The absolute best iPhone deals for January 2019

Want to buy an iPhone without spending too much money? 

Normally, we’d say that’s impossible, but you’re in luck: Apple recently issued its first profit warning since 2002. While that sounds gloomy for investors, it’s good news for those of you who want to buy Apple products, as ZDNet’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes explained here.

Also: Meet the new Diet iPhone: Could a fresh formula boost Apple’s bottom line?

He’s predicted a downward effect on pricing. Don’t expect Apple to cut its iPhone prices by half or anything dramatic like that, but you could see some models getting decent discounts over the next few months. In fact, there are great deals to be found already. 

Here are the best iPhone sales we’ve spotted for January 2019.

Best iPhone deals: Major carriers

AT&T

• AT&T is holding an iPhone BOGO sale — where you buy an iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR, and you’ll get a free iPhone XR with your purchase. See AT&T’s iPhone BOGO deal here.
• Alternatively, as part of the same BOGO sale above, you can buy an iPhone and get up to $750 in credit toward the purchase of an iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. See AT&T’s iPhone BOGO deal here.

Sprint

Also: This is why Apple doesn’t want you fixing your smartphone

T-Mobile

• Buy the iPhone XS and trade in an eligible device, and then you’ll get $390 back (via 36 monthly bill credits). Eligible trade-ins include the iPhone 7 through iPhone 8 Plus; Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8, Google Pixel through Pixel 2 XL, and LG V30 and LG G). For instance, if you trade in an Phone 7, you’ll get $300 in credit. See T-Mobile’s iPhone XS deal here.
• Buy an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone 8 on a monthly payment plan, add a new line of service (so, two total), and trade in an eligible device, and then you’ll get up to $750 back (via 24 or 36 monthly bill credits). Eligible trade-ins include the iPhone X, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, and iPhone 6s Plus. For instance, if you trade in an iPhone 7, you’ll get $300 in credit. See T-Mobile’s iPhone deal here.

Verizon

• Got an old phone laying around? Verizon is offering a minimum $100 credit ( to your account over 24 months) when you upgrade and trade-in select models (ranging from the iPhone SE to the Samsung Galaxy S4). See Verizon’s trade-in deal here.
• You can add a new line of service at Verizon and then get $300 off the purchase of a new iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, or iPhone XR.  See Verizon’s iPhone deal here.

Also: Apple: Beginning of the end, or a new beginning?

Best iPhone deals: Prepaid carriers

Boost Mobile

• Boost Mobile is offering one of the best prices we’ve seen on the iPhone XR. You can get the 64GB version for $649.99 with free shipping and no service contract. That’s $99 off.The 128GB option is also available, but for $699.99, and the 256GB is $799.99, with  free shipping and no contract. They’re both $99 off. See Boost Mobile’s iPhone XR deal here.

MetroPCS

Virgin Mobile

Also: What would Steve Jobs think of the 2019 Apple?

Best iPhone deals: Retailers

Amazon

• If you don’t mind buying a refurbished iPhone, there’s an iPhone 8 (unlocked, 64GB) for $473 on Amazon. That’s $117 less than the same refurbished model at Best Buy. It’s also backed by Amazon’s 90-day guarantee. See Amazon’s iPhone 8 deal here.

Best Buy

• Get the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max (with activation), and you’ll receive up to $400 as a Best Buy gift card — if you trade in an old iPhone. You can estimate your iPhone trade-in value here. An iPhone 7 (128GB) will fetch you around $170. This is an in-store only offer. See Best Buy’s iPhone XS/XS Max deal here.
• Best Buy is offering the same deal above for the iPhone XR (with activation). Again, you’ll receive up to $400 as a Best Buy gift card — if you trade in an old iPhone. This is an in-store only offer. See Best Buy’s iPhone XR deal here.

eBay

• BuySpry (via eBay) has a refurbished iPhone 7 Plus (unlocked, 256GB) in Black for $384.78 with free shipping. A 60-day BuySpry warranty is included. It also comes with an MFi-certified cable and power adapter. See eBay’s iPhone 7 Plus deal here.
• BuySpry (via eBay) has a refurbished iPhone 8 Plus (unlocked, 256GB) in Space Grey for $574.99 with free shipping. Again, a 60-day BuySpry warranty is included. See eBay’s iPhone 8 Plus deal here.

Target

• Target has $35 off the Phone SE (prepaid from Simple Mobile), making it $124.99. To be clear, this phone works on a prepaid service, but there’s no contract, and it’s a 22 percent savings on a model just two years old. See Target’s iPhone SE deal here.

Walmart

• Walmart has the iPhone 6 32GB (prepaid from Straight Talk) in Space Gray for $99. Again, this phone works on a prepaid but service, but this is the best deal for any carrier by at least $50. See Walmart’s iPhone 6 deal here.

Must read

Best iPhone deals: Apple Store

1. Apple sells refurbished iPhone models, too. It has the iPhone 7 Plus (unlocked, 32GB) for $479, a $99 savings. You can also get it in 128GB for $569 (a $100 savings) or 256GB for $649 (a $220 savings). See Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus deal here.
2. Apple has a dedicated online storefront for active military personnel and veterans — complete with a 10-percent discount offer on Apple products, including the iPhone. The new iPhone XR, for instance, is just $674. See Apple’s military storefront here.

For more great deals on devices, gadgetry, and technology for your enterprise, business, or home office, see ZDNet’s Business Bargain Hunter blog. Affiliate disclosure: ZDNet earns commission from the products and services featured on this page.

Previous and related coverage:

iPhone XS Max: The iPhone’s future is big and bright

Apple’s iPhone XS Max is as big as it gets.

iPhone XS: Everything Apple has to offer, but in a smaller package

The iPhone XS is the smallest of Apple’s 2018 iPhone lineup, but don’t discount it.

Apple iPhone XR: Lower cost comes with camera, reception compromises

Apple switched up release strategies a bit in 2018 with the two high end $1,000+ models released initially, followed by one priced $250 to $350 less. The iPhone XR arrives in six color options and honestly it may be the best option for the masses.

Apple iPhone X: This is as good as it gets

Face ID, an impressive display, new interaction methods, and solid performance put the iPhone X on top.