Are you looking for a sweet deal on the iPhone? Apple might not frequently drop its prices, but with Black Friday on the horizon, carriers are stepping up with some tempting discounts. Here’s your guide to the best iPhone deals available right now, along with some essential tips.

Unlocked vs. Locked: Know Your Options

Before diving into the deals, it’s crucial to grasp the difference between unlocked and locked iPhones. Unlocked phones provide flexibility, letting you choose any carrier without constraints. On the other hand, locked iPhones tie you to a specific carrier until the contract ends or you pay it off. While unlocked phones are preferable, finding deals on them can be a bit trickier.

Deals on Unlocked iPhones: Where to Look

If you’re eyeing an unlocked iPhone, your safest bet is often purchasing directly from Apple. While discounts on these models are rare, Apple has recently dropped prices on older models, like the iPhone 14 starting at $699. You can also scout for deals at big retailers like Best Buy.

Consider activating your AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon service directly through Apple to enjoy the unlocked status, except for iPhones with an AT&T Installment Plan, which will be carrier-locked until the plan term ends.

Here are a couple of unlocked iPhone deals we’ve spotted:

• iPhone 14 Plus: Activate it later for a $50 discount or immediately through Best Buy for $730 (a $100 discount).
• iPhone 14: Similar to the iPhone 14 Plus deal, activate it later for a $50 discount or immediately through Best Buy for $630.

Deals on Network-Locked iPhones: Carrier Offers and Promotions

Despite the benefits of an unlocked phone, carriers offer enticing promotions and payment plans for network-locked iPhones. Remember that these usually involve contracts and discounts in the form of monthly bill credits.

Here’s a snapshot of current offers from major carriers:

• AT&T: Up to $830 credit for an iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus, and up to $1,000 for an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max. Trade-in is required, with savings spread over 36 monthly bill credits.
• T-Mobile: Varied offers, with up to $1,000 off the iPhone 15 series through 24 monthly bill credits when trading in an eligible device and switching to the Go5G Next plan.
• Verizon: Offers range from $830 to $1,000 credits for iPhone 15 models with an Apple phone trade-in, depending on the plan. Discounts are applied over 36 monthly bill credits.

Happy hunting!