Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro lineup has arrived, bringing the latest technology and features just in time for the holiday shopping season. But with the iPhone 18 Pro Max starting at $1,299.99, upgrading to the newest model is a significant expense, especially as holiday shopping, travel and other seasonal costs start adding up.
Fall could be the perfect time to upgrade your phone, before the holiday shopping rush kicks into high gear. T-Mobile is offering several promotions on Apple's newest iPhones, including up to $1,000 off the iPhone 18 Pro Max without trading in your old phone. There are also deals on the iPhone 17 that could make upgrading more affordable.
But is now the right time to upgrade your iPhone, or would you be better off waiting? Before jumping on one of these offers, it's worth looking beyond the advertised discount to understand the plan requirements, monthly payments and potential costs. Here's what T-Mobile is offering and how to decide whether these deals are worth it.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
iPhone 18 Pro vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: Is the upgrade worth it?
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max share many of the same features, including the powerful A20 Pro chip, advanced camera system and Apple Intelligence capabilities. The biggest differences come down to screen size, battery life and price.
Here's how the two models compare:
Feature |
iPhone 18 Pro |
iPhone 18 Pro Max |
Starting price |
$1,199 |
$1,299 |
Display size |
6.3 inches |
6.9 inches |
Battery life (video playback) |
Up to 36 hours |
Up to 45 hours |
Weight |
7.44 ounces |
8.78 ounces |
Processor |
A20 Pro |
A20 Pro |
Main camera |
48MP with variable aperture |
48MP with variable aperture |
Starting storage |
256GB |
256GB |
For $100 more, the iPhone 18 Pro Max gives you a larger display and up to nine more hours of video playback. That could be worth the extra money if you frequently stream videos, travel or spend long days away from a charger.
However, if you prefer a lighter, more compact phone, the iPhone 18 Pro delivers essentially the same performance and camera capabilities for less. And with T-Mobile offering promotional discounts on both models, the amount you'll actually pay could make the decision easier.
How to get up to $1,000 off the iPhone 18 Pro at T-Mobile
If you want the latest iPhone without paying extra for the larger Pro Max, T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone 18 Pro. With a retail price of $1,199.99 for the 256GB model, that brings the cost of the phone down to $199.99 before taxes and fees.
There are two main ways to qualify for T-Mobile's promotional savings:
- Switch to T-Mobile: Add a new line, transfer your number from an eligible carrier, such as AT&T or Verizon, and sign up for a qualifying Experience Beyond plan. No trade-in is required.
- Trade in your old phone: Eligible customers can receive promotional credits by trading in a qualifying device. The discount depends on the device and plan, so check your eligibility before upgrading.
New customers must sign up for Experience Beyond 2.0, while existing customers may qualify through Experience Beyond 2.0, Experience Beyond or Go5G Next. Qualifying service for the $1,000 no-trade-in offer starts at $100 per month with AutoPay, plus taxes and fees.
The discount comes through up to 36 monthly bill credits rather than an upfront price reduction. You'll also pay sales tax on the phone's full retail price, a $35 device connection charge and any required down payment. If you cancel your service or pay off the phone early, you'll lose any remaining promotional credits.
For those who don't need the Pro Max's larger screen or longer battery life, the iPhone 18 Pro could offer a better value while delivering many of the same premium features.
Want the iPhone 18 Pro Max? Here's what T-Mobile's deal will cost you
If you've been holding on to your old iPhone waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro models, now could be the time to upgrade. T-Mobile is offering up to $1,000 off the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and depending on how you qualify, you might not even need to trade in your current phone.
To take advantage of the offer, you'll need to add a new line, transfer your number from an eligible carrier, such as AT&T or Verizon, and sign up for a qualifying T-Mobile plan. New customers must choose Experience Beyond 2.0, which starts at $100 per month with AutoPay, plus taxes and fees. Existing customers may also qualify through Experience Beyond or Go5G Next.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max with 256GB of storage retails for $1,299.99, so even with the full $1,000 discount, you'll still pay $299.99 for the phone. You'll also be responsible for sales tax on the original retail price, a $35 device connection charge and any required down payment.
There's another important catch: The $1,000 discount isn't applied upfront. Instead, T-Mobile spreads the savings across up to 36 monthly bill credits. You'll need to keep your qualifying service active to receive the full discount. If you cancel your account early, you'll lose the remaining credits and owe the outstanding balance on your phone. Paying off the device early also ends the promotional credits under this offer.
