iPhone Duo: Where to Find the Best Deal

Quick summary: We’re a week or two from the iPhone Duo. Here’s where you can likely get the best price, before taxes, depending on carriers, trade-ins and discounts like military or employee pricing.

Key takeaways

• The 256GB model is the cheapest.
• AT&T and Verizon will likely have the same pricing, with trade-ins up to $1,200 off. AT&T could get it down to around $799.
• T-Mobile looks like up to $1,000 off, so likely the most expensive of the three.
• Apple’s best trade-in is up to $885, for an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
• Buying from Apple will likely cost $300–$400 more than a carrier deal.
• Military, teacher or employee discounts could push the price toward the $500s.

Carrier pricing

For the 256GB model, AT&T and Verizon will most likely match, with trade-ins up to $1,200 off. T-Mobile is looking like up to $1,000 off, making it the priciest of the three major US carriers. Carriers often give big credits even for old or broken phones, which is impressive.

Apple pricing

Apple’s top trade-in is up to $885 for last year’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, and older phones get less. Buying from Apple directly will likely cost a few hundred dollars more than a carrier deal.

Taxes and storage

These prices don’t include tax. It varies by state, sometimes by city, and some states have none. You may also want, or be forced into, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB if 256GB sells out.

What I’m doing

I’m trying to buy unlocked, which means Apple, probably without a trade-in. I could also buy through AT&T and have it unlocked later. I haven’t decided yet.

Discounts

If you qualify for a military, teacher or employee discount, you could get even more off a carrier deal, maybe into the $500 range.

Accessories

• Cases: BENKS, dbrand
• Grips: OhSnap Snap Grip, PopSockets Low-Pro and Kick-Out