Thankfully, carriers and even Apple constantly rotate promotions on all Apple’s current iPhone models. That means you’re not locked into getting whatever the newest (and most expensive) iPhone is, but you can find deals on models including the iPhone SE, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and the iPhone 13. Now that Apple has announced the new iPhone 14 range, including four new models – the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Max – there are also carrier deals for consumers who want one of the new devices.  You’ll notice that many carrier deals have the potential to net you a free iPhone, assuming you have the right type of phone to trade in and sign up for the right unlimited plan. Naturally, the devil’s in the details, er, fine print, for any smartphone deal. But that’s why we’re here. If you decide that the current deals aren’t worth trading in your old phone, you can always sell it yourself and see if you can get more cash than a retailer or carrier offers. Just make sure to factory reset it, first. 

Apple iPhone deals available online

Here are the best deals we’ve found since this page was last updated.

The best Apple iPhone deals available online

The iPhone 14, revealed on on September 7 at Apple’s Far Out event, comes with a 6.1" Retina OLED display, is powered by Apple’s A15 processor and includes 4GB RAM, a 12MP main camera, and a 12MP front-facing camera. The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger 6.7" display. Storage options range from 128GB to 512GB. The iPhone 14 range also includes a new feature for satellite connectivity in emergencies dubbed Emergency SOS. Prices begin at $799 for the smaller iPhone, and $899 for the iPhone 14 Plus.  The iPhone 14 Pro and Max come with Apple’s latest A16 processor – what Apple claims is the fastest processor yet in a smartphone – and are equipped with 6.1/6.7" HDR always on displays, a 48MP main camera, and a new “dynamic island” interface, an improvement to the UI for fluidly conveying information including notifications and alerts. You can select storage options up to 1TB and prices range from $999 to $1,099+. You can take advantage of a discount of up to $650 when you trade in your old device on any iPhone 14 device.  A discount of up to $800, applied via bill credits, is available when you add a new line and trade in a new device on a qualifying plan.  You will receive up to $1,000 off the iPhone 14 Series when you make the purchase on an installment plan and AT&T Unlimited plan. Credits are applied over 36 months. This means you can pick up an iPhone 14 for free with the right device trade. In addition, Verizon has thrown in gifts to sweeten the pot. When you sign up for eligible plans, you will receive a free Apple Watch SE, a ninth-gen iPad, or Beats Fit Pro earbuds.  If you buy an iPhone 13, either a mini or standard model, through the vendor directly, you can choose to trade in your old device and save yourself part of the upfront fee. The amount on offer ranges from $40 to $650, depending on the age and type of device you want to hand over.  The amount of the credit depends on which phone you’re trading in. The credits for your trade-in will be split up over 24 months. Furthermore, T-Mobile is also offering a discount on the iPhone 12 mini, with its price slashed from $630 to $499.

Apple iPhone deals at Best Buy

Here are some standalone, alternative iPhone deals we’ve found at Best Buy. 

Apple iPhone deals at Walmart

Here are some standalone, alternative iPhone deals we’ve found at Walmart. 

Still, there are a couple of reasons why you may want to consider upgrading from your current phone:

Poor software performance: If you’ve had the displeasure of experiencing app crashes and delayed loading times, then you may have been told to “factory reset the phone.” While that certainly helps with refreshing the internal state of your device, it is only a Band-Aid type solution and you are likely to face similar usability problems again in the long run.Faulty battery: Nearly every phone in the market runs on lithium-ion batteries, which degrade over time and have the potential to swell if kept in hazardous conditions. If you’re experiencing poor battery life or your phone doesn’t hold its charge well, then that may be your signal to replace the battery or the phone altogether.Hardware defect: Like the battery, if your device suffers from any hardware damage (i.e cracked screen, unresponsive digitizer, crackling speaker, etc.), then an upgrade may be due.

It never hurts to switch to the best, and as this deal list has shown, you don’t have to pay a fortune to do so.

An unlocked phone allows you to use the device with different carrier services and without third-party bloatware or contractual agreements. This is important if you plan to switch carriers or travel internationally.A locked phone restricts your mobile data usage to the carrier that you purchased the device from, whether that’s T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T. While it sounds less beneficial than buying unlocked, carrier stores are more likely to offer you deals and promotions that make upgrading cost significantly less. For example, the best iPhone deals available right now are mostly from carriers.

If you do purchase a locked phone from a carrier and end up switching to a different service, don’t fret. Thanks to the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act, US carriers must unlock your phone after you’ve fully paid it off and completed any contracts or agreements.

iOS or Android? These two operating systems make up more than 95% of the market, so choosing between the two is your first big choice. iOS, the Apple iPhone’s operating system, is known to be user-friendly, secure, and home to a robust library of quality apps. Android, on the other hand, utilizes Google’s software and AI smarts to produce a more customizable user experience.Small or large? What do you use your phone for? Browsing social media? Streaming TV shows on the go? Some users prefer smaller devices for their ergonomics and one-handed usability. Larger phones provide more screen real estate for social and multimedia consumption. You also can expect greater battery life with the latter.Budget? How much are you willing to spend on your next phone? Fortunately, there is a wide selection of capable mobile handsets on the market, so paying less doesn’t always mean you’re getting the worst. Today, you can buy a 5G-ready smartphone for as little as $200.

My best advice for you is to give every phone a try at a brick-and-mortar store. There’s nothing more helpful than holding and interacting with the phones in person and seeing what satisfies your consumer needs.

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