At a Glance
- iPhone Air debuted Sept. 19, 2023 as Apple’s thinnest phone ever.
- It starts at $999 and comes in four colors: space black, cloud white, light gold, sky blue.
- Carrier deals can drop the price to zero or even free with trade-ins or new plans.
Apple’s newest iPhone Air, released last month, redefines slimness with a 5.6-mm chassis and 165-gram weight. While the starting price is $999, a range of carrier promotions and trade-in offers can slash the cost dramatically-sometimes even making the phone free. Below we break down the most compelling deals, key specs, and how to get the best value.
Deal Highlights
Apple’s trade-in program rewards users with $40-$670 credit and 3 % cash back when paying with an Apple Card.
Carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, and Best Buy partner to offer enhanced trade-in credit of up to $1,100 if you add a service plan.
Special plans can make the iPhone Air free or cost as little as $13 /month.
- AT&T: Installment plan saves up to $572; $800 reward for switching; $200 off new line (online only).
- Verizon: Unlimited Welcome, Plus, or Ultimate plans can give up to $1,000 off, yielding a free basic model.
- T-Mobile: Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plans offer a free phone; Experience More or Go5G Plus saves $830; Essentials 4 plan adds four lines, no trade-in needed.
- Boost Mobile: Infinite Access for iPhone plan saves $830; cost drops below $5 /month.
- Best Buy: Verizon customers get up to $1,000 credit; two free months of Apple TV Plus and three free months of Apple Music, Arcade, and Fitness Plus.
Specs & Availability
The iPhone Air features a 6.5-inch OLED ProMotion display that adjusts from 120 Hz, max brightness 3,000 nits, and a scratch-resistant Ceramic Shield 2 coating.
It houses an A19 Pro chip, C1 5G modem, a titanium frame, and a single 48-megapixel main camera.
Storage options are 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept. 9 | Announcement |
| Sept. 12 | Pre-orders begin |
| Sept. 19 | Release |
The phone is available through Apple, major carriers, and select retailers.
How to Save
- Trade in an older device for credit-up to $1,100 with carrier plans.
- Choose a plan that offers the biggest discount (e.g., Verizon Unlimited Welcome).
- Pay with Apple Card to receive 3 % cash back.
- Add extra lines if eligible for further savings (e.g., T-Mobile Essentials 4).
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone Air launches at $999 but can be free with the right carrier deal.
- Trade-in credit tops $1,100 when paired with a service plan.
- Apple Card users earn 3 % cash back on purchases.
Whether you’re upgrading or buying a first phone, these offers let you enjoy Apple’s thinnest device without breaking the bank.
