The launch of a new iPhone usually brings some discounts with it, but the rollout of the iPhone 13 has become a prime opportunity for bargain hunters.
All of the major carriers and many retailers are offering bigger than usual incentives to convince people to upgrade their smartphone. Carriers are looking to shore up their customer numbers as the shift to 5G grows and the ongoing chip shortage has had a bigger impact on Android devices. That motivates both carriers and retailers to promote Apple’s device.
Finding the best deal really comes down to a few factors: your willingness to switch carriers; whether you have a phone to trade in; and if you’re looking for the absolute lowest up-front cost or other perks. (And that doesn’t even factor in the various streaming service subscription incentives that each carrier offers.) With that in mind, here’s how the deals break down.
Verizon
Verizon is being particularly aggressive this upgrade cycle, offering new customers up to $500 in credit to switch carriers. It’s also offering trade-in credit (over 24 to 30 months) of up to $1,000 if you want an iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max. (That would make the 128GB Pro model free after the credit is applied.) If you’re getting the iPhone 13, the credit maxes out at $800. And it peaks at $700 for the iPhone 13 Mini.
iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models will earn you the most in trade-in value.
T-Mobile
This carrier is looking long term, rolling out its “Forever Upgrade” program with the iPhone 13. New and existing users will get up to $800 trade-in credit (paid back over 30 monthly billing cycles). Moving forward, though, T-Mobile is offering up to $800 in trade-in credit for future phones.
AT&T
Customers who want an iPhone 13 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max can get up to $1,000 off with eligible trade-ins. As with other carriers, those will come in the form of bill credits over an extended period, beginning within three bills after the trade-in is completed.
Customers who want an iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini can get up to $700 in bill credits.
Walmart
Walmart is knocking $100 off the cash price of all new iPhone 13s, and pushing its partnership with AT&T. That makes for a slightly smaller upfront cost with the same trade-in bill credits, making it a serious consideration for people who want to utilize that carrier.
Best Buy
Trade in your iPhone 8 or higher and you can save up to $720 on an iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 Mini. If you’re looking for a Max or Pro Max version of the iPhone 13, trade in an iPhone 11 or newer for a credit of as much as $1,000. Many iPhone 13 models are also $100 off.
Amazon
You won’t find any discounts on the MSRP at Amazon, but the online retailer is offering slight discounts on trade-ins, though not nearly on the same level as others. (An iPhone 8, for example, will just fetch $101.) Amazon is offering a small incentive in the form of a monthly gift card. Buyers automatically will receive $4.17 credit on their Amazon Gift Card balance, up to a maximum of $100 over 24 months.
Customers who buy an iPhone 13 on Amazon can activate it with Cricket Wireless.
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