CINCINNATI — Apple is warning customers about possible delays getting the new iPhone 13 due to computer chip and camera parts shortages. Despite that, some cell carriers are already offering the new phone for almost nothing.
If someone offered you a free iPhone 13, a lot of us would shrug it off these days, figuring it was some sort of scam, but believe it or not, some of these offers are pretty good.
The ads are everywhere right now, but how can a carrier give away an $800 phone for nothing? Of course, they can't, but CNet says you shouldn't just toss these offers from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. They want your business, or continued business, and are truly giving you a big discount on the new phone.
CNet explains it all depends on your trade-in. You must have a recent iPhone X, 11 or 12 in good working condition and you must have an unlimited data package, with a 36-month installment plan. So you will pay, or not pay, for it over three years.
But from the ‘doesn’t that stink’ file, there are extras that make that free phone anything but free. There’s an activation fee between $30 and $50. Tax? That’s $10. Case and screen protector? Another $40.
That's $100 bucks, and that stinks.
But if you want the newest phone, CNet says these early promo deals are the best you'll find for a while
Obviously, no one is simply going to hand you a new iPhone 13 completely free. But these promotional deals can still be worthwhile, so you don't waste your money.