I found a free iPhone 16 deal that doesn’t require a trade-in (and applies to Pro models, too)

pros and cons

Pros

• Boost is offering the iPhone 16 for free when you enroll in its Infinite Access plan.
• It’s a great deal if you’re looking for a fresh start or already a Boost Mobile customer.
• All models are included.

Cons

• The catch is that you’ll have to pay for Boost Mobile’s networking plan, which starts at $65 per month.
• You’ll have to pay off the phone if you end the 36-month contract early.

It may sound unbelievable, but Boost Mobile is offering nearly every iPhone 16 model at essentially no upfront cost and with no trade-in required. With its “Infinite Access” deal, you also get unlimited talk, text, and data for just $65 per month. 

Also: T-Mobile will sell you an iPhone 16 Pro for free with no trade-in – here’s how you can get one

This offer is available to both new and existing Boost customers. In fact, existing subscribers can upgrade easily in the Boost app without opening a new account. Here’s all the fine print you need to know.

Boost’s iPhone 16 deal, explained

You’ve probably seen other carriers offering “free” iPhones, but before you dismiss this deal, there are reasons why it stands out.

First, Boost’s offer covers the entire iPhone 16 lineup: the base iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. While traditional carrier plans often require trading in a phone to qualify for discounts, Boost waives that requirement entirely.

Second, Boost will cover up to $1,000 of the list price. When you sign up, you’ll pay the required sales tax on your chosen model plus your first month of service. You must enroll in Boost Mobile’s Infinite Access for iPhone plan to get this deal. It bundles unlimited talk, text, and data (on a 5G-capable network) and includes 30 GB of premium data.

Also: Verizon will give you almost any phone for free with just one trade-in required – here’s how

Infinite Access costs $65 per month for a single line — but the first month is credited back on your next Boost bill. So your real out-of-pocket cost is just the sales tax. For example, if you choose an iPhone 16 Pro (list price $999.99), you might pay roughly $80 to $100 in sales tax (depending on your state) plus $65 in service, which you’ll see credited on your following bill.

You simply complete a soft credit check (which won’t affect your credit score) and start the plan. There’s no activation fee, no administrative fee—just the standard taxes and local surcharges. Boost’s pricing is straightforward: if the checkout page shows $65 for your first month (with the device credit to follow), that’s what you’ll pay, aside from sales tax on the phone.

There’s no multi-line requirement. One line is all you need.

How much is each iPhone under Boost’s deal?

Each model is available in its base configuration. If you choose extra storage, the monthly device payment increases proportionally — you’ll see the precise breakdown before checkout.

• iPhone 16 ($829.99): $0 down, $0 per month (Boost covers full price).
• iPhone 16 Plus ($929.99): $0 down, $0 per month (Boost covers full price).
• iPhone 16 Pro ($999.99): $0 down, $0 per month (Boost covers the entire $999.99).
• iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199.99): $0 down, $5.55 per month (Boost covers $1,000, leaving $199.99, which converts to about $5.55 per month over 36 months).

Boost said it spreads device payments over 36 months, but you’re not locked into a separate service contract and can cancel your service at any time. If you do cancel early, however, you’ll owe the remaining device balance.

Also: You can still trade in any phone at Verizon to get an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch free. Here’s how

After 12 consecutive monthly payments, you’re eligible for an annual upgrade. So, when the next iPhone model launches (e.g., the iPhone 17), you can request the upgrade through the Boost Mobile app. Boost will ship you the new phone at no additional cost and even sends a pre-paid box for your old device. Once it receives and inspects it, you’ll continue the same $65-per-month plan with the new model. If you’d rather skip the upgrade, the 36-month finance schedule continues until you fully own the phone.

How does Boost’s deal compare to competitors?

Most major carriers (T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T) require four lines at $85 to $100 per line, trade-ins, and additional activation fees (usually $35 per line). Boost’s offer is $65 per month for a single line, with zero activation fees and no trade-ins. Over a year, Boost claims you’d save around $420 compared to T-Mobile, $360 compared to Verizon, and $311 compared to AT&T. Those savings assume you’re comparing a single-line plan with equivalent data allowances and factoring in typical trade-in requirements.

Also: I replaced my iPhone 16 Pro with the 16e for a month – here’s my buying advice now

If you’re curious about Boost’s network coverage, the service uses a cloud-based 5G network and claims to offer roughly 99 percent nationwide coverage — so performance should match what you’d get from other carriers.

Anything else to know?

Boost Mobile’s Infinite Access deal is honestly one of the cheapest ways to get the latest iPhone 16 lineup without trading in your current device or paying big upfront fees. Boost even provides free “store-to-door” setup with this deal. That’s where you get to choose a two-hour delivery window, and a technician will come and help set up and activate your phone in person. Neat, right?

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.

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