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Are you ready for an incredible opportunity that sounds too good to be true? The government is now offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a brand-new iPhone, absolutely free! Yes, you read that right – a free iPhone! This isn’t a drill or a gimmick; it’s a genuine offer that’s making waves across the nation. Imagine having the latest technology right at your fingertips without spending a dime.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a busy professional, or someone who loves staying connected with friends and family, this offer is tailored just for you. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary chance to upgrade your digital life. Keep reading to find out how you can claim your free iPhone today!
Sadly, many of these lifeline providers (as we call them) with the free cell phone service from the government usually hand out android devices.
In fact, I’ve only been able to verify only one operator who usually gives the Apple devices to its eligible participants. But after hours of research, I’ve come across two new operators claiming to be offering an iPhone.
So, this guide will revolve around the three lifeline providers and the kind of Apple smartphones you’re likely to get.
What’s the Best iPhone From the Government?
As I’ve mentioned in my previous topics on lifeline assistance programs, the devices offered are usually older models. And for that, even here, don’t expect those latest series you see on T-Mobile or Verizon iPhone deals for existing customers.
The four best iPhones you’re likely to get if eligible for the preferred government assistance program will be either:
Has an A10 Fusion processor, 5.5-inch FHD display, 12MP camera with 2x optical zoom, built-in NFC, & IP67 water-resistant
Has an A10 Fusion processor, 4.7-inch HD+ display, 12MP camera without optical zoom, built-in NFC, & IP67 water-resistant
Has an A9 processor, 5.5-inch FHD display, video recording in 4K UHD, built-in NFC, & quick Fingerprint unlock
Has Apple A9 processor, 4.0-inch HD display, video recording in 4K UHD, built-in NFC, & quick Fingerprint unlock
Is the Free iPhone from Government Worth it?
In the phone models above, you can see my point on “older models” of phones with the lifeline operators. But they’re a little better compared with the entry-level WIKO or UNIMAX selections Access Wireless and Safelink usually provide.
Of course, you’ll notice these Apple devices have seemingly the same built-in storage and RAM (people compare the two features most). But what you should know is that an iPhone with 2GB of RAM can outperform an Android with 4GB of RAM.
After all, Apple has the iOS for only its device hardware, with better optimizations for heavy processes without sacrificing something like a battery.
In addition, some of these old iPhones still have sophisticated features many latest Android phones lack, such as:
- A sturdy, weather-resistant design: can be handy in case dropped in the bathroom sink or used to capture underwater in the pool and when snorkeling.
- Upgradeable to the latest operating systems: thus, you can enjoy modern features that were not out during the initial product release. Then, your device will also have access to current security updates and bug fixes.
- Compatible with WiFi 5 (802.11ac): the devices offer better WiFi speeds than the low-end Androids with up to WiFi 4 (802.11an) protocol.
- Built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip: At this moment, this feature is very crucial in contactless payment of bills and as an electronic traveling ticket. But again, our “older” government iPhones support the feature whereas many latest Androids don’t.
- Video recording in up to 4K quality & Slo-Mo Mode: Yet again, the older iPhones have the option to capture moments in up to 4K quality and Slow-Motion mode. But this is also a feature many latest Android smartphones still lack.
Important Notes:
At this point, no brand-new iPhone 7 Plus or even 8-Series are on the market. The same is true for even older Androids like Samsung Galaxy S7/ 8/ 9-series, Google Pixel 2, and LG K10.
So, the free iPhone from government Lifeline services will be a certified pre-owned/ refurbished model. It’s not ideal, for sure. Then again, it’s better than living without a phone, considering you won’t be paying anything.
The Providers with Free iPhone from the Government
As I’ve mentioned earlier, I’ve only been able to confirm one Lifeline provider that gives a free government iPhone: Cintex Wireless.
But while preparing this article, I came across AirTalk and Newphone Wireless, which also have a catalog with a $0 iPhone.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is one of the best network providers for the lifeline service out there. It offers more decent free touch screen government phones to the eligible participants compared with its closest rivals. Not just that.
Cintex Wireless is the only lifeline operator you can get a Samsung Galaxy Tab or Apple iPad in the supposedly free Tablet with EBT program. Then your free phone plan will include unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of Data (with Lifeline + ACP combo).
As for the company itself, Cintex Wireless is a subsidiary of HTH Communications, LLC based in Houston, Texas. If you should know, part of the HTH services includes “repair and refurbishing” smart devices like phones/ tablets.
