 in bill credits
T-Mobile is offering a few ways for customers to save on a new Apple iPhone, including promotions for people switching carriers and existing customers adding a new line.
Eligible shoppers can receive up to $830 in bill credits spread over 24 months when purchasing a new iPhone 17, iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Plus on a qualifying installment plan.
Unlike many smartphone promotions, this deal does not require a trade-in. However, customers must meet several conditions to qualify.
To get the offer, you'll need to:
- Purchase a qualifying iPhone on a monthly payment plan
- Pay sales tax on the phone's full pre-credit price at checkout
- Pay a $35 device connection charge
New customers must sign up for either an Experience Beyond plan with at least one line or a Better Value plan with at least three lines and two eligible port-ins.
Existing T-Mobile customers may also qualify by adding a new line on an eligible Experience Beyond, Better Value or legacy Go5G Next plan.
While the promotion sounds straightforward, there are a few catches shoppers should understand before jumping in.
The discount is applied as monthly bill credits over 24 months, not as an upfront discount. That means you generally need to keep the phone active on the qualifying plan for the full two years to receive the entire promotional value. If you cancel service early or pay off the phone ahead of schedule, the remaining credits may stop.
Option 2: Trade in an old phone on a qualifying 55+, Military or First Responder plan
T-Mobile is also offering another iPhone promotion for customers on qualifying Experience Beyond 55+, Military or First Responder plans. Existing Go5G Next customers may also qualify.
With this deal, customers can receive up to $900 back in monthly bill credits over 24 months when trading in an eligible phone. The amount you receive depends on the phone you trade in. Newer premium phones qualify for the highest credits, while older devices receive lower trade-in values.
For example:
- Up to $900 off: Newer premium devices like the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, Apple iPhone 15 Pro and select recent Samsung Galaxy Ultra models
- Up to $630 off: Devices like the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S24
- Up to $300 off: Older phones, including several legacy iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models
One detail that may appeal to some shoppers is that T-Mobile says eligible devices can be traded in "in any condition" for qualifying offers. That could help customers holding onto cracked or damaged older phones still receive some value toward an upgrade.
However, the same long-term financing caveats apply here as well. The savings arrive through monthly bill credits over two years, and customers who cancel service early may lose the remaining promotional value.
Which T-Mobile iPhone deal makes more sense?
The better option largely depends on your current situation.
If you were already planning to switch wireless carriers and keep service for at least two years, the no-trade-in switch offer might be your best bet because it allows you to keep or sell your old phone independently.
Meanwhile, current T-Mobile customers — especially those already enrolled in 55+, Military or First Responder plans — may get more value from the trade-in promotion if they already own a qualifying device.
Before signing up for either offer, it's important to calculate the full long-term cost of the plan, not just the value of the phone credits. Higher-tier unlimited plans can significantly increase your monthly wireless bill, potentially offsetting some of the promotional savings over time.
Related content
-
Artificial Intelligence Can Make Financial Information Easier to Access, But It Can’t Replace JudgmentSponsored Trusted advice and the role of AI in wealth management
-
Stocks Lose Again as US-Iran War Heats Up: Stock Market TodayThe last trading week of the summer is off to a tough start, with geopolitical tensions ratcheting and interest rates rising.
-
Congress Faces Busy AutumnThe Kiplinger Letter Lawmakers likely will avert a government shutdown before hitting the campaign trail.
-
Tax Breaks for Victims of Hurricanes, Wildfires and Other DisastersTax Breaks A new law gives more tax breaks to victims of natural disasters. The IRS also has an assortment of resources for victims.
-
Beating Inflation: How to Protect Your Long-Term ReturnsHistory shows that inflation erodes long-term returns, but investors can diversify their portfolio to help protect wealth against rising costs. Here's how.
-
My First $1 Million: Realtor, 70, Boston"I have not retired — I could. I just enjoy working. Now I am mentoring others on my team to help them grow and learn about investing and real estate."
-
A Financial Checklist for Your 70sIt's time to enjoy the wealth you've built without worrying about inflation and surprise expenses wiping out your savings. Here's how.
-
A Parent's Playbook for Raising Financially Fit KidsTeaching your kids about money is a lifelong journey, so start early with hands-on lessons to help them build good habits that will pay off in the long run.
-
Equifax Agrees to $100 Million Settlement Over Credit Score Error: Are You Eligible for a Payment?About 4 million people could be eligible for payments after a coding error allegedly caused Equifax to send inaccurate credit scores to lenders.
-
What Additional Homeowners Coverages Should Kiplinger Readers Ask Their Agent About?Your homeowners insurance may not cover every costly loss. Here are five additional coverages worth asking your insurance agent about.
-
Taking Out a Private Student Loan Before the Fall Tuition Bill Deadline? 5 Essential Steps Before You SignMany families will be turning to private student loans to pay the fall tuition bill. Use this checklist to make sure you're getting exactly what you need.Srav
