Don’t Waste $799+ on the iPhone 17: Get an iPhone 16 for $0 a Month Instead

Monica Yoshida
Sep 30, 2025
Icon Time To Read3 min read
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Want a new iPhone for $0 a month?
Check out T-Mobile's best iPhone deals today
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T Mobile
Want a new iPhone for $0 a month?
Check out T-Mobile's best iPhone deals today

People love the hype of a new iPhone, and Apple certainly delivered on that hype this week. In an “awe dropping” event livestreamed on Tuesday, September 9, Apple CEO Tim Cook sent tech fans across the globe into a frenzy as he offered a walkthrough of the Apple 17 and three other new iPhone models.

The details were dazzling: Magnetic cross body straps! A new Center Stage camera for optimized selfies! Thermal systems to dissipate heat!

But do you REALLY need to shell out $799 or even more for an 8X camera zoom? Is the hype really worth it? Instead of putting your credit card balance back into the red, you should consider a killer deal going on right now at T-Mobile: You can get an iPhone 16 at no extra cost when you sign up for a qualifying phone plan—and now with the iPhone 16's price drop, it will be even faster to pay off!

iPhone 16
  • pro
    A18 chip to power Apple Intelligence
  • pro
    Camera control button
  • pro
    Durable titanium finish
The iPhone 16 had a price drop—and you still don't have to pay for it

The iPhone 16 dropped just a year ago, and believe me, it’s a killer phone. In fact, it has practically 95% of the same features as the iPhone 17. AND you can get it included for $0 a month with a phone plan. And now that the iPhone 17 is here, the iPhone 16 price dropped. That means that your phone could easily be paid off sooner. So...

Here are some of the coolest features:

  • A color for everyone: Pink, teal, black, white, and ultramarine.
  • Apple Intelligence powered by the A18 chip
    6.3 inch super retina XDR display
  • New “capture” button for camera on the side of the phone
  • First iPhone to include Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
  • USB-C Port to serve as a universal charging port
  • Comprehensive writing tools to proofread and rewrite
  • Image playground
  • Siri designed to understand muddled human speech

Apple Intelligence alone is worth the price (or should I say “non-price”) for this sleek device. The AI-driven feature basically ushers you into the future of connectivity with smart writing tools, smart summaries, and a Camera Control that can scan text and even solve math problems (!!!).

iPhone 16 Pro
  • pro
    A18 chip to power Apple Intelligence
  • pro
    Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
  • pro
    48MP ultrawide camera
OK, here’s how to get the iPhone 16 from T-Mobile

The iPhone 16 is cool but it’s even cooler when you can get it for $0 per month when you get it through T-Mobile. No trade-in required! Here’s all you need to do:

  1. Bring an eligible phone number to T-Mobile
  2. Add a line with the Experience Beyond plan
  3. Stay on the plan for 24 months

Before the iPhone 17 drop, the latest iPhone 16 would originally run you $829.99. On T-Mobile's site, the full prices run lower now, and the iPhone 16 is $100 cheaper. Plus, with this T-Mobile promotion the iPhone 16 gets paid off via monthly bill credits over that 24-month period. Like I said earlier, the smaller overall price could mean that you pay off the phone way sooner than you thought!

Here’s the best part: T-Mobile Experience Beyond plan isn’t just any ol’ phone plan. It’s T-Mobile’s crème-de-la-crème plan, giving you unlimited premium data, unlimited hotspot data, and access to free streaming platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Hulu. You also get access to T-Mobile’s new T-Satellite service, which allows you to send and receive texts via satellite. So when you hit a deadzone, your phone automatically stays connected. Bye bye, dead zones.

iPhone 16e
  • pro
    A18 chip to power Apple Intelligence
  • pro
    Ceramic shield protection
  • pro
    Customizable action button
The iPhone 16 awaits you: Act now

I get it: Seeing new product drops is super fun. And sure, you could pay around $799 or more for the cool newfangled iPhone 17. That’s not a significant amount of cash. Not at all.

But with all the soon-to-be neglected but still very new iPhone 16 models lying around, you are bound to get a sweet deal. T-Mobile is practically throwing a free phone, free satellite service, AND free money for you to hop on over to its super-fast 5G network. Now is the time to strike: Sign up while the offer still stands!

Check out the full list of iPhones that you can get with no upfront payment here: