How to get the best iPhone 17 deals

Apple has fans lining up once more with the release of a new iPhone, and this time, it’s the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. You can expect faster performance, more advanced capabilities—including Apple Intelligence—great new color options, and impressive camera upgrades. But what makes this even more exciting is our iPhone 17 deals. Now is the time to take advantage of these great savings and enjoy an upgrade. We’ve made it simple and convenient:

• Trade in your current iPhone.
• Upgrade your current phone.
• Use your existing AT&T Next Up Anytime program to upgrade early.

Both new and existing customers can enjoy our best deals on iPhone 17 without requiring the most expensive plan.

Learn how you can get an iPhone 17 on us, qualify for a trade-in offer, or upgrade early and save money while you’re at it.

Can I get a free iPhone 17?

It is possible to get an iPhone 17 for free through our current offer. How?

If you already own an older smartphone that’s paid off, you can trade it in for credits toward a new iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro family phone, or iPhone Air. How easy is that?

Keep in mind that while your new iPhone may be free, you’ll still have a few costs associated with upgrading to a new phone. These include:

• A data plan – To access this iPhone 17 deal, you have to sign up for an eligible unlimited voice and data plan, which comes with AT&T ActiveArmor® advanced security. Your options include family phone plans and more.
• Taxes – You’ll pay the sales tax on the full retail price of the device.
• An activation fee – For every new iPhone your family receives, you’ll pay an activation or upgrade fee of $35. This one-time payment is simply added to your next phone bill.
• A possible down payment – If you are a well-qualified customer, you won’t have to pay a down payment. We get it—your credit score may not be where you need it or there may be other factors that keep you from qualifying for now. We still want you to have access to your new iPhone, but you may have to pay a down payment, the amount of which varies.

[Read: AT&T device protection: Everything you need to know]

Even with these expenses, you stand to save big. You get a great new smartphone without breaking the bank—what’s not to love? More importantly, you don’t have to wait to upgrade.

How to upgrade early

We’ve all been there: The latest and greatest iPhone model is available, but you still have a balance on your payment plan for your existing phone. Your options are to either pay off your phone early and upgrade and transfer your phone number to your new phone, or wait until you’ve completed your installment payments.

The great news is that if you’re enrolled in the AT&T Next Up Anytime℠ program, you can upgrade early without worrying about the remaining balance of your installment plan, guaranteed.¹

For $10/mo., you get the opportunity to upgrade every year, once one-third of your device is paid off. In other words, it’s possible to have the latest iPhone in your pocket every year. Better yet, you can use the program for a maximum of three upgrades in a 12-month period.

If you’re not already enrolled, you can enroll to take advantage of this great deal next time. To qualify for AT&T Next Up Anytime:

• Purchase an eligible smartphone on an AT&T Installment Plan.
• Opt into the program for an extra $10/month.
• Pay off one-third of your current phone’s costs.
• Return your current device to AT&T in good working condition.

Even if you’re not enrolled, both new and existing customers can take advantage of our trade-in deals and upgrade to the newest iPhone. You just have to make sure you’re eligible.

How to check your iPhone upgrade eligibility

Before you can bring home the latest iPhone 17, you need to confirm that you qualify for an upgrade. You’re eligible to upgrade if you meet any of these requirements:

• You’re enrolled in AT&T Next Up Anytime.
• You’ve paid off 100% of your phone’s installment plan on eligible devices.
• You already own your device.

Not sure if you qualify? If you’re an existing customer, you can check your upgrade status online or on your myAT&T app. Read this step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your phone with the myAT&T app for more information.

See that? Checking your eligibility is probably easier than you thought. Whether you’re a customer or not, you’re one step closer to a new iPhone if you own your phone.

Trade in your old phone for credit toward a new iPhone 17

Another way to get an iPhone 17 deal is to trade in your smartphone. Depending on the smartphone you bring in, you’ll receive a certain amount of credits toward an iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air.

• Newer iPhone devices can earn you as much as $1,100 in credit off iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max.
• Older devices—those with a trade-in value of $130 or above—can qualify you for an $830 credit toward the new iPhone.
• Devices with a trade-in value of $35 to $129.99 can qualify you for a $350 credit.

If you don’t have an iPhone, keep in mind that credits vary by manufacturer and phone model. You can find out more about trade-in details to ensure you’re informed and receive the best deal possible. Your existing device balance will need to be paid off before you can trade-in for the new iPhone 17 (or any other new phone).

Ready to see how much credit you can get and start the process of a trade-in? It’s as easy as following a few simple steps.

How to start a trade-in

As an existing customer, you can start your trade-in by doing the following:

• • Step 1: Visit att.com/upgrade and sign in to your account.
  • Step 2: Find the device you want to upgrade and select Start early upgrade.
  • Step 3: Choose your new device from the available options.
  • Step 4: Select your trade-in device and answer a couple of quick questions.
  • Step 5: Follow the prompts to check out and receive your new phone.

Another convenient option is to begin your trade-in or upgrade through your myAT&T app. Then, track your trade-in status so you know how soon your order will arrive. You can also print your shipping label for returning your device.

What if my phone isn’t eligible?

In some cases, you might not be able to trade in your device. This might occur if:

• • Your device is too old.
  • Your phone doesn’t appear on the list of eligible devices.
  • Your phone’s value is below promotion requirements after condition assessment (does not apply to eligible iPhones).

If you don’t qualify for a trade-in and aren’t ready to purchase your new iPhone 17 series smartphone or iPhone Air in full, you can choose our easy monthly finance option.

What if I’m not an AT&T customer?

You can trade in your mobile phone—it doesn’t have to be an iPhone—when you become an AT&T customer, as long as you own it outright. To receive the maximum credit, your device needs to have a trade-in value of $180 or above. If it has a lower trade-in value, don’t worry—you can still get a significant discount on your new iPhone 17, but you may need to cover the difference.

To verify your eligibility before you start the upgrade process, simply check out our trade-in deals online to see what your current device is worth toward an upgrade. You can also visit your local store, and a knowledgeable associate will be happy to help you.

Do you still have questions about trade-in eligibility? Don’t worry—AT&T Customer Support is just a chat, call, or click away. They’re always happy to help answer your questions.

[Read: Top 13 hacks for iPhone]

Choose from the best iPhone 17 deals today

If you’re as excited as we are about the new iPhone, you’re probably ready to make it yours. While you’re waiting, you can check your order status, so you know when it’ll arrive. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to pick up Apple’s latest flagship phone? With new colors, improved specs, a better camera, and more, these are Apple’s best models yet.

We’ve covered the ways we make it easy to get your hands on the new iPhone at a great deal. If you’re not an AT&T customer yet, visit our wireless page to learn about your options. There’s a world of possibilities available to get iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, or iPhone Air—maybe even for free.

Once you choose the best phone deal for you from us, it’s time to choose your iPhone 17 or iPhone Air accessories. You can customize, protect, and charge your new iPhone in style.

And remember: No matter which phone and accessories you choose, we deliver fast, nationwide service through our wireless plans. Depend on us to keep you connected wherever you go—and show off that new iPhone 17 while you’re there.

This article was updated by Zoya Cochran on April 7, 2026, to reflect trademark changes.

¹Req’s purchase of eligible smartphone on AT&T Installment Plan^SM with extra $10/mo. Next Up Anytime feature, qualified credit and elig. svc. Upgrade elig. with qualified turn-in. Max 3 upgrades in a 12-month period. Limits & restr’s apply.