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Is it possible to get a free iPhone when you switch to a new carrier? A quick answer, YES! And not just the older iPhone 7 & 6s that Cintex offers on its free phones for seniors on social security program. But also the latest brands like iPhone 12 and iPhone SE (2022) even with no trade-in required.
Sadly, however, most phone companies that give free phones with no trade-in required usually have Androids on the table. And that we can easily relate to the fact that the platform houses a wide range of brands at a lower cost.
But, anyway, a number of carriers have also been luring new customers to their service with some sweet Apple deals. And this review covers the seven best iPhone deals you can get for free with/ without a trade-in required.
What’s the Best Free iPhone When You Switch?
Typically, the Big Three carriers (Verizon, AT&T, & T-Mobile) are the first options to consider for high-end phone promo offers. But if you only prefer an Apple brand, most of the offers require either an eligible trade-in device or a BOGO (Buy One Get One).
The Verizon iPhone deals are somewhat the most common with no trade-in required. And that includes even the iPhone 12, which, in my opinion, is the overall best free deal out of the top-seven selections.
- Best Overall: Verizon Apple iPhone 12 64GB 5G Smartphone
Summary Requirements: Add a new line & activate on a postpaid unlimited plan. No trade-in required
- Best of Upgrade: T-Mobile Apple iPhone 13 5G-Capable Phone
Summary Requirements: Add a new line, activate with a postpaid unlimited plan, trade-in an eligible smartphone
- Best of Replacement: AT&T Apple iPhone 13 Mini A15 Bionic
Summary Requirements: Activate on a postpaid unlimited plan and provide a trade-in value of at least $95.
What to Know About the Free iPhone Switcher Deals
As of 2022, we’ve over a hundred mobile carriers, and there’s a chance for the number to increase soon- Cox is an example looking to launch an MVNO through Verizon.
The free phone switcher deals (with iPhones in this case) are one of the ways these companies use to lure new subscribers to their service. But to get this promotional discount:
- You’ll first need to purchase the featured smartphone on the installment agreement
- You’ll next need to add a new line to your mobile account
- Then, you must activate the phone you’ve just purchased on an eligible service plan
- Finally, you’ll now receive a rebate off the device payment in the form of bill credits over the agreed period (24-36 months)
Notes:
While going through some of the MetroPCS phone deals for existing customers, the iPhone SE was on that list. But as mentioned, you could only get the full discount when you switch with a qualified port-in, which is common with most MVNOs.
Furthermore, Metro, like most other prepaid MVNOs, usually doesn’t have its own device financing program. And that means even with the free iPhone deal, you’ll first need to purchase at the full retail price. Then, you’ll receive an instant rebate off the full price in bill credits or sometimes as a virtual prepaid card.
The 5 Common Types of Free iPhone Switcher Deals?
Different carriers have different requirements for you to get the free iPhone when you switch to their service. And in these requirements, we can sum up the various switcher deals into four types, including:
- No Trade-in Required:
In this category of the free phone when you switch deals, the respective carrier only requires you to add a new line. And as mentioned earlier, Verizon is the perfect example as you’ll even get the latest brands without providing a trade-in.
- Trade-In Required:
Overall, this promotional offer’s most common with those customers who want to upgrade to the latest device but can’t afford to pay all amount. So, the carrier will ask you to trade an eligible, functional device. Then, activate the purchased phone with a new line on a qualified rate plan.
- BOGO Required:
BOGO or “buy one get one” deals are not common to many mobile carriers. But you can find them handy when you want to upgrade multiple devices at the same time.
T-Mobile has been pretty great in this type of promo, whereby you purchase two of the featured phones on an agreement plan. Then, you get to receive a full rebate on one of the phones.
- Port-In Required
The port-in requirement is most common on deals with free phones when you switch to prepaid carriers. The Metro by T-Mobile (or MetroPCS) and Cricket Wireless are perfect examples here. But the AT&T brand doesn’t have $0 iPhone promos at this time.
- Lifeline Required
The lifeline program is the cheapest way to get a free phone and also a monthly service. But most of the lifeline providers with free touch screen government phones will give you entry-level Android devices like WIKO, Unimax, and LG Phoenix 4.
