5+ Ways to Get the Best Deal on Your Next iPhone

So you’re in the market for a new iPhone, but you don’t want to spend too much. How do you go about finding a great deal to get the most bang for your buck? Apple rarely has "sales" and their iPhone prices have been climbing making it difficult to get yourself an iPhone directly from them at a low price. But this doesn’t mean there aren’t great options out there for you. If you’re planning on buying an iPhone soon, check out these options for the best bargain. Continue reading to learn 5+ ways to get the best deal on your next iPhone.

5 Timing Is Everything

When Apple announces new iPhones, they usually drop the price of some of their (now) older models, sometimes by $100 or more. You will also see price drops through retailers and resellers for new, used, and refurbished models that are being replaced.

If you don’t have your heart set on owning the latest iPhone model, then this is a fantastic option for saving yourself money. Price drops can be found on websites and retailers such as eBay, Best Buy, Gazelle, Swappa, Amazon, and many others. You can also check out Apple’s website to see which models have recently dropped in price. With Apple’s latest event happening September 12th, you may want to keep this option in mind.

4 Buy Certified Refurbished

According to The Horn by Gazelle, refurbished phones are the best investment because you can save up to hundreds of dollars off the original price. Refurbished iPhones can be found on many websites including Best Buy, Gazelle, Walmart, and Amazon. iPhones that are refurbished usually will include a warranty or a guarantee to certify they are fully functional and in perfect working order.

Apple has its own large selection certified refurbished iPhones on their website. Currently they are selling iPhone 7 and 7 Plus devices listed at $50-$100 off the regular price. Apple thoroughly tests all of their refurbished products and they include a one year limited warranty, a new battery, new outer shell, and a new box. If you do decide to go for a refurbished phone, don’t wait too long because these items are always in short supply and sell quickly.

3 eBay/Amazon/Locally Used

If refurbished is still a little too pricey, you may want to check deals on used iPhones online and locally. There are lots of sites that sell used iPhones. Amazon and eBay are probably the most popular. You can also find used iPhones at reseller sites such as Gazelle, Swappa, and Glyde. These sites all offer used iPhones at reasonably low prices.

For comparison, buying used on eBay can save you about $100-$150, and there are even many refurbished options from sellers generally saving you upwards of $50. Amazon offers a smaller, similar selection and is comparable in savings.

Sites like Swappa can save you around $100 on your next iPhone, while Gazelle and Glyde have some options that are discounted by more than $200. Another option is checking your local classifieds such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace to purchase from a seller in your area.

Always remember to be careful when selling locally and online. Meet in safe areas and try to avoid scams. Some police departments have SafeTrade Stations to help keep you safe.

2 iPhone Upgrade Program

Maybe buying last year’s model just isn’t for you. If your the type of person who has to have the latest and greatest — all the time — Apple offers a way for you to get your dream iPhone without interest or paying money up front

Apple’s Upgrade Program allows you to purchase a new iPhone, over a 24 month period, paying as low as $34.50 month for the newest model. The price includes AppleCare+ which extends your warranty for the two years you’ll be making payments. But, after making one year of payments you can trade your phone in, and upgrade to the newest model for free.

Of course, if you decide you don’t want to upgrade to the newest model, you can stick with the phone you have and pay off the remaining balance monthly, or all at once, and the phone is yours to keep.

Although the Apple Upgrade Program includes AppleCare+, it’s important to note that this covers up to two incidents of accidental damage. In the event of an accident, Apple will charge you a small fee to repair the phone. Once the coverage is exceeded you will be responsible for any damage. So if you’re accident prone, this may not be the best option for you.

Phones must be returned to Apple in good, working condition. So if your phone is broken — and no longer covered — you’ll need to foot the bill, or pay off the phone. Of course, if you don’t plan on breaking your phone (at all or more than two times) you may want to give the program a look.

1 Carrier Deals

Similar to Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, many carriers have financing deals that can help you get a new device at a low monthly price. This is a great option for those who want to use their current carrier or those switching carriers. Often switching to a new carrier results in some pretty good deals.

You may also want to check for deals on certified refurbished or certified preowned iPhones. You’ll have to pay the full price up front, but this option could end up saving you a couple hundred dollars as carriers don’t usually offer payment plans on phones that aren’t new.

One thing to keep in mind is that carriers will often run a credit check and possibly charge interest. They may also require in-house insurance which may or may not be as good as AppleCare+.

Check out some options from the largest cellular carriers below.

AT&T

AT&T is currently offering a 'Buy One Get One Free' deal on iPhone 8 when you purchase the phone for $699.00 or $23.34/month and sign a two-year contract with AT&T Next. To get this deal you must also have DirectTV and have a service package of $29.99 or more per month.

Verizon

Verizon is currently offering $300 off a new iPhone when you sign up or add a new line. If you are already a Verizon customer you won’t be able to use this deal. But, you can upgrade your iPhone to the latest version by trading in your old phone for $100 off. Verizon is also offering six months of Apple Music for free with an iPhone purchase.

T-Mobile

Although T-Mobile currently doesn’t have any mind-blowing sales going on some of their financing options are worth looking in to. You can purchase an iPhone 8 for zero down and $29.17 per month for 24 months. An iPhone X is currently $279 down and $30 per month. If you are also in the market for a new iPad to go along with your new iPhone , you can save $350 off a new iPad when you also purchase an iPhone.

Sprint

Currently you can buy a new iPhone 8 from Sprint for just $8 per month or an iPhone 8 Plus for $12 a month. You can lease the phone at those prices for 18 months and then return it for the newest model, or purchase it by paying the remaining balance over six months, or in one lump sum. The contract includes Sprint’s iPhone Forever Program, which is similar to the Apple Upgrade Program and allows you to upgrade to the latest model after making at least 12 months of payments.

? What Are You Waiting For? Go Get Yourself an iPhone

So maybe Apple products aren't known for insane Internet-breaking sales. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to save money when buying an iPhone. If you have the time shop around, do your research, and find yourself an iPhone at a price that’s worth it to you. If you have any secrets fro snagging a super sweet deal, please share them in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter. Happy shopping!