Furthermore, HTH Communications is the owner of sub-carriers Airvoice wireless, AirTalk wireless, and NewPhone Wireless. Only that the last two are recently-launched lifeline operators while the other is a prepaid carrier.
Newphone Wireless
Although not very old,NewPhone Wireless has already built a significant customer base around lifeline service. But as a brand of HTH Communications, you’ll notice everything they offer is pretty much the same as Cintex Wireless.
You’ll actually notice the two offer similar allotments on the free phone plan: unlimited talk & text, plus 15GB of data. The website interface is also pretty much the same, and so is the catalog of the free iPhone and Android phones.
AirTalk wireless
AirTalk Wireless is the other brand of HTH Communications you can get a free iPhone and monthly service. It’s the newest of the three lifeline brands (launched in 2021/ 2022), but everything else is the same.
The phones catalog, lifeline program, ACP (affordable connectivity program) benefits, and even terms of use are as with NewPhone or Cintex Wireless. It’s easy to agree the parent company introduced it to assist in the provision of the lifeline program, which has had increasingly new applications from the COVID-19 shockwave.
But with all that said, is the new lifeline operator as the others on eligibility requirements. Or how can I get a free iPhone from the government program?
How to Get the Free iPhone From Government Lifeline Providers
Well, the process to get the free iPhone from our three lifeline companies is pretty much the same. The benefits are only available to individuals with proof of low income or who participate in government assistance programs.
And for the program-based eligibility, you’ll need to be participating in either:
- Medicaid
- Tribal Head Start
- Federal public housing assistance
- Supplemental security income (SSI)
- Veterans & survivors pension benefit
- Tribal temporary assistance for needy families
- Food distribution program in Indian reservation (FDPIR)
- Food Stamps/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
If you apply for the lifeline phone with income, the requirements are quite different from the free tablet from Government. Your household income will need to be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines: not the 200% required for the ACP/ tablet benefits.
It’s worth noting the federal poverty guidelines usually vary from one state to another. Then, some states don’t even have income-based eligibility for the free lifeline phone service. Thus, you’ll have to apply with proof of participation in a federal assistance program.
List of Required Documents (applying for the free Government iPhone)
When applying for a free government iPhone, typically under programs like Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you usually need to provide certain documents to prove your eligibility. The exact requirements may vary based on your location and the specific program rules, but generally, you’ll be asked to provide the following:
Proof of Identity: You must verify your identity. This can include:
- Driver’s license
- State ID
- Passport
- Birth certificate
Proof of Income: If you qualify based on your income, you’ll need to prove that your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Documents can include:
- The prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Unemployment/Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
Proof of Program Participation: If you qualify through participation in certain federal assistance programs, you’ll need to show proof of participation. This can include:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
Programs typically include SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or Tribal programs (like TTANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal Head Start).
Proof of Address: You’ll need to provide a document that proves where you live. Acceptable documents might include:
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Government-issued ID (if it includes your address)
Additional Documentation: In some cases, additional documentation may be required, such as:
- Social Security Number or Tribal Identification Number
- Consent forms
- Documentation proving you are unemployed if you are applying based on unemployment
Application Form: A completed application form specific to the provider of the free phone or the government assistance program.