Cintex Wireless’s actually the only lifeline company I’ve seen promise subscribers free Apple iPhone devices, albeit the older models. Then again, you must qualify for the service with a government assistance program or a low income.
How to Get Free iPhone When You Switch Carriers
As mentioned not long ago, you can get free iPhone switcher deals from various carriers in different ways.
Below is a summary of some of the best Apple promos, total savings, and how to qualify:
| Free Apple iPhone Deals | Carrier with the Offer | About the Promo Deal | Total Promo Savings | ROM/ RAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 64GB 5G Smartphone | Verizon | No Trade-In Required | $700.00 | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone 13 5G-Capable Phone | T-Mobile | Trade-in Required | $800.00 | 128GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini A15 Bionic | AT&T | Trade-in Required | $700.00 | 128GB,4GB |
| Apple iPhone 12 Mini 64GB Cell Phone | T-Mobile | BOGO/ Trade-in | $630.00 | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone SE (2020) LTE | Boost Mobile | No Trade-in Required | $400.00 | 64GB, 3GB |
| Apple iPhone 8 LTE 64GB Storage | Cintex Wireless | N/A (Lifeline offer) | $260.00 | 64GB, 2GB |
| Apple iPhone SE (2022) 64GB Memory Phone | Verizon | No Trade-in Required | $430.00 | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone SE (2020) 64GB Prepaid | Metro by T-Mobile | Port-In Required | $400.00 | 64GB, 3GB |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max 256GB | Verizon | No Trade-in Required | $545.00 | 64GB, 4GB |
| Apple iPhone 7 Plus LTE Cell Phone | Cintex Wireless | N/A (Lifeline offer) | $180.00 | 32GB, 3GB |
1. Verizon Apple iPhone 12 64GB 5G Smartphone
Best Features:
- 6.1-inch Super-Retina display
- Latest A14 Bionic processor
- Nano-SIM & digital eSIM
- IP68 dust/ water protection
- LTE & 5G Ultra-Wideband
- 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
Yes, yes Verizon phone catalog usually doesn’t have the best ratings. But the iPhone 12 deal here’s still the best of all since you require no trade-in. Thus, can be a perfect replacement or upgrade device for 5G Ultra-Wideband, eSIM, and the overall mobile performance.
About the Deal: Verizon has the iPhone 12 at $0.00/ month when you add a new line to your new or existing account. Then, activate the device on any of the postpaid unlimited plans.
2. T-Mobile Apple iPhone 13 5G-Capable Phone
Best Features:
- 6.1-inch Super-Retina display
- Latest A15 Bionic processor
- Nano-SIM & eSIM support
- IP68 dust/ water protection
- 4G LTE & 5G Ultra-Wideband
- 128GB internal storage, 4G RAM
The iPhone 13 is one of the bestselling phones on T-Mobile right now. It has the latest 5G modem if you wish to make the most of the Ultra-Capacity network, plenty of internal storage, and the fastest processor so far.
About the Deal: T-Mobile has the iPhone 13 with a full discount if you activate it with a new line and provide an eligible trade-in. The eligible trade-in includes devices like iPhone X through 12-Series, Samsung GS20 through 22-Series, Google Pixel 5, et cetera.
3. AT&T Apple iPhone 13 Mini A15 Bionic
Best Features:
- 5.4-inch Super-Retina display
- Latest A15 Bionic processor
- IP68 dust/ water protection
- 4G LTE & 5G Ultra-Wideband
- Built-in NFC & Face ID sensor
- Video recording in 4K@60fps
Just as the name, the iPhone 13 Mini is the baby of the entire Apple 13-series. But you’ll find it as powerful as the rest since it still has the same A15 Bionic processor, at least 128GB/ 4GB memory, and 5G+ cellular bands.
About the Deal: AT&T has the Apple iPhone 13 Mini for free when you activate on a postpaid unlimited plan. Then, provide an eligible trade-in device, such as iPhone X or later, Samsung Galaxy S10 & above, or Google Pixel 4.
