“Congratulations! You have won a free iPhone.” This type of message often pops up on your mobile or computer screen, isn’t it? When you click on it, the hac*ker will seize all your personal information before you understand.
Can you really win a free iPhone this way out of nowhere? The answer is no. All the free iPhone offers around are a scam. No mobile carriers offer iPhones for free. It is true you can get a free iPhone when you switch to a mobile carrier.
Actually, it’s not free, as mobile carriers offer iPhones as part of their mobile exchange deals. You must exchange your old device and subscribe to their service to get an iPhone. That’s how it works.
Does a Mobile Carrier Offer a Free iPhone When You Switch?
Nowadays, mobile carriers vie for your attention. As the competition heats up, they are bringing exciting offers that redefine the way we experience our smartphones.
One such groundbreaking promotion is the “free iPhone when you switch” deal. A dream deal, isn’t it? This blockbuster deal is proof of the intense competition in the telecommunications industry.
You can receive a brand-new iPhone without the usual hefty price tag by making the switch. However, you may get slightly older models for free or discounted price, but not the latest iPhones.
This often involves fulfilling specific criteria. The mobile carriers or service providers may ask you to transfer to their network and sign a lengthy contract. Or, you may be asked to sign up for a particular plan or exchange your existing phone.
Why the Switch?
As the carriers think, the appeal of a free iPhone will be enough to convince users to make the jump. This switch can be attractive for individuals dissatisfied with their current service or those looking for a better deal.
How Do You Get the Free iPhones When You Switch?
Many mobile carriers or cell phone service providers offer decent iPhones for free or at very affordable prices. This tempting offer doesn’t come at a free of cost. When they say “free”, it doesn’t actually mean free.
You may not have to pay for it upfront. Instead, they require you to pay for it in smaller installments over 12-36 months. To pay in smaller installments, you need to sign a contract.
The contract length depends on the cost of the device. If you sign a contract, you must stick to it for a specific period. Before signing the contract, make sure to check if there are any termination fees or other hidden costs.
You must do one or more of the following to get a free or discounted iPhone.
- Trade in a qualifying phone in good condition
- Activate a new line
- Sign up for a specific unlimited plan
- Buy one and get one free
- Switch to their services
- Bring your number to the particular carrier
Who Is Offering Free iPhones When You Switch?
Most of the well-known mobile carriers in the country regularly provide deals on discounted or free phones. They offer great deals for new customers. However, it is essential to note that free iPhone deals are limited-time offers.
Also, the availability of these offers can vary by location. The specific terms and conditions may change over time. Below are some cell phone service providers offering free iPhones when you switch.
Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless often offers free or discounted phones for new customers or those switching from other carriers.
Offers available
Verizon offers a load of excellent free phone deals when you switch carriers. The notable among them is access to more than 20 smartphones. You must activate a new line using one of their unlimited plans to get this offer.
Verizon’s unlimited plans include,
- One Unlimited for iPhone
- 5G Play More
- 5G Do More
- 5G Get More
These plans start at $60 per month per line. You get credit on every bill for 36 months on every plan. This eventually covers the cost of your chosen new device.
If you don’t prefer to trade in a new device, Verizon offers another offer. This requires signing up for a 36-month contract using their new line to get a free iPhone.
Eligibility Criteria: Verizon requires you to switch their network and activate a new line on available plans.
Terms and Conditions: The availability of free iPhones may depend on the specific promotions running at any given time. Also, the promotions for switching carriers, trade-ins, etc., may vary. Offer may be limited-time and may expire with the new phones.
AT&T
AT&T is known for offering promotions where customers can get discounted or free phones while switching to their network. The specific devices and terms may vary.
Offers Available
AT&T recently partnered with Apple when they revealed their new iPhone 15 Series. They offer a brand new iPhone 15 for free or at a discounted price with certain conditions. You must choose one of the following deals.
- Trade in another eligible iPhone or Android device in good condition (get a total of $830 off an iPhone XS Max or newer model and $350 off an older iOS device).
- Sign up for any AT&T unlimited service plan.
- Sign up for a 36-month installment agreement to pay off the phone’s value.
- Pay a $35 activation and upgrade fee, plus extra fees and costs.
In addition to the iPhone 15 Series, these deals are also available for other iPhone models.
Eligibility Criteria: In order to be eligible for AT&T offers, you must qualify for one of the deals mentioned above.