For anyone already considering switching carriers, the promotion could provide substantial savings. But before making the move, compare the cost of T-Mobile's qualifying plan with what you're currently paying. A higher monthly wireless bill could quickly offset the savings on your new iPhone.
T-Mobile's iPhone 17 deals could be an even better value
You don't necessarily need the newest iPhone to get an excellent phone. If you're looking to upgrade without spending more than necessary, the iPhone 17 could be a better value, especially with T-Mobile's current promotions.
The iPhone 17 with 256GB of storage retails for $929.99, but qualifying customers can get one with T-Mobile through up to 36 monthly bill credits. There are two ways to take advantage of the offer:
- Trade in your current phone: Customers on a qualifying Experience Beyond plan can receive up to $929.99 in credits when trading in an eligible phone, even one in poor condition.
- Switch carriers: Add a new line, transfer your number from an eligible carrier and sign up for a qualifying Experience Beyond plan. No trade-in is required.
Keep in mind that "On Us" advertising doesn't mean there are no costs. You'll still be responsible for applicable sales taxes, fees and qualifying wireless service. The promotional credits are spread across 36 months, and canceling your service early means forfeiting any remaining credits and paying off the outstanding device balance.
The biggest differences between the iPhone 17 and the new iPhone 18 Pro models are processing power, camera capabilities and battery life. The iPhone 18 Pro features Apple's faster A20 Pro chip, an upgraded 48-megapixel camera with variable aperture for better photography in different lighting conditions and longer battery life.
The iPhone 17 still offers a 6.3-inch display, a very capable camera system and Apple Intelligence features, making it a solid choice for everyday use.
Is upgrading your iPhone worth the cost?
The newest iPhone isn't necessarily the best deal. The iPhone 17 offers many of the features most people use every day at a lower price than the iPhone 18 lineup. And if your current phone is still working well, you may be better off waiting until the excitement surrounding the latest release fades and more deals become available.
Before taking advantage of a T-Mobile promotion, look beyond the advertised discount. Compare the cost of your current wireless plan with the qualifying plan, including any additional fees and device payments. A more expensive monthly plan could quickly offset the savings on your new phone.
Ultimately, the best deal is the one that saves you money over time, not just at checkout. Calculate what you'll spend on your phone and wireless service over the full 36-month promotional period before deciding whether it's time for an upgrade.
Related Content
-
'East of Eden' Stars Explain the 'Wake-Up Call' of Inheriting Wealth"East of Eden" is ultimately a story about what we do and do not inherit from our parents. We asked the Netflix show's actors how their characters would handle a gift from their parents.
-
Meeting With a Financial Adviser for the First Time? Here's How to PrepareFrom the documents to bring to the questions to ask, a little preparation can help you get more out of your first meeting.
-
2027 Social Security COLA is 3.6%: What You Need to KnowThe SSA has announced the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), the new maximum taxable wage cap and the earnings requirements for Social Security credits.
-
'East of Eden' Stars Explain the 'Wake-Up Call' of Inheriting Wealth
"East of Eden" is ultimately a story about what we do and do not inherit from our parents. We asked the Netflix show's actors how their characters would handle a gift from their parents.
-
Meeting With a Financial Adviser for the First Time? Here's How to Prepare
From the documents to bring to the questions to ask, a little preparation can help you get more out of your first meeting.
-
State Farm is Raising Homeowners Insurance Rates Again. Could Your Premiums Be Next?Illinois homeowners face another insurance rate increase after a 27% jump last year. Here's what's driving higher premiums and how to protect your budget.
-
When Buying Major Appliances, You Need a Local Pro in Your Corner: Here's What They Can Do for YouRather than shopping only for the best deal, building a relationship with a dedicated, local appliance specialist is the best way to get dependable support.
-
How to Build Your Children's Money Muscles Before Their Big Inheritance: A Financial Road Map for Every AgeDon't surprise adult kids with a complex estate plan. Prepare them to handle family wealth by teaching them smart financial habits from an early age.
-
My First $1 Million: Mechanical Engineer, 69, Los Angeles"I am the classic 'millionaire next door.' I started saving in the company saving plan with my first paycheck at age 22 and never stopped."
-
Stop Overpaying on Vacation: The Secrets to Eating Well Without Getting GougedIf you want to eat local without the tourist tax, here's how you can find the best hotspots without emptying your wallet.
-
A Financial Adviser's Guide to Using Debt to Improve Your FinancesEliminating high-interest balances and strategically using lower-rate loans can help you use debt as a tool to help make you more money in the future.