4. T-Mobile Apple iPhone 12 Mini 64GB Cell Phone
Best Features:
- 5.4-inch Super-Retina display
- 4G LTE & 5G Ultra-Wideband
- High-performance A14 Bionic chip
- 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM
- Nano-SIM & digital eSIM support
- Built-in Face ID & NFC sensor
- Slo-Mo video recording in 1080@240fps
Similarly, the iPhone 12 Mini is the baby of the Apple 12-Series. But it still shares some advanced features, including the A14 Bionic chip, 5G mmWave support, digital eSIM, and IP68 protection.
About the Deal: T Mobile has the iPhone 12 Mini with a BOGO deal of up to $700 off if you can activate a new line. Thus, it could be a perfect gift if you’ve been thinking about adding a fiancée or kid to your account.
5. Best of Prepaid: Boost Mobile Apple iPhone SE (2020) LTE Phone
Best Features:
- 4.7-inch Super-Retina display
- Advanced A13 Bionic chip
- Nano-SIM & digital eSIM
- 4G LTE network support
- IP67 dust/ water protection
- 64GB internal storage, 3GB RAM
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
The iPhone SE (2020 Release) is one of the best prepaid phone deals you can get on the market today. It’s the recreation of the original iPhone SE, thereby faster and powerful enough for most day-to-day applications.
About the Deal: Boost Mobile has the iPhone SE (2020) with $400 off when you switch with your phone number. However, the offer’s no longer applicable online. You can redeem it “in-store only” from the select authorized locations.
6. Verizon Apple iPhone SE (2022) 64GB Memory Phone
Best Features:
- 4.7-inch Super-Retina display
- Latest A15 Bionic processor
- IP67 dust/ water protection
- Dual SIM (eSIM & Nano-SIM)
- Up to 5G Ultra-Wideband (n77)
- 128GB internal storage, 4GB RAM
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
The iPhone SE (2022 Release) is the second recreation of the original iPhone SE. But now much more powerful than the first and second editions, thanks to the A15 Bionic processor, which is also in the iPhone 13-series. Oh, yes, you could also tap into the 5G Ultra-Wideband n77 (C-band).
About the Deal: Verizon has the iPhone SE (2022) at $0.00/ month if you can activate it with a new line on any postpaid unlimited plan. No port-in or trade-in is required.
7. Best of Lifeline Phone: Cintex Apple iPhone 8 LTE 64GB Storage
Best Features:
- 4.7-inch Retina IPS display
- 4G LTE network support
- Decent A11 Bionic processor
- Built-in NFC & fingerprint sensor
- 64GB internal storage, 2GB RAM
- Video recording in up to 4K@60fps
Even though you’re four years late, the Apple iPhone 8 is still a decent smartphone. Yes, the operating memory is not good enough for some of the latest games and applications. But it has 4G LTE with HD voice, 64GB of storage, and a built-in NFC chip for contactless payments, et cetera.
About the Deal: Cintex Wireless has the Apple iPhone 8 Certified Pre-owned for free if you can qualify for the lifeline program. The requirements include proof you participate in a government assistance program or have a low income (at or below the federal poverty guideline).
Common Related Questions
How can I get a new iPhone for free?
Usually, various carriers have different requirements for their promotional deals. But as mentioned earlier, you can get a new iPhone for free with a trade-in, BOGO deals, or lifeline eligibility.
How do you get the iPhone 12 for free?
You can get the iPhone 12 for free from Verizon with no trade-in required. You only need to purchase on the device payment plan or retail price. Then, add a line and activate it on the 5G Get More, Play More, or Do More plan.
Wait Until the Last Rebate
Well, apart from Boost Mobile and Metro, the other carriers have several free iPhone deals for replacement or upgrade. You just need to choose what fits your situation, both financially and technologically.
Remember, you’ll actually need to activate the featured phone on an eligible plan, which in most cases is a premium. So, you’ll have to make sure you can afford to pay your monthly phone bill on time.
Otherwise, any non-payment or canceling of the eligible plan before the agreed period will stop the bill credits. Then, any of the balances that might be remaining on the promotional device at the time will be due.