If you plan to upgrade to the iPhone 17, you’re probably checking what AT&T is offering. I wrote this guide because I went through AT&T’s official fine print, trade-in pages, and deal announcements.
My goal is to give you the facts in plain language so you know exactly how these offers work.
This is for anyone thinking about upgrading through AT&T.
Table of Contents
AT&T iPhone 17 Deals at a Glance
AT&T is advertising up to $1,100 off the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Here’s the catch. The discount comes as monthly bill credits spread over 36 months. You don’t get cash or an instant discount at checkout.
- iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max: up to $1,100 off
- iPhone 17 or iPhone Air: up to about $830 off
- Credits applied monthly for 36 months
- Taxes on the full retail price due at purchase
If you cancel service early, you lose the remaining credits and need to pay the balance.
How Trade-Ins Work
Your trade-in is the key to unlocking the big discount.
- iPhone 13 or newer (excluding 13 mini) qualifies for the full $1,100 off. ‘Any condition’ is accepted, but the phone must power on and have activation lock disabled. Severely damaged devices may be assessed by AT&T for eligibility.
- Other smartphones need to meet minimum trade-in values. For example, a device worth at least $130 can qualify for the $830 tier.
- Only one trade-in per line.
Check your phone’s value first on AT&T’s trade-in site before making the switch.
Plan Requirements
You need to be on a qualifying AT&T unlimited plan. That’s the rule for getting trade-in credits.
- Many new customers need a qualifying unlimited plan costing at least $75.99/month before discounts, but some existing eligible unlimited plans may also qualify
- Some plans like Value Plus or AT&T 55+ don’t qualify.
- Existing customers may keep their current unlimited plan if it’s eligible.
Credits usually start showing up within three billing cycles after AT&T processes your trade-in.
Other Costs and Conditions
These are the extra details that matter.
- Sales tax is due on the full retail price up front.
- There’s a $35 activation or upgrade fee.
- If your credit isn’t strong, AT&T may require a down payment.
- Optional features like AT&T Next Up Anytime cost extra and aren’t covered by trade-in credits.
- If you cancel another line on the account within 90 days of getting the new iPhone, you may lose credits.
This is the stuff most people miss when they only read the headline offer.
Video Guide:
Should You Upgrade?
If you already have an iPhone 13 or newer and want the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max, this deal makes sense. You can get the phone for $0 monthly if your trade-in qualifies and you’re okay with the 36-month lock-in.
If your trade-in is older or low value, expect a smaller discount. In that case, compare what Apple or Best Buy is offering. Sometimes their deals are easier to manage.
I wrote this to give you the real numbers, not just the marketing. Before you upgrade, check your trade-in value, confirm your plan is eligible, and know the upfront taxes you’ll pay.
FAQs
Does AT&T really take phones in any condition?
For iPhone 13 or newer, yes. Cracked screens may qualify for trade-in only on eligible iPhones (iPhone 13 or newer, excluding mini) and must meet the ‘powers on + activation lock off’ requirement.
Can I switch plans later and keep the credits?
You need to stay on a qualifying unlimited plan. If you downgrade to a non-eligible plan, credits may stop.
What happens if I cancel early?
All remaining credits stop, and you’ll need to pay off the rest of the phone’s price.
