The best deals for the iPhone 17 across various stores and carriers as of September 2025 emphasize trade-in credits, carrier subsidies with unlimited plans, and installment options. Here is a detailed overview of the top offers available:
Apple Store deals start with up to $700 trade-in credit for old devices. For instance, trading in an iPhone 13 can get you around $200 off, and an iPhone 16 could boost that credit to $450. The Apple Store pricing for the new lineup includes the iPhone 17 from $799, iPhone Air at $999, iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099, and the Pro Max at $1,199. These trade-in credits can be applied directly reducing upfront costs when purchasing from Apple itself.
Carriers provide some of the most aggressive deals, often bundling discounts with new or existing unlimited data plans:
- AT&T offers the iPhone 17 Pro on a plan essentially "on us," with discounts up to $1,100 off across the new iPhone 17 Pro Max. They also provide deals on other models like the iPhone Air with up to $830 off through trade-in and qualifying unlimited plans. Both new and existing customers can access these offers through AT&T's website, app, and retail stores.
- Verizon matches or sometimes exceeds these incentive levels, granting free iPhones (or near free with trade-in) upon activating new lines with qualifying unlimited data plans. This deal applies across the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and Pro models, including the Pro Max with up to $1,100 off.
- T-Mobile similarly offers fully subsidized iPhones (up to $1,100 off) when customers trade in eligible devices and sign up for qualifying unlimited plans. These promotions cover the entire iPhone 17 series, including the newly introduced Air model.
For customers without trade-in devices, some carriers still offer monthly bill credits and installment plans reducing the cost of the iPhone 17. These installment plans often span 24 to 36 months, making the flagship more affordable over time, especially when paired with a new unlimited data plan.
Key points to consider:
- Trade-in devices across all major carriers generally yield the highest discounts, up to $1,100 off on premium models. Trade-in conditions are generous, often accepting devices in any condition.
- New lines and unlimited data plans are typically required to qualify for the best deals.
- Apple's own store focuses on straightforward trade-in deals and device pricing without bundling carrier plans.
- Availability for these pre-orders starts Friday, September 12, 2025, with actual devices shipping or available in stores from September 19.
- The lineup includes the standard iPhone 17 at $799, iPhone Air at $999, iPhone 17 Pro at $1,099, and the top-tier Pro Max at $1,199, with configurations up to 2TB for Pro Max.
Additional offers include discounts on Apple Watches when purchased alongside iPhones, which some carriers like AT&T bundle as part of their promotional efforts.
To summarize the best strategy for buying the iPhone 17 in 2025:
- If eligible, trading in your current smartphone while signing up for or upgrading with a qualifying unlimited plan at AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile is the best way to maximize discounts, potentially getting the phone for free or significantly reduced prices.
- If you prefer to buy directly from Apple, prepare to use trade-in credits which still provide solid discounts but without additional carrier obligations.
- Watch for promotional bundle deals including Apple Watches or accessories which can add value.
- Preorder dates and stock availability suggest acting early for best choice of models and configurations.