I get the impression that most people have phones that are in one way or another heavily discounted by the carrier, making demand relatively inelastic in the same way that (depending on what country you live in) healthcare or school uniforms are, regardless of price.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPhone 16 Pro Max How much did you pay out of pocket for your current iPhone?
- Thread starter Faize
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Educator discount. Did not get a carrier discount. (IMO, it made little sense to change my cheap cell-phone plan to one more expensive to get a less expensive phone.) I have not gotten a phone with a carrier discount in years.
iPhone 11 Pro Max (512GB), purchased February 2021. I don't recall how much we put down and T-Mobile isn't showing our old EIP (Equipment Installment Plan) for these devices since they were paid off in early 2023.
But, including the same phone for my wife (purchased at the same time), I know I paid less than $100 down for both. Probably just the taxes.
Each phone was $1199. We paid that monthly via installments over two years. No discounts, full price.
But, including the same phone for my wife (purchased at the same time), I know I paid less than $100 down for both. Probably just the taxes.
Each phone was $1199. We paid that monthly via installments over two years. No discounts, full price.
Educator discount on iPhone? From where? I didn't think Apple offered educator discounts on iPhones; only on Macs, iPads, etc.
Deposit plus tax $429 T-Mobile. ****** payment history thus the deposit. I saved for it. Not late on my bill, I just always use the pay in two installments option. 16PM. Due to the deposit my monthly bill will be lower due to a reduced monthly EIP payment replacing my old higher EIP payment.
iPhone 15 pro Max 256gb
Got it via carrier contract
Paid 1050€ once in January
And 22€ monthly for the contract over 2 years for 22gb lte data plan and unlimited calls / sms.
The data limit is increased by 5gb yearly.
My intention for getting this plan over others was to have a low monthly payment. I could have paid less for the phone with other contracts with a higher monthly payment rate.
Germany
Got it via carrier contract
Paid 1050€ once in January
And 22€ monthly for the contract over 2 years for 22gb lte data plan and unlimited calls / sms.
The data limit is increased by 5gb yearly.
My intention for getting this plan over others was to have a low monthly payment. I could have paid less for the phone with other contracts with a higher monthly payment rate.
Germany
I always pay full price unlocked directly from Apple Store. I don't trade in because someone in my family gets my old one.
For once in my life someone else bought me this phone. And no, it wasn’t my mom. 🤣
I get 3 new iPhone Pros every year, unlocked from Apple. Out of pocket each is a little over $300 each.
Original Price = $1000, I get them for $900 each, trade in to Apple last year's model and get about $500 - $600 = out of pocket $300 - $400
Pay cash for mine directly from Apple Store. No discounts. Sometimes I trade in.
I just got a used 'like new' with new battery iphone 12 mini for a little under $300usd in my high-cost part of the world. I liked my 2016 SE, but now I have iOS18 support, FaceID, better camera, and new battery. Very happy with that.
Out of pocket? I never paid anything out of pocket for an iPhone…
Just got the 16 Pro, with nothing out of pocket. I pay between $30-35 a month for 5G cell coverage.
Yes, presumably I am paying for the phone in the cost of the cell coverage…but it is not like I can get a cheaper cell plan if I don’t take advantage of these carrier deals that give you a free phone.
Just got the 16 Pro, with nothing out of pocket. I pay between $30-35 a month for 5G cell coverage.
Yes, presumably I am paying for the phone in the cost of the cell coverage…but it is not like I can get a cheaper cell plan if I don’t take advantage of these carrier deals that give you a free phone.
Paid £449 for the iPhone 16 Pro after I privately sold my iPhone 15 Pro. The upgrade was well worth it to me for the battery life and performance gains. Yes this year especially, I notice a tangible improvement in my overall experience as the phone stays cooler for longer (I am an annual upgrader).