Many shoppers look forward to Black Friday for its significant discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics. iPhones, among the most coveted items, are often featured in Black Friday sales. Each year several retailers offer deals on various iPhone models, making Black Friday a good time for consumers looking to upgrade their phones without paying full price.
Finding the best iPhone deals on Black Friday involves some research and planning. Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon have been known to offer discounted prices on new and refurbished iPhones, as well as trade-in deals for even more savings. Additionally, carriers often have special Black Friday offers that might include discounts on the phone when signing a new contract or payment plan.
Do iPhones Go on Sale on Black Friday?
Yes — iPhones do go on sale during Black Friday, but Apple itself rarely offers direct discounts. Instead, the best deals usually come from major retailers (like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon) and mobile carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile).
Apple typically runs a Black Friday shopping event that offers gift cards (usually $50–$200) with eligible purchases rather than price cuts. For example, if you buy an older iPhone model, you might get an Apple Gift Card instead of a discount.
📱 iPhone 17 Black Friday 2025 Deals: What to Expect
The iPhone 17 lineup, released in September 2025, is Apple’s latest generation. Because it’s still new, major price drops are unlikely, but there are still ways to save:
- Carrier Deals: Expect trade-in offers worth up to $800–$1,000 off when you switch carriers or upgrade an existing line.
- Retailer Gift Card Bundles: Stores like Walmart and Target may bundle $150–$300 gift cards with iPhone 17 purchases on installment plans.
- Accessory Discounts: Look for markdowns on MagSafe chargers, cases, and AirPods when purchased with an iPhone 17.
According to The Sun and BlackFriday.com, discounts on the newest iPhones are modest, but bundles and trade-ins can still make a big difference.
📱 iPhone 16 Black Friday 2025 Deals: Bigger Savings
The iPhone 16 series, released in 2024, is now a generation older — which means deeper discounts this Black Friday.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Retail Discounts: Up to $150–$250 off unlocked models at major retailers.
- Carrier Promotions: Potential “free with trade-in” deals for the iPhone 16 or 16 Plus.
- Refurbished Models: Certified refurbished iPhone 16 Pros could drop below $699 at Apple’s refurbished store or Amazon Renewed.
Dixie Sun News reports that both the iPhone 17 and 16 will feature prominently in 2025’s Black Friday promotions, with the 16 series likely seeing “unbelievable” markdowns.
💡 Tips for Getting the Best iPhone Black Friday Deal
- Compare Carrier Offers — Carriers often give the biggest savings, especially with trade-ins or new lines.
- Check Retailer Gift Card Bundles — Walmart, Target, and Best Buy often include store gift cards with iPhone purchases.
- Buy Older Models — The iPhone 15 and 16 series will likely see the most significant price drops.
- Watch for Apple’s Own Event — Apple’s official Black Friday event usually runs from November 28–December 1, 2025, offering gift cards with eligible purchases.
- Shop Early — Early Black Friday deals begin in mid-November, and stock for discounted models can sell out fast.
🔍 Summary
| iPhone Model | Expected Black Friday 2025 Deal | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 / 17 Pro | Trade-in savings up to $1,000, gift card bundles | Carriers, Walmart, Target |
| iPhone 16 / 16 Pro | $150–$250 off unlocked models, free with trade-in | Best Buy, Amazon, Apple Refurbished |
| Older Models (15, SE) | Up to 40% off | Amazon, Walmart, Target |
In short:
If you’re after the latest iPhone 17, look for carrier trade-in deals and gift card bundles.
If you’re okay with last year’s iPhone 16, expect real discounts and even “free with trade-in” offers this Black Friday 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Black Friday is a prime opportunity for iPhone discounts.
- Retailers and carriers provide a mix of deals on new and refurbished models.
- Planning and research can maximize savings on iPhone purchases.
Black Friday iPhone Sales
Black Friday is known for significant discounts on technology, including iPhones. Shoppers often see a range of iPhones from the older iPhone 13 to the newer iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e models available at reduced prices. While it isn’t out of the realm of possibility to see some deals on the iPhone 17 series, it’s more likely to be a discount on the carrier service versus any discount on the phone itself.
Historical Trends of iPhone Discounts
Traditionally, Apple’s iPhones do see discounts on Black Friday. Last year, shoppers found the iPhone 14 for less on platforms like Amazon and in physical stores such as Best Buy and Walmart. Retailers tend to offer a blend of upfront price cuts and gift card promotions with purchases.
Where to Find the Best iPhone Deals
Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are hot spots for Black Friday iPhone deals. Online giants such as Amazon also participate, and deals can even be found on Apple’s own website where the company unveils its Apple Black Friday deals. It is worth monitoring these retailers as Black Friday approaches.
Maximizing iPhone Purchase Value
When Black Friday rolls around, iPhone deals can help you get more bang for your buck. Let’s look at smart ways to maximize your purchase value.
Understanding Carrier Deals and Contracts
Carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer enticing iPhone deals, especially during Black Friday. These deals often come with strings attached, like service contracts or specific plans. For instance, Verizon might discount an iPhone for new customers who sign up for a two-year contract. EE, based in the UK, does similar promotions for their networks. It’s important to read the fine print and ensure the contract terms align with your usage and budget.
The Role of Trade-Ins and Promotions
Trade-ins can significantly cut down the cost of your new iPhone. Apple, as well as carriers, offer trade-in promotions where you can swap an older model for credit towards a new device. Black Friday may boost these values even higher. For instance, getting up to $650 in credit towards an iPhone 16 with a qualifying trade-in is not unheard of. Renewed or unlocked phones can also come with promotions, though these may not always be part of trade-in deals.
Additional Tips for Smart Shopping
Lastly, look for additional promotions like gift cards. Black Friday 2021 saw Apple gift card promotions, where buying an iPhone could snag you a $50 Apple Gift Card. Activation fees may be waived during holiday sales as well, and carriers like Mint Mobile or Straight Talk might offer unique discounts for iPhone purchases. It’s smart to compare deals across carriers and retailers to find the best fit for you. Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions that can add more value to your purchase.
