PSA: You can get an iPhone 16 Pro Max from Verizon for free right now

Yes, you read that right. No trade-in is required, but there's one big thing you need to know before you jump on this deal.
 By 
Tabitha Britt
 on 
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A person's hand holds up a new, light-colored iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the focus on its triple-camera system. The background is a brightly lit and busy Apple Store during what appears to be a product launch event.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max feels as premium as it looks. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon | Mashable

SAVE $1,199.99: As of June 16, you can get a free iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,199.99 retail) when you open a new line on Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan.


$0 at Verizon
$1,199 Save $1,199
 

Usually, when the word “free” is thrown around, there’s a catch. But Verizon’s latest offer is actually legit, and it’s an incredible deal for anyone looking to switch carriers.

As of June 16, you can get a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max for $0. It's an aggressive play by Verizon to win new customers, and a pretty good deal if you're eligible.

Even though the iPhone 16 Pro Max has been out for a while now, it’s still a solid choice for a smartphone. (It’s also a Mashable Choice Award Winner for its extra-long battery life.) You’ll also get a massive 6.9-inch all-screen OLED display and a powerful A18 Pro chip.

To get the phone for “free," you have to sign up for a new line on Verizon's Unlimited Ultimate plan (which starts at $65 per month). When you buy the phone on a payment plan, Verizon applies $1,199.99 in promotional credits to your account, spread out over 36 months. That monthly credit completely cancels out the phone's payment, bringing its cost down to zero.

Of course, the main catch is the 36-month commitment. The phone isn't truly free if you decide to switch carriers before the three years are up. If you cancel your line early, you'll have to pay off the remaining balance on the phone. But if you're ready to commit, this is one of the best ways to get a flagship phone without the flagship price tag.

Topics iPhone

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Tabitha Britt
Freelance Writer

Tabitha Britt is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor, and SEO/AEO strategist. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School for Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online publications, including National Geographic, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and Everyday Health.

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