The iPhone 16 series may be the latest and greatest Apple phones on the market, but the previous-generation iPhone 15 series still has a ton to offer — including USB-C charging and upgraded ultrawideband capabilities. And now that they’re $100 cheaper than when they first hit shelves last year, these 2023 models are an excellent option for those on a budget.
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Plus, there are plenty of bargains out there that can help you get one in your hands for even less. With years of experience on CNET’s dedicated deals team, Adam Oram is one of our resident Apple experts and he has scoured the web to bring you some of the very best iPhone 15 deals that are available today.
However, both bargains and stocks are starting to dwindle now that most retailers and carriers have shifted their focus over to the iPhone 16 series, so we’d suggest taking advantage of these deals while you still can. We’ll continue to update this list as long as the iPhone 15 series remains available, so check back often to keep up with any potential discounts.
What is the best iPhone 15 deal right now?
There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider when choosing an iPhone 15 deal, including whether or not you’re already signed up with a carrier. But for new customers (or those who need a new line), Verizon has the best bargain available right now, as it is one of the only retailers or carriers offering the chance to get your hands on one of these previous-gen Apple phones for free. You can get the iPhone 15, 15 Plus or even the 15 Pro Max for $0 right now when adding a new line on an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate Plan. With this offer, you could save as much as $1,100.
If you’re not looking to add a new line or service, Apple’s trade-in program is the best place to score some savings on an unlocked model.
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Best iPhone 15 deals
Though there are no direct discounts on any of the iPhone 15 series devices, Apple does have a trade-in program that can save you hundreds on a new iPhone 15. Apple claims you can save up to $650, but that’s only if you’re trading in another iPhone 15. For the iPhone 14 series and older, the most you’ll save is $500. The iPhone Upgrade Program or Apple Card* financing (and cash back) are also options, and you can save even more when you opt to sign up with a carrier.
Verizon customers adding a new line on an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan can get a new iPhone 15, 15 Plus or 15 Pro Max for free right now. You can get the basic iPhone 15 or 15 Plus for free with a new line on an Unlimited Welcome plan as well.
Adding a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan also scores you a $720 discount on the iPhone 15 Pro, which drops the starting price down to just $5 per month. However, quite a few variants for this model are sold out at the moment.
These discounts are applied in the form of monthly bill credits over a 36-month period.
AT&T is offering discounts in the form of monthly bill credits when you buy a new iPhone 15 on an installment plan. Those who have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan can get the basic iPhone 15 for just $11 per month, which is $334 off the usual price. You can also get the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max for just $21 per month with this deal, saving you $324 and $344, respectively. At the moment, there aren’t any discounts available on the iPhone 15 Plus.
T-Mobile is offering some serious iPhone 15 savings for those with an old phone to trade in, though the discount varies depending on what service plan you have. You can save up to $1,000 with a Go5G Next plan, $830 with a Go5G Plus plan, $300 with a Go5G plan or $200 if you’re on another qualifying plan.
You can also save up to $730 with an eligible trade-in and a new line of service, or save $630 when you switch your existing number over from another carrier. T-Mobile also has additional discounts for seniors, military members and first responders.
You won’t find any discounts on the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max at Best Buy, but the tech retailer is offering some savings on the basic iPhone 15 and 15 Plus right now. You can save $150 on both models if you choose same-day activation and add a new line or account with either AT&T or Verizon.
Best Buy also has its own trade-in program where you can exchange your old phone for as much as $500 off. And all iPhone 15 purchases come with some freebies, including three free months of Apple TV Plus, Apple Fitness Plus and Apple Music, as well as four free months of Apple Arcade — as long as you’re a new or returning subscriber.
If you want the standard iPhone 15, you can get it for just $450 when you sign up for Boost Infinite’s Unlimited Premium at $60 a month. Or you can purchase the phone outright for $730, which scores you a free year of service on its Unlimited plan, typically $25 per month. Note that Boost Infinite has only the 128GB black variant of the basic iPhone 15 available right now.
You can save $250 on the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus when you purchase the phone through Target and switch your existing phone number over to AT&T. Or you can save $50 if you’re already an AT&T customer who qualifies for an upgrade. New or returning subscribers will also get two free months of Apple Music with the purchase.
Note that Target no longer has the iPhone 15 available for purchase online, so you’ll have to go to the store in person to take advantage of these offers.
How we choose iPhone 15 deals at CNET
Many of CNET’s dedicated deals experts have provided coverage for savings on top tech for more than five years, including cell phone deals from popular brands like Samsung, Apple, Google and more. Our combined experience has helped us learn how to discern standout deals from trustworthy retailers and carriers so that you can take advantage of the best offer. Whether there are direct discounts, trade-in offers or other bonuses, we help you compare the best deals for both unlocked and carrier phones to help simplify your phone-buying experience and avoid lackluster deals and online shopping scams.
*All information about the Apple Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
