Carriers Soften Apple's iPhone Price Hike with $1,200 Trade-In Credits
Apple's latest iPhone lineup has seen a price increase, but the company's carriers have stepped up their trade-in promotions to offset this. According to a recent analysis from Bank of America, maximum trade-in credits for the iPhone 18 Pro Max now reach $1,200, matching the $100 step-up in Apple's pricing. This means that customers can upgrade without breaking the bank.
The richer trade-in promotions are not just limited to new devices; existing customers on eligible plans can also take advantage of these incentives. However, qualification requirements vary by carrier, with Verizon and AT&T requiring a relatively recent iPhone model (14 or newer), while T-Mobile's promotion applies to new and existing customers on its Experience Beyond plan.
While the subsidies help reduce upfront costs for buyers, trade-ins do not eliminate activation fees or sales tax on the full retail price. Mohan estimated that the initial outlay for the iPhone 18 Pro would be around $291 to $296, while the Pro Max would cost between $400 and $405.
The promotions also serve the carriers' interests by reducing churn. To qualify, customers must sign up for higher-tier unlimited plans, with bill credits spreading over the installment period.