Black Friday iPhone Deals 2025: Free iPhone 17 Offers, iPhone 16 Pro Price Cuts, and Apple’s ‘Typically Apple’ Gift Card Promo (24 November Update)

Black Friday 2025 is still a few days away, but if you’re eyeing an iPhone upgrade, the real action is already here. Apple has finally revealed its official Black Friday offer – and in classic Apple fashion, it’s all about gift cards, not price cuts – while carriers and retailers are slashing prices on the iPhone 16 Pro and offering “free” iPhone 17 deals that lock in serious savings (and long contracts). ^[1]

Below, you’ll find a detailed, Google News–ready rundown of today’s (24 November 2025) most important iPhone Black Friday headlines, including what’s in Apple’s own shopping event, how Verizon, T‑Mobile, and AT&T are battling for your upgrade, and where the best iPhone 16 Pro and global iPhone discounts are hiding.

Apple’s Official Black Friday 2025 iPhone Offer: Gift Cards, Not Discounts

Apple has now published its 2025 Apple Store Shopping Event page, confirming that its Black Friday deal once again comes in the form of Apple Gift Cards, not direct price drops. ^[2]

How Apple’s Black Friday iPhone deal works

Dates: 28 November–1 December 2025, online and in Apple Stores. ^[3]
iPhone coverage:
- Buy an iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e and get up to a $75 Apple Gift Card. ^[4]
Fine print:
- Gift cards are not offered on carrier‑connected iPhone purchases (so Apple’s own carrier deals sit outside this promo). ^[5]
- Apple’s latest flagships – including the iPhone 17 lineup – are excluded from gift card promos, as recent coverage of the event has highlighted. ^[6]

In other words, if you want a direct price cut on a new iPhone 17 or a steep discount on an iPhone 16 Pro, you’re more likely to find it away from Apple’s own store – something both Macworld and TechRadar have stressed in their Black Friday round‑ups this week. ^[7]

Apple Card perks stack on top

According to 9to5Mac, Apple Card adds an extra twist: during the shopping event you can still use Apple Card Monthly Installments with 0% APR and earn 3% Daily Cash on Apple Store purchases, while also receiving the Black Friday gift card. ^[8]

So if you’re buying iPhone 16 / 16e directly from Apple, the “deal” looks like this:

Standard retail price
Up to $75 Apple Gift Card
0% financing if you use Apple Card Monthly Installments + 3% cashback

It’s a solid offer if you insist on buying directly from Apple – but as you’ll see below, third‑party retailers and carriers are offering far more aggressive up‑front savings and “free phone” offers on both the iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 families.

Carriers Go All‑In: Free iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 Deals in the US

Where Apple is cautious, the carriers are not. This Black Friday, Verizon, T‑Mobile, AT&T – and even prepaid brands – are all pushing “free” iPhone 17 and iPhone 16 promos that rely on monthly bill credits and multi‑year contracts.

Verizon: Free iPhone 17, Pro‑Level Upgrades, and a Wild Bundle

Verizon features prominently in both TechRadar’s and Business Insider’s coverage of Black Friday iPhone deals – and for good reason. ^[9]

Key Verizon iPhone deals (as of 24 November):

iPhone 17 – effectively free with Welcome Unlimited
- Sign up for a 36‑month Welcome Unlimited plan, and Verizon applies bill credits that match the cost of an iPhone 17, reducing the phone’s monthly payment to $0 – you just pay for the plan. ^[10]
iPhone 17 Pro – free with qualifying unlimited plan + new line
- Open a new line on an eligible unlimited plan and Verizon makes the iPhone 17 Pro free via 36 monthly bill credits, knocking out the usual ~$900 device cost over time. ^[11]
iPhone 17 Pro Max – almost free with trade‑in
- Business Insider highlights a deal where the iPhone 17 Pro Max can drop as low as $99 with an eligible trade‑in and 36 months of bill credits, representing up to $1,100 off the top‑end model. ^[12]
iPhone 17 + Apple Watch + iPad bundle
- One of the flashiest offers: Verizon is bundling an iPhone 17 (256GB) with an Apple Watch Series 11 and an iPad, with the hardware cost covered via bill credits when you open an iPhone line plus service for the watch and tablet. You still pay the monthly service fees for all three devices, but the devices themselves are effectively subsidized. ^[13]

On top of that, Verizon is also matching rivals with free iPhone 16 and 16 Pro offers on certain unlimited plans – especially if you’re adding a new line. ^[14]

T‑Mobile: Four Free iPhone 17s and Huge Switcher Credits

If you’re bringing a group or family, T‑Mobile’s iPhone deals may be the most eye‑catching this year.