Terms and Conditions: You must stick to AT&T for 36 months to pay off the contract’s total. Also, you have to pay taxes while purchasing the plan. Special offers on AT&T change and update frequently.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is the third largest mobile carrier in the US. It is known for its aggressive promotions, including deals for activating a new line when switching from an eligible carrier.
Offers Available
T-Mobile offers many limited and unlimited plans and special deals on free or discounted phones. One noteworthy among them is getting a free iPhone after signing a 24-month contract.
Moreover, you may be asked to trade in a qualifying device or activate a new line. In the case of some iPhone models, you need to buy one and get up to $700 off with a 24-month billing contract.
Eligibility Criteria: You need to switch from an eligible carrier or sign up for a qualifying data plan and add a new line to be eligible.
Terms and Conditions: The promotional deals on the free iPhones tend to change and update regularly. It is subject to various terms, not limited to adding a new line, trade-in requirements, etc.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile, the prepaid subsidiary of T-Mobile. It also offers various exciting smartphone deals when you switch to its network.
Offers Available
Metro by T-Mobile offers a discount of $100 on iPhone SE (3rd gen) when you add a new line. Also, they offer a $330 discount when you transfer your existing number to Metro by T-Mobile. Moreover, they offer discounts on smartphones when you choose the $40/mo—or higher rate plan.
Eligibility Criteria: You must add a new line and transfer your existing number to Metro by T-Mobile.
Terms and Conditions: Specific promotions can change, and new offers may be introduced. They apply a discount as a credit to your account, which has no cash value.
Other carriers That Offer Free or Discounted iPhones
In addition to the above carriers, there are more who often offer free or discounted iPhones. Here is the list;
Boost Mobile: Boost Mobile offers various promotions, including free or discounted iPhones, for new and existing customers. Their deals may change frequently.
Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless is a prepaid wireless service provider owned by AT&T. It offers plenty of promotions, including smartphones from the world’s most reputable brands. Customers who bring their number to Cricket Wireless can get a free iPhone when they add a new line for $60/month for three months.
US Cellular: US Cellular is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator in the US. They provide affordable plans, quality cell phones from reputable brands and special deals on plans and devices. Both new and existing customers can able these deals.
List of Free iPhones You Get When You Switch
Thus far, you have learned about the carriers or service providers that offer free iPhones when you switch. But which iPhone models you can expect with this offer? Take a look at the iPhone models you can get when you switch.
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to Verizon
The following models require – a new line, a contract for 36 months, and a select plan – One Unlimited for iPhone plan, Unlimited Plus, 5G Do More, 5G Get More or 5G Play More)
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (Available for a limited time, requires choosing a trade-in and Unlimited Plus plan)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to AT&T
The following models offer a specific discount with an eligible trade-in. This requires choosing a select plan and paying the price over a 36-month contract.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max (Get up to $1000 off)
- iPhone 14 Pro (Up to $1000 off)
- iPhone 14 (Up to $700 off)
- iPhone 14 Plus (Up to $700 off)
- iPhone 13 (Available for $10.99 per month)
- iPhone SE 3rd Gen (Available for $5 per month)
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to T-Mobile
The following models are available when you – add a new line, trade in an eligible device on a qualifying plan, bring your number and for a 24-month contract.
- iPhone 12 (Up to 50% off)
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini (Up to $700 off)
- iPhone 14 (Buy one, get one up to $700 off)
- iPhone SE 3rd Gen (50% off)
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to Metro by T-Mobile
- iPhone 11 (when you switch on the $60 a month unlimited plan)
- iPhone SE (3rd gen)
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Mini
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to Boost Mobile
- Apple iPhone SE 2nd Gen
- Apple iPhone 11 ($49.99 + tax for in-store purchase)
- Apple iPhone 12 ($149.99 + tax for in-store purchase)
- Apple iPhone SE ($379.99 – $50 off)
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to Cricket Wireless
- iPhone 11 64 GB (Starts from $99.99)
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen)
- iPhone XR
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Free iPhone Models When You Switch to US Cellular
The following models are available at a special discount with a new line and for a 36-month contract)
- iPhone SE (Get 50% off when combined with any of the four unlimited plans)
- iPhone 14 Pro (Up to $600 off)
- Any iPhone model (Up to $600 off)
Final Thoughts
Switching mobile carriers has never been more enticing. Perhaps you have thought of switching mobile service carriers several times so far. But ever you expect to get a free iPhone when you switch? Now, you can expect a free iPhone without breaking the bank.