Best iPhone deals for December 2023: free devices, trade-ins, and cheapest unlocked prices

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: free with an unlimited data plan, plus $280 off an iPad and Apple Watch at Verizon
It's not the headline iPhone deal at Verizon right now (see below for that) but we highly rate the carrier's promotion on the slightly older iPhone 14 Pro Max. This flagship is up for grabs for free right now without the usual trade-in rebate - an absolutely awesome promotion that's only available while stocks last. The only caveat with this particular deal is that it applies to new unlimited lines only, which can be tricky to navigate if you're an existing customer looking to upgrade. You can also bundle in an Apple Watch for $5 per month and get $280 off an iPad as a side bonus right now, although device lines are paid separately. 

Buy it if:
✅ You want a premium device without trading
✅ You're happy with a slightly older device

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: up to $1,000 off with a trade-in, plus free Apple TV 4K at Verizon
Verizon's headline iPhone deal this week - and a Black Friday special - is available on the latest iPhone 15 series. We've highlighted the Pro here because you can currently get it for free with a maximum trade-in rebate of up to $1,000. While the rebate here isn't anything new, Verizon has brought back its policy from the initial preorders window that allows you to trade in any iPhone in any condition and get the full amount. This is a great deal, although on that's tied to a new line on an unlimited data plan. You can also get a free Apple TV 4K as a bonus holiday gift right now.

Buy it if:
✅ You want the best deal on the latest device
✅ You need an unlimited data plan

Apple iPhone 15 Pro: device plus unlimited plan for $60/mo at Boost Infinite
Here's a pretty awesome iPhone 15 deal that's new for this year. The company behind Boost Mobile has launched a new service specifically for iPhones over at its Boost Infinite site. This promotion offers you a completely unlimited data plan and an iPhone 15 Pro for just $60 per month. That's pretty damn great value by itself but Boost Infinite is also guaranteeing that you'll be able to upgrade to the next model in a year's time free of charge. Since this one isn't tied to the usual trade-in rebates at the major carriers it's one of the best iPhone 15 deals available in regard to barrier to entry. You could also potentially trade-in your device elsewhere then sign up at Boost Infinite with this promotion for even extra value.

Buy it if:
✅ You want the latest device
✅ You want to skip the trade in

Apple iPhone 13: $799 $599, plus up to $650 off with a trade-in at Apple
Apple loves to discount the older devices once it releases a new model and this year it's the iPhone 13's turn to be the new budget king. Yeah, it's a little old now and the notch is noticeable when you compare it to the iPhone 15's new dynamic island but it's still a fantastic device. It's currently just $599 upfront new, which is a really reasonable price considering it still holds up.

Buy it if:
✅ You're fine with an older model
✅ You haven't decided on a plan

Apple iPhone 12: $599.99 $149.99 at Boost Mobile
The iPhone 12 is now officially discontinued but it's still a great device in 2023 if you don't mind skipping out on the latest cutting-edge features. It's also dirt-cheap for new customers at Boost Mobile right now, which could be a great option if you're looking to break away from the usual lengthy unlimited plans at the big carriers. Boost has a number of really decently priced prepaid plans that make the perfect accompaniment to the 5G-enabled iPhone 12. 

Buy it if:
✅ You're looking for maximum bang for the buck
✅ You're happy to skip the latest devices

Apple iPhone SE 2022: $379.99 $149.99 with a plan at Straight Talk
StraightTalk has a really great upfront price for the iPhone SE 2022, which makes a good pairing with its range of prepaid plans. Versus the Best Buy option above, you'll be paying less upfront but you'll be locked into a carrier here - and potentially miss out on bring-your-own-device deals. This is a dirt cheap way to get a relatively new iPhone, however. Note that a great alternative to this deal is the iPhone SE 2022 at Total By Verizon for $149.99. The device is the same cost but the Total prepaid plans aren't quite as good value as those at StraightTalk in our opinion. Some may prefer to be on the Verizon network, however.

Buy it if:
✅ You want the cheapest option possible
✅ Don't mind going for a prepaid carrier

iPhone 15 deals / iPhone 15 Plus deals
Looking for the latest and greatest from Apple? We've got pages specifically handling this week's best promotions on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus. These 'standard' models are fantastic buys thanks to their refreshed design, new chipsets, and hand-me-down features from the previous year's flagship Pro models. Put simply, they're excellent options and great if you don't want to splurge on the higher-end options.

iPhone 15 Pro deals / iPhone 15 Pro Max deals
For those who want the best of the best - consider our pages on the stunning iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. These outstanding devices carry the lion's share of upgrades for 2023 and bring a new chipset, 5x camera zoom, and a titanium chassis to the table as the main features. In a nutshell, these are extremely pricey devices but worth every penny - especially if you can line up a great trade-in deal.

iPhone 14 deals / iPhone 14 Plus deals
The iPhone 14 may not be the latest device in the range now the iPhone 15 has been released but it's still a fantastic choice. Now $100 cheaper upfront at Apple, carriers are also offering some superb deals on this older device now - including ones that don't need the usual trade-in rebate.

iPhone 14 Pro deals / iPhone 14 Pro Max deals
The best iPhones from the previous generation, the vast majority of the 14-series upgrades were been consolidated on the stunning 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max. These lavish devices feature a heavily upgraded camera system and novel 'Dynamic Island' - a unique feature that hides that pesky front camera bump with a combination of interesting software integrations.

iPhone 13 deals / iPhone 13 mini deals
The iPhone 13 and 13 mini are the Apple flagship devices from 2021, although they're still really great today. Not only are the chipsets inside and cameras decent, but they share a design that is outwardly identical to the latest iPhone 14. If you're looking to save a bit of cash, these ones are definitely recommended.

iPhone 12 deals
Currently the oldest device you can buy new at the Apple store, the iPhone 12 is essentially now a 'budget' option from the brand. Despite not being the speediest iPhone around, the iPhone 12 still holds up surprisingly well for 2023 thanks to its modern design, display, and chipset that's sufficient enough for most tasks.

iPhone SE 2022 deals
Apple's latest budget-focused device is here and 2022's iteration of the iPhone SE brings a number of welcome updates. Above all else, the A15 Bionic chip in this device gives it superb power to cost and enough grunt to easily zip through nearly any task. It is, however, rocking an oldschool design - one that's essentially based on the iPhone 8 from way back in 2017. Is this the right device for you? Check out our standalone piece for a full breakdown of this budget pick.