TechRadar and T‑Mobile‑focused coverage highlight a “four iPhone 17s for free” Black Friday special: ^[15]

Four free iPhone 17 devices
- Take four unlimited lines on a T‑Mobile Essentials‑level plan and you can get four iPhone 17 units with their cost fully offset via 24‑month bill credits. Your monthly bill is essentially the plan cost (around $100/month total), not device payments.

T‑Mobile is also focusing heavily on higher‑end 17‑series phones and the new iPhone Air:

Up to $1,100 off iPhone 17 Pro / iPhone Air when you switch
- For new switchers, T‑Mobile is offering up to $1,100 in bill credits on the 17 Pro and iPhone Air – often enough to cover the full device cost, even without a trade‑in in some scenarios. ^[16]
Free iPhone 17 and iPhone Air with trade‑in
- Business Insider’s Black Friday guide lists deals where a qualifying trade‑in plus a 24‑month unlimited plan scores you a free iPhone 17 or free iPhone Air via monthly credits. ^[17]

Because T‑Mobile’s “free” deals are often 24‑month commitments (instead of 36 months at some rivals), they’re particularly attractive if you prefer to upgrade more frequently. ^[18]

AT&T: Big Trade‑In Bonuses on the iPhone 17 Lineup

AT&T’s Black Friday pitch leans heavily on trade‑in value, pushing the iPhone 17 family with long‑term discounts:

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max – up to $1,100 off
- Across AT&T’s Black Friday offers and official marketing, customers can get up to $1,100 in bill credits on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max when trading in an eligible device and committing to a 36‑month unlimited plan. In practice, that can drop the iPhone 17 Pro to $0 and leave the 17 Pro Max around $99, similar to the Verizon deals. ^[19]

AT&T also participates in Apple’s in‑store carrier promotions and separate Black Friday web offers, so it’s worth comparing whether you get better value by trading in through AT&T directly or via Apple’s trade‑in program plus Apple’s gift card. ^[20]

Metro and Prepaid: The Budget iPhone 16e Steals the Spotlight

Not everyone wants a 36‑month post‑paid commitment. For those looking at more budget‑friendly options, Metro by T‑Mobile has become one of the standout deals:

iPhone 16e – free on Metro
- Tom’s Guide reports Metro’s Black Friday promo that makes the iPhone 16e free when you port in a number and take a $50/month unlimited plan with autopay. The phone itself has a 6.1‑inch OLED display, Apple’s A18 chip, and support for Apple Intelligence – essentially modern flagship performance in a more affordable shell. ^[21]

Retailers Under‑Cut Apple on iPhone 16 Pro and Older Models

While the carriers duke it out with “free iPhone 17” headlines, retailers and renewed programs are quietly slashing prices on the iPhone 16 Pro and previous‑generation devices.

Amazon Renewed Premium: iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max With Huge Savings

A detailed 9to5Toys breakdown of Amazon’s official iPhone Black Friday listings highlights deep discounts on unlocked iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max via Amazon Renewed Premium (which includes a 1‑year warranty and Amazon‑tested devices). ^[22]

Examples called out as official Black Friday pricing:

iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) – around $869 (was $1,199)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) – roughly $958 (was $1,399)
iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) – as low as about $1,034–$1,059 (was $1,599)
iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) – from around $743 (was $999)

For buyers who don’t want a carrier lock‑in and are comfortable with a renewed unit, these are some of the strongest outright price cuts on the 16 Pro series right now – and they closely match the kind of savings Forbes has been highlighting when it notes that the iPhone 16 Pro is no longer sold new by Apple, but is heavily discounted through high‑quality renewed channels. ^[23]

Best Buy: Modest Discounts on Brand‑New iPhone 16

Tom’s Guide’s live Apple deals blog today points out a simple but appealing offer on a brand‑new, unlocked iPhone 16: ^[24]

iPhone 16 – about $50 off its regular price
- Best Buy is reducing the sticker price of the iPhone 16 from roughly $729 to around $679 when you activate it on AT&T or Verizon. Crucially, it’s still an unlocked unit, so you get more flexibility than with a long carrier‑financed contract.