A Summary of the Best Free iPhones From Government Lifeline
| Series of the Free iPhone From Government | Release Year | Type of Display | ROM vs RAM |
| Apple iPhone 7 Plus | Sept. 2016 | 5.5-inch, Full HD | 32GB, 3GB |
| Apple iPhone 7 | Sept. 2016 | 4.7-inch, HD+ | 32GB, 2GB |
| Apple iPhone 6 Plus | Sept. 2016 | 5.5-inch, Full HD | 16GB, 1GB |
| Apple iPhone SE | March 2016 | 4.0-inch, HD | 16GB, 2GB |
| Apple iPhone 6s Plus | Sept. 2015 | 5.5-inch, Full HD | 32GB, 2GB |
| Apple iPhone 6s | Sept. 2015 | 4.7-inch, HD+ | 16GB, 2GB |
| Apple iPhone 6 | Sept. 2014 | 4.7-inch, HD+ | 16GB, 1GB |
Apple iPhone 7 Plus 5.5” Smartphone
Other Features:
- A descent A10 Fusion processor
- IP67 dust/ splash/ water resistant
- Built-in NFC chip for payments
- Quick unlock with a fingerprint reader
- Dual-camera system with 2x optical zoom
- Crisp video recording in 4K@30fps Ultra-HD
- Slo-Mo video capture in 1080p@120fps & 720p@240ps
Apple iPhone 7 32GB Memory Phone
Other Features:
- A descent A10 Fusion processor
- IP67 dust/ splash/ water resistant
- Built-in NFC for contactless payments
- Up to LTE & WiFi 5 (802.11ac) connectivity
- Integrated fingerprint reader for quick unlock
- Crisp Video recording in up to 4K Ultra-HD quality
- Slo-Mo video capture in 1080p@120fps & 720p@240fps
Apple iPhone 6s Plus Ultra-HD LTE Smartphone
Other Features:
- Runs on an Apple A9 processor
- Built-in NFC for payments
- Quick unlock with the fingerprint reader
- Up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac) dual-band standard
- Supports Bluetooth v4.2 & standard 3.5mm jack
- Crystal video recording in 4K Ultra-HD@30fps
- Slo-Mo video capture in 1080p@120fps & 720p@240fps
Apple iPhone 6s A9 HD+ Nano-SIM Cell Phone
Other Features:
- Runs on an Apple A9 processor
- Integrated NFC for digital payments
- Up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band protocol
- Built-in Fingerprint scanner for quick unlock
- Supports Bluetooth v4.2 & Standard 3.5mm jack
- Vivid video recording in 4K Ultra-HD@30fps
- Slo-Mo Video capture in 1080p@120fps & 720fps@240fps
Apple iPhone 6 Plus A8 iOS LTE Phone
Other Features:
- Runs on an Apple A8 processor
- Contactless payments via NFC
- Up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac) protocol
- Quick unlock with the fingerprint reader
- Supports Bluetooth v4 & standard 3.5mm jack
- Video recording in 1080p@60fps & 720p@240fps
Apple iPhone SE A9 Ultra-HD Cell Phone
Other Features:
- Runs on an Apple A9 processor
- Up to LTE & WiFi 5 (802.11ac) support
- Built-in NFC for payments & content sharing
- Vivid Video capture in 4K@30fps resolution
- Slo-Mo video capture in 1080p@120fps & 240pfs
- Front-mounted fingerprint reader for quick unlock
Apple iPhone 6 Dual-Band LTE Touchscreen
Other Features:
- Runs on an Apple A8 processor
- Integrated NFC (for Apple Pay only)
- Up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band protocol
- Built-in Fingerprint scanner for quick unlock
- Supports Bluetooth v4 & Standard 3.5mm jack
- Slo-Mo Video recording in 720fps@240fps
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get an iPhone?
The lifeline program is the cheapest way to get an iPhone since you won’t be paying anything. But you can also check out the free iPhone deals when you switch to carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, or Metro by T-Mobile.
Does Apple give free iPhones?
No, Apple doesn’t give free iPhones. The only way you can get a free iPhone will be through a government lifeline provider like Cintex Wireless. Or perhaps with prepaid and postpaid carriers on the free switcher deals.
How can I get a free iPhone?
The only way to get a free iPhone from the government will be from Cintex, NewPhone, or AirTalk Wireless. You’ll need to provide proof you participate in a federal assistance program or has a low income at or below 135% of poverty guidelines in your state.
What carrier is giving free iPhones?
As I’ve just mentioned, we’ve got only three carriers giving free iPhones from the government lifeline program: Cintex, NewPhone, and AirTalk Wireless. But you can also check the free iPhone deals when you switch to paid carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, and MetroPCS.
Does Apple replace iPhones for free?
YES, Apple does replace iPhones for free on technical issues under the standard warranty. Issues like liquid damage or the Home button are also free to repair if you’ve got AppleCare+ service. But for repairs on accidental damage or want to replace a lost phone, there’s an applicable minimal fee.
Affordable Upgrade iPhones
In conclusion, that’s everything you should know if you were looking for a way to get a free iPhone from the government. And Cintex Wireless, plus its sister brands Newphone and AirTalk Wireless are the only three companies that will make that dream possible.
But from the listed selections, we can agree iPhone 7-series is the only decent Apple product. The only problem is that there’s no guarantee it’s what you’ll get as distribution always vary with the stock available.
Nonetheless, the three lifeline carriers have an upgrade catalog you can get the latest iPhones at unprecedented prices. Then again, the featured devices will still be certified pre-owned/ refurbished selections (possibly from the parent company, HTH Communications).