Decoding Carrier Deals: The Truth About the iPhone 17e’s “Free” Offer

Apple kicked off a bonanza of new product releases this week with the iPhone 17e, the latest entry in what will now clearly be an annual update cycle for its new e-series budget models, and this year’s $599 iPhone is a better deal than ever — in more ways than one.

Apple seems to have learned from its mistakes from its first attempt. The iPhone 16e was a healthy jump over the old-school iPhone SE in both design and features — but also in price. Apple set the new bar to $599, effectively swapping it into the slot occupied by the two-year-old iPhone 14, but it cut at least one corner too many in the process.

This year’s iPhone 17e restores those trimmed edges by adding full MagSafe 15W charging support and bringing the single camera into the same class as the one found on the iPhone 17 — a full 48MP Fusion camera rather than the artificially limited “2-in-1 camera” of its predecessor.

While there are still plenty of reasons to pay more for an iPhone 17, budget-conscious users will be very happy with what the e model brings to the table, especially since you can now get it for practically nothing.

Apple opened pre-orders for the iPhone 17e yesterday, offering it for $599 outright or $24.95 monthly over 24 months. However, the carriers have also jumped into the pre-order fray with their own deals, and they all promise to take even less money out of your wallet. Here’s what each of them are offering.

AT&T: $5.99 with Any Unlimited Plan

While AT&T is the only carrier that isn’t offering the new iPhone 17e entirely free, there are also no trade-ins or overly complicated plan requirements.

AT&T is offering the 256 GB iPhone 17e for $5.99 per month for both new and existing customers, with the only requirement being that you need to either activate or switch to a postpaid unlimited voice and data plan of at least $60.99/month — before discounts, taxes, and fees.

However, AT&T notes that customers can also activate on AT&T’s 55+ plan, which makes the iPhone 17e a great deal for older folks who don’t need all the bells and whistles of Apple’s pricier iPhone models. Existing customers can also add to their current unlimited plan in some cases.

You’ll technically be financing the iPhone 17e on AT&T, paying $5.99 per month over 36 months. The remainder of the device cost is covered by monthly bill credits, totaling $384.36 for the 256 GB model. AT&T also notes that it will offer bill credits of $404.36 for the 512 GB version over 36 months, but that’s far less generous, considering the iPhone itself is $200 more, which brings the monthly cost up to $10.99.

T-Mobile: Free for Switchers or with Eligible Trade-In

As usual, T-Mobile has some great deals, and the low retail price of the iPhone 17e makes these even more attractive.

If you play your cards right, you can get the iPhone 17e from T-Mobile at no additional cost beyond what you’re already paying for your monthly plan, but you’ll need to either be switching from another carrier or have something to trade in.

Still, both offers are pretty generous, depending on what plan you’re already on. Those on Experience Beyond or the legacy go5G Next plans can trade in nearly any iPhone released since 2021 can be traded in for up to $1,100 off in monthly bill credits — more than enough to cover the cost of the 512 GB iPhone 17e.

Older devices — even an original 2007 iPhone — will net you a $500 credit; you’ll still pay something in that case, but it’s not bad for folks who might have an older iPhone still sitting in their junk drawer, especially since T-Mobile will take these in any condition.

Those numbers drop slightly on lower plans, but in most cases you can still turn nearly anything from an iPhone 13 to an iPhone 16e into a free iPhone 17e, although you’ll need to either add a line or switch over from another carrier unless you’ve been on the Experience More with Appreciation Savings or Better Value plans for long enough and meet the minimum line requirements.

T-Mobile is surprisingly flexible with trade-ins. You can trade in a wide variety of devices — from iPhones to Samsung, Google, and OnePlus models — often in any condition. However, if you are a switcher, check if you qualify for the ‘On Us’ promo without a trade-in first; you might save yourself the hassle of sending in an old device.

After all, the carrier naturally wants to encourage folks to switch — even from its own Metro prepaid brand — so it’s offering those folks up to $630 in monthly bill credits without trading anything in. That’s enough to pay for a 256 GB iPhone 17e, but it can also be applied against the 512 GB model. It also includes folks who are switching onto T-Mobile’s 55, Military, and First Responder Segment plans.

One other advantage to T-Mobile is that the bill credits offered on all these promotions are only spread out over 24 months. That means you’re only making a two-year commitment to stay on the same plan, as all these deals require you to pay off the balance if you leave early.

Verizon: Free for Switchers

Verizon’s offer is nearly as straightforward at AT&T’s, with the 256 GB iPhone 17e offered at no extra cost for anyone activating a new line on an Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, or Unlimited Ultimate plan.

This includes both switching from another carrier or adding an additional line, and like AT&T, will take the form of a bill credit for the full value of the 256 GB iPhone spread out over 36 months. You can also upgrade to the 512 GB model by paying the difference, which works out to $5.55 per month.

Understanding ‘Bill Credits’

For individuals unfamiliar with carrier promotions involving bill credits, it’s essential to recognize that these offers are not merely giveaways but rather a strategy to secure your loyalty. When you opt to finance a new iPhone through AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, you are essentially agreeing to pay the full purchase price upfront, even though it may not seem that way.

Instead of requiring an immediate payment for the new iPhone, these carriers will gradually cover the cost by applying credits to your monthly bills. As long as you remain with the carrier, they will continue to offset the remaining balance until it reaches zero. However, if you decide to cancel your agreement prematurely, the bill credits will cease, and you will be responsible for paying off the remaining amount.

It’s important to note that the bill credits may take a month or two to reflect on your bill, effectively extending your commitment to a 26- or 38-month term. While this may not pose a problem if you anticipate staying satisfied with your current carrier, committing to three years is a significant duration, necessitating a clear understanding of the terms involved.