If you’re looking to save money on an iPhone, it’s essential to know when Apple runs its promotional events. Apple usually offers deals during specific times of the year or in special circumstances, like new releases or trade-in promotions. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can save a significant amount. In this guide, we’ll cover the best times to buy iPhones and share tips on how to maximize your savings. Whether you prefer the latest models or want to grab an older version, this post will help you make a smart and cost-effective purchase.
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Seasonal Discounts: Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year
Apple doesn’t typically offer major direct discounts on its iPhones during holidays like Black Friday, Christmas, and New Year, but third-party retailers and carriers often do. This could make a perfect Christmas gift at a lower price. During these times, you can expect to see special deals and bundles on iPhones, such as discounts, free accessories, or even gift cards when purchasing a new phone.
Pros
- Major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart often offer discounts or bundle deals with Apple devices.
- Trade-in offers can be combined with discounts to lower the overall price.
- Carriers sometimes include extra perks like free service or discounts on accessories.
Cons
- Apple itself rarely offers discounts directly. You may need to buy from third-party retailers or carriers.
- Stock can be limited during holiday sales, so popular models may sell out quickly.
For more information on Apple’s seasonal promotions, check out: Apple Shop.
Apple’s Own Sales and Special Promotions
While Apple doesn’t usually run sitewide sales, they sometimes offer special promotions, such as “Back to School” events or limited-time trade-in offers. These can be a great way to save money on your iPhone, especially if you’re purchasing a MacBook or other Apple products alongside your phone.
Pros
- Apple’s promotions are trustworthy and come with the assurance of warranty and authenticity.
- Apple may offer gift cards as part of certain promotions, which you can use on future purchases.
- Amazon has offered the 4-pack of Apple AirTags for as low as 97.99 euros, a 24% reduction from the usual 129 euros
- If you are a student or educator, Apple offers discounts on certain products, including iPhones.
Cons
- These promotions are often limited to specific timeframes or product bundles.
- There may be fewer discounts on the latest models, with older models being prioritized for deals.
Stay updated on Apple’s promotions here: Apple Education Store.
When New Models Are Released
Whenever Apple releases a new iPhone, prices for older models tend to drop. If you’re comfortable buying last year’s model, you can save quite a bit. For example, when the iPhone 14 launched, the iPhone 13 saw a significant price reduction, even though it remained a high-performance device.
Pros
- Older models like the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 receive significant price drops when new models are released.
- Apple sometimes offers special financing options, like 0% interest, for older model purchases.
- Trade-in deals often get better with the release of new models.
Cons
- You miss out on the newest features, such as improved cameras, processors, and design.
- Availability can be limited on older models, especially if they’re discontinued by Apple after the new launch.
For details on Apple’s latest iPhone models and pricing, check out: Apple iPhone.
Trade-in Promotions
Apple’s trade-in program allows you to get credit toward a new purchase when you trade in your old device. This is an excellent way to save money, especially if your old phone is still in good condition (otherwise, keep it, and repurpose your old phone). Trade-ins can be done easily through Apple’s website, and they accept phones from various manufacturers, not just Apple.
Pros
- You can receive up to $700 or more in credit, depending on your phone’s condition and model.
- Trade-ins can be completed online or in-store for convenience.
- Apple’s trade-in process is simple and trustworthy.
Cons
- The trade-in value depends heavily on the condition of your device. Phones with screen damage or other issues may receive lower trade-in values.
- The credit you receive may not be applied immediately and can take some time to process.
Learn more about the trade-in process on Apple’s site: Apple Trade-in Program.
Carrier Promotions and Deals
Pros
- Some carriers offer “free iPhone” promotions, where you get a free device when signing up for specific plans or contracts.
- You can often bundle accessories or even service plans with phone deals.
- Financing options allow you to spread the cost over a period of time without interest.
Cons
- These deals typically require a long-term contract, which can be costly in the long run.
- Certain offers may apply only to specific models or require you to switch to a particular carrier.
For ongoing carrier promotions, check out: Verizon Promotions.
Flash Sales and Daily Deals
Although Apple rarely participates in flash sales, third-party retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart often run limited-time deals that can help you save a significant amount on an iPhone. These flash sales usually offer discounts or bundles for a few hours or days, and can be a great way to buy an iPhone at a lower price.
Pros
- Huge discounts can be found in flash sales, especially on previous models like the iPhone 12 or iPhone 11.
- Flash sales typically happen on major retail platforms, allowing you to purchase from home easily.
Cons
- Flash sales are often short and can sell out very quickly.
- The deals may be on specific models or configurations, meaning you might not be able to get exactly what you want.
Keep an eye on daily deals at: Amazon Deals.
Conclusion on Saving on Your Next iPhone Purchase
Knowing when to buy your next iPhone can save you a lot of money. Whether you’re waiting for seasonal sales, taking advantage of trade-in promotions, or planning to buy when new models are released, there are plenty of opportunities to get discounts. Keep an eye out for special offers and take advantage of financing options or trade-ins to maximize your savings. By following these tips, you’ll be able to get a great deal on your next iPhone purchase without breaking the bank.