This iPhone offer from AT&T might just be one of the best deals I've seen at the carrier in months - and it's easy to miss

I've just spotted one of the best AT&T deals ever. Well, that might be hyperbole, but this promotion is just as good as those from the carrier's Black Friday sale back in November.

It's the carrier's deal on the often-overlooked iPhone Air, which is currently free with an installment plan on any of the carrier's post-paid unlimited plans.

That might not sound like some mind-blowing offer, but the devil is in the details. Firstly, this particular 'free phone' deal doesn't require the usual trade-in criteria that are usually required with this type of promotion. That's something that immediately gives this promotion the edge versus those on the more popular devices, like the iPhone 17 or iPhone 17 Pro, for example.

Secondly, there's the option to bundle four devices here on an unlimited plan that costs just $100/mo for four lines. This is a popular type of deal these days, but this is the first time I've seen it at AT&T specifically, and it's definitely a fantastic option for families for multi-line users. The plan in question here is the more basic 'AT&T Value Plus' plan, but you're still getting that much-needed unlimited data.

Today's best iPhone deal at AT&T

Apple iPhone Air: free with a new unlimited data plan at AT&T
AT&T's latest deal on the iPhone Air doesn't even require the usual trade-in criteria to get the device for free. All you need is a new line on one of the carrier's excellent unlimited plans, and boom - a brand new iPhone that's still worth $1,000 included in your monthly installments. Even better still, you can get up to four devices here on a plan that costs just $25/mo per line - that's serious value for families.

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• See more: check out more of this week's best deals at AT&T

Don't overlook the iPhone Air

The iPhone Air is often overlooked in favor of the other devices in the range, and it's true - the device's main selling point is its super-thin design. The standard iPhone 17 is cheaper, while the iPhone 17 Pro offers a beefier array of specs at a similar price. By comparison, the iPhone Air can look a little lightweight (no pun intended).

But the iPhone Air is a really great iPhone in its own right, and one that really deserves to be looked at. For one, its 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display is excellent, and Apple has still managed to squeeze in the A19 Pro chipset, which provides plenty of power. If you can live without a few of the more advanced photography features from the 17 Pro, the iPhone Air offers a very similar experience in a stunning, minimalist package. I actually prefer the Air's more stylish and Apple-like design to the maximalist iPhone 17 Pro.