T-Mobile will give you an iPhone 17 basically for free - here's how to get yours

T-Mobile has launched a significant spring promotion that makes Apple's iPhone 17 series essentially free for new customers. The carrier is offering the budget-friendly iPhone 17e at no cost with no trade-in required when signing up for nearly any T-Mobile plan. For higher-end models like the iPhone 17 Pro, customers can receive up to $830 off when trading in an eligible device and subscribing to T-Mobile's Experience More plan. Family plans are also available, allowing customers to get four iPhone 17 devices for under $100 each when trading in four eligible devices and adding four qualifying lines on the Essentials promo plan.

While marketed as "free," the offer comes with standard carrier requirements and fees. Customers must pay eligible taxes on the devices plus a $35 device activation fee per line. The promotion operates through bill credits that require maintaining service for 24 months—if customers cancel their entire account before receiving all 24 credits, the credits stop and the remaining balance on the required finance agreement becomes due. The iPhone 17e, Apple's newest budget model featuring the A19 chip, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, MagSafe charging, and Apple Intelligence capabilities, represents particularly strong value in this promotion as it requires no trade-in whatsoever.