Fall is right around the corner. And that means a new iPhone is about to drop.
Last week, Apple announced details surrounding its iPhone 17. The base model remains at the same price of $799.99 and comes with many elevated features that make it an attractive buy. You can preorder it now, with the release coming Friday, September 19.
Furthermore, if you’re thinking about switching carriers, T-Mobile is offering a promotion that could get you the new iPhone at no cost. We'll break down what's new about the iPhone 17, how the T-Mobile deal works and whether it's a smart value.
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.
What's new about the iPhone 17?
Normally, I don't make a big deal about iPhone releases since most of the time the changes are not newsworthy. However, with the iPhone 17, Apple did make some excellent improvements that make it a great phone to consider.
Some of the top upgrades include:
- ProMotion with a refresh rate of 120 frames per second, resulting in a smooth and responsive experience (the iPhone 16 had a refresh rate of 60 frames per second)
- Standard memory of 256GB, up from 128GB on previous models
- Quicker charging capabilities - Charge up to 50% in 20 minutes
- A 5-Core GPU that's 90% quicker than the iPhone 14
Overall, what you'll find is that the base iPhone 17 offers you iPhone Pro features for the price of a base model. That makes upgrading intriguing on the surface.
How to get a free iPhone 17 from T-Mobile
T-Mobile offers a perk where you can get the iPhone 17 for free by switching service to T-Mobile and signing up for an Experience plan.
If you go this route, you won't have to trade in a device. All you'll have to do is pay sales tax and a $35 connection charge per line. You'll receive the iPhone 17 for free via 24 bill credits.
What if you're already a T-Mobile customer? If this applies to you, you can qualify for a discounted iPhone 17.
To do so, you can open a new line of service, choose an Experience plan and get the iPhone 17 with an eligible trade-in device. The amount of the discount depends on the device you trade in, whether you're porting a line over and the plan you select.
You can also upgrade your current phone. If you have the Experience Beyond or Experience Beyond w/55+ Savings, you can upgrade your phone every year. The price you'll pay depends on the phone you trade in and how much you owe on it.
Is this a great deal?
It depends on your needs and budget. On the surface, yes, it's a great deal because you're receiving a free iPhone, saving you $800. Moreover, if you're 55 or older, you can score even better savings with one of T-Mobile's 55+ plans, offering you the same perks as regular plans at a significant discount.
For two lines, here's a breakdown of how much your savings can add up on a 55+ plan:
T-Mobile perks | Regular price | Savings |
|---|---|---|
2 free iPhone 17s via 24 bill credits | $1,599.98 | $1,599.98 |
Experience Beyond w/55+ Savings @$130 | $170 | $40 per month for 24 months, that's $960 in total savings |
Free Hulu, Apple TV Plus and Netflix ad-supported plans | $30.97 | $30.97 per month for 24 months, saving you $214.74 |
As you can see, taking advantage of this deal can save you money, not only on a new phone but on plans and streaming services. Sounds too good to be true? Well…there is a catch.
Things to consider before getting a free iPhone 17
There are a few hoops you might have to jump through to qualify. First of which is signing up for an Experience plan. Experience plans are the more expensive options offered by the carrier. One line on a regular Experience plan starts from $85 per month. If you're over 55, it's $70 per month.
What's included in the Experience plans? Here are some of the top perks:
- Unlimited calling, texting and high-speed data
- A 5-year plan price guarantee
- Upgrade your device every one to two years, depending on your plan
- Free streaming services, such as Apple TV Plus and Hulu
- Free high-speed mobile hotspot data
- Unlimited text and 5GB of high-speed data in more than 215 countries
You'll also need to maintain service for at least two years to qualify for all the bill credits. If you cancel before then, you'll owe a remaining balance on the device. Therefore, ensure the plan is in your budget before signing up.
Ultimately, the iPhone 17 generates a lot of excitement because it offers Pro features at a base price. And T-Mobile offers several deals where you can get this new phone for free or at a steep discount, via billing credits.
Before signing up, ensure you'll use the plan perks enough to justify the costs. If you don't, it might make better sense to buy the new iPhone 17 outright and get a more affordable phone plan.
Related content
-
Many People Hate Data Centers: Billions in Tax Breaks Are One Reason WhyTax Policy Data centers in Virginia and other states are sparking backlash about how AI, cloud computing, and investment affect local communities.
-
What's Next for Apple with a New CEOAfter CEO Tim Cook's dream run, his successor has a tough, megasize act to follow.
-
What to Expect From the May CPI ReportThe May CPI report will be released Wednesday morning. Here's what economists expect the inflation data to show.
-
Parent PLUS Caps Just Changed the Math on Paying for College: How Will You Fill the Gap?For years, Parent PLUS filled whatever tuition gap was left over. Starting July 1, it comes with a hard ceiling. What should families do now?
-
Are This Company's Ads About Its Push-to-Talk Devices Misleading? In My Legal Opinion, Yes, They Are.These radios are marketed as independent, unlimited-range walkie-talkies, but they actually require an LTE tower — the company's website even notes that.
-
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026: Schedule, TV Channels and Streaming OptionsThe FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19. Here's where to watch every match live and the most affordable streaming options for U.S. viewers.
-
How to Earn Hundreds on Gas and Groceries Every Year Just By Swiping 2 Credit CardsMaximizing cash back on everyday spending doesn't have to be complicated.
-
Running on Empty: Why Your Retirement Plan Might Be Closer to E Than You Think (Another Lesson From the School of Rock)Anchoring your retirement plan to short-term inflation is the financial equivalent of a gas tank running on empty — it works great until it leaves you stranded.
-
How to Avoid Fuel Surcharges on Your Summer TravelDon't let soaring airfares and flight disruptions upend your summer vacation plans. These steps can help.
-
Go Ahead and Splurge, But Ask Yourself These 3 Questions FirstWant to spend your hard-won retirement savings but feel guilty about it? Don't. If you can answer these three questions, you have permission to splurge.
-
Your Alma Mater Wants to Sell You Insurance. Should You Buy It?From life insurance to auto coverage, alumni programs offer another way to shop — but not always the cheapest one.
