For many in the Apple ecosystem, Apple’s new iPhone 16 is the cream of the crop. It made our overall best phone of 2024 list, but it certainly isn’t the only option. The previous-gen iPhone 15 series still has a ton to offer, especially if you’re upgrading from an earlier iPhone model. Discounts on unlocked models are still pretty rare, but you can save hundreds — or even get a new phone for free — if you need a new line of service or have an old phone to trade in. To help you find the right model at a great price, we’ve rounded up the very best iPhone 15 deals available below.
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Just keep in mind that both bargains and stocks are starting to dwindle now that retailers and carriers have shifted their focus to the new 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 carriers offering serious savings on the iPhone 15 series right now, but AT&T’s deals stand out from the crowd. That’s because it’s the only carrier offering discounts that don’t require a trade-in or new line. You can save up to $514 by purchasing the phone on an installment plan, and the discount will be applied as bill credits over 36 months. T-Mobile has the widest selection from the iPhone 15 series available, but their best offers do require a trade-in. If you do have a phone to trade in, you can score up to $1,000 off.
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.
Read more: Best iPhone 16 Deals
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
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, which is an unlikely scenario. 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.
The iPhone 15 Pro is no longer in stock at Verizon, but you can score big savings on the iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus. Adding a new line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan scores you the basic iPhone 15 or the 15 Plus for free.
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 $6 per month, which is $514 off the usual price. You can also get the iPhone 15 Pro for just $26 per month, saving you $324, or the Pro Max for just $21 per month with this deal, $344. At the moment, there aren’t any discounts available on the iPhone 15 Plus.
Anyone adding a new line will also get an extra $200 back via monthly bill credits, but it’s not required to take advantage of these iPhone discounts.
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 or Go5G Plus plan, which scores you the basic iPhone 15, the 15 Plus or the 15 Pro for free. Those on a Go5G plan can still save up to $300, and you can save up to $200 with a trade-in on another qualifying plan.
If you’re also looking to add a new line on a qualifying service plan, you can save up to $730 with an eligible trade-in. T-Mobile also offers a $630 discount when you switch your existing number over from another carrier. And there are exclusive discounts and offers available for seniors, military members and first responders.
Best Buy has knocked $50 off the starting price of the iPhone 15 or 15 Plus, and you can save an extra $100 when you opt for same-day activation and sign a contract with either AT&T or Verizon. There aren’t any savings available on the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max at the moment.
However, Best Buy has its own trade-in program where you can exchange your old phone for additional savings. 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 one for $450, a $280 discount if you sign up for Boost Infinite’s Unlimited Premium plan at $60 a month. Or you can purchase the phone outright for $450, which scores you a free year of service on its Unlimited plan, typically $25 per month. Boost does not have the iPhone 15 Pro, Plus, or Pro Max available at the moment.
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.