It’s not as headline‑grabbing as a “free” iPhone 17, but for anyone who values shorter commitments and unlocked hardware, this kind of straightforward retailer discount is often the smarter move.

UK & Europe: iPhone 16e Deals and Gift Card Warnings

In the UK, The Independent’s Black Friday Apple roundup – published this morning – confirms that almost every corner of the Apple ecosystem is already discounted, including iPhone 16e deals: ^[25]

One highlighted offer brings the iPhone 16e (128GB) down from about £544 to £509, while multiple chains (John Lewis, Argos, Amazon, Currys) undercut Apple’s own store prices.
The same piece underscores that Apple’s gift card event is live from 28 November, but that Apple’s retail prices are rarely the best value compared with third‑party sellers – especially for slightly older iPhone models. ^[26]

India: Croma’s Black Friday Sale Slashes iPhone Air and iPhone 16

For Indian buyers, a fresh report from The Bridge Chronicle today details Croma’s Black Friday sale, with sizable discounts on Apple’s 2025 lineup: ^[27]

iPhone Air (256GB)
- MRP: ₹1,19,900
- Black Friday price: ₹1,12,900
- Extra instant bank offer: ₹4,000
- Effective saving: ₹11,000 when the phone is the only item in your cart.
iPhone 16 (128GB) – down to ₹66,990 thanks to an instant bank discount.
iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) – priced at ₹1,03,990, with full Pro‑level specs (A18 Pro, triple camera system, 120Hz ProMotion display).

These regional offers underline a broader theme: outside the US, retailers rather than carriers are doing most of the heavy lifting on iPhone discounts.

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals You Can Grab Today (24 November 2025)

To make things easier, here’s a consolidated view of standout deals live right now across regions, based on today’s updates from major tech publications and retailer announcements. ^[28]

1. Best iPhone 17 & iPhone Air Deals (US)

Verizon – Free iPhone 17 with Welcome Unlimited (36 months)
Verizon – Free iPhone 17 Pro with eligible unlimited plan + new line (36 months)
Verizon – iPhone 17 Pro Max for about $99 with eligible trade‑in (up to $1,100 off)
Verizon – iPhone 17 (256GB) + Apple Watch + iPad bundle when you add lines for each device
T‑Mobile – Four free iPhone 17s with four unlimited lines (Essentials‑level plan, 24 months)
T‑Mobile – Up to $1,100 off iPhone 17 Pro or iPhone Air when you switch, often without trade‑in
T‑Mobile – Free iPhone 17 or iPhone Air with qualifying trade‑in + 24‑month unlimited plan
AT&T – Up to $1,100 off iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max with trade‑in + 36‑month unlimited plan
Mint Mobile – iPhone 17 Pro + 1‑year unlimited plan for a single upfront price (around $1,079) – a different model: you pay once, then no device bills for a year. ^[29]

2. Best iPhone 16 Series Deals (US)

Verizon – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, and 16 Pro free with new Unlimited line (36‑month credits) ^[30]
T‑Mobile – iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16e free on select unlimited plans with trade‑in or when switching ^[31]
Metro by T‑Mobile – iPhone 16e free when you port a number and take a $50 unlimited plan with autopay ^[32]
Best Buy – Brand‑new unlocked iPhone 16 around $50 off when activated on AT&T or Verizon (roughly $679 instead of $729) ^[33]
Amazon Renewed Premium – iPhone 16 Pro from the mid‑$700s and 16 Pro Max from the high‑$800s, with up to ~$811 off original prices ^[34]

3. Best iPhone Deals Outside the US

UK – iPhone 16e (128GB) discounted to roughly £509 at third‑party retailers, while Apple’s own store focuses on gift cards starting 28 November. ^[35]
India – Croma Black Friday Sale
- iPhone Air (256GB) effectively ₹11,000 off
- iPhone 16 (128GB) down to ₹66,990
- iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) at ₹1,03,990 ^[36]

Remember that stock levels and eligibility rules (port‑in requirements, credit checks, trade‑in condition) can change rapidly as we get closer to Black Friday, so always double‑check the terms directly with the carrier or retailer before you commit.

How to Choose the Right Black Friday iPhone Deal

With so many “free” iPhone offers flying around, it’s worth slowing down and looking at the total cost of ownership rather than just the headline price.

1. Understand bill credits and contract length

Business Insider’s FAQ section underlines an important point: when a carrier says “free iPhone”, what they usually mean is: ^[37]

You pay full price upfront or on installments, but
The carrier applies monthly bill credits over 24–36 months to offset that cost.

If you cancel early or switch carriers mid‑contract, you’ll typically owe the remaining balance on the phone – effectively clawing back those “free” credits. T‑Mobile’s 24‑month deals are less of a long‑term shackle than 36‑month offers from Verizon or AT&T, but they’re still commitments. ^[38]

2. Trade‑in vs. unlocked discounts

You’re broadly choosing between two models:

Carrier + trade‑in / bill credits
- Biggest up‑front savings (sometimes 100% of the device price)
- Long contracts, multiple lines, and high‑tier plans are common requirements.
Unlocked phone discounts (Best Buy, Amazon Renewed, regional retailers)
- Smaller headline discounts, but:
- You keep flexibility to switch carriers whenever you want.
- No risk of losing credits if you break the contract.

For an iPhone 16 Pro, for instance, Amazon Renewed Premium’s ~$700–$900 pricing may beat the total cost of a “free” carrier Pro once you factor in 36 months of a more expensive unlimited plan. ^[39]

3. Factor in Apple’s gift cards and Apple Card

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and comfortable paying closer to list price, Apple’s own offer can make sense:

Buy iPhone 16 / 16e at Apple → get up to $75 gift card + 3% Apple Card cashback if you use Apple Card, plus 0% financing. ^[40]

That’s less headline‑grabbing than a free iPhone 17, but it’s clean, simple, and doesn’t lock you into a three‑year carrier contract.

FAQ: Black Friday iPhone Deals 2025

Does Apple actually discount iPhones on Black Friday?

Not in the traditional sense. For 2025, Apple is running a four‑day shopping event from 28 November to 1 December where you get gift cards (up to $75 on iPhone 16 / 16e) instead of direct price cuts. The newest iPhone 17 models are excluded from that gift card promo. ^[41]

When is Black Friday 2025 and when do iPhone deals really start?

Black Friday 2025 falls on Friday, 28 November, but the reality is that most major iPhone deals are already live as of today, 24 November – particularly at Verizon, T‑Mobile, AT&T, Amazon, Best Buy, and regional chains like Croma in India. Apple’s own gift card event kicks off at 00:00 PST on 28 November and runs through 1 December. ^[42]

Are “free iPhone” Black Friday deals really free?

They can be – if you stay for the full term. In nearly all cases:

The phone’s cost is offset via monthly bill credits (over 24 or 36 months).
If you cancel or switch early, you’ll be billed for the remaining device balance.

As both Business Insider and Tom’s Guide warn, it’s crucial to read the fine print and compare what you’d pay over the full contract to what an unlocked discounted phone + cheaper plan might cost. ^[43]

If you’re deciding between free iPhone 17 on a 36‑month unlimited plan and a heavily discounted iPhone 16 Pro or 16e that you own outright, the best choice really comes down to how long you plan to keep your phone and your carrier. Think of the “deal” as the total bundle – phone price, plan cost, and flexibility – rather than just that tempting “$0” tag on the device page.

And because this is one of the busiest deal weeks of the year, expect some of these offers to improve – or quietly vanish – as we get closer to Black Friday itself.

Black Friday 2025 iPhone Deals: Don't Buy Until You See This!

Watch this video on YouTube.

References