Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe latest Apple devices are here, including the new iPhone Duo — the brand’s first foldable smartphone. If you want to stick with a classic phone design, the iPhone 18 Pro is a solid option with a host of upgrades and improvements over its predecessor. The all-new A20 chip provides enhanced performance, while the upgraded battery design supports fast charging and provides long-lasting power.
Also: How to preorder the new iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and everything else Apple announced
Right now, when you preorder at T-Mobile (starting Saturday), new and existing customers can get one for free when you sign up for an Experience Beyond plan.
iPhone 18 Pro free with new Experience Beyond line
Available with multiple storage options, up to 2TB, the iPhone 18 Pro 256GB version starts at $1,199. Current T-Mobile customers can get a free iPhone 18 Pro when adding a new line to their Experience Beyond mobile plans; if you’re upgrading on your current line, you’ll have to pay full price. But you’ll still get 0% APR financing for up to 36 months.
Of course, as is always the case with these “free” carrier deals, there are some caveats: When you purchase the phone with no trade-in, you’ll be paid back via bill credits over 36 months, up to $1,200. You’ll need to pay taxes on the full price of the phone when you sign up, and pay a $35 device connection fee on your next bill. If you pay your phone off early, the bill credits will end.
Also: 5 biggest Apple announcements from the iPhone Duo event
There are trade-in deals at T-Mobile as well, with the amount you can get depending on your device and its condition. Check T-Mobile’s website for how much instant credit you can get for your old phone.
Built with the new 6-core A20 chip, with the iPhone 18 Pro line, you’ll get desktop-class processing and performance in a mobile format to give you smoother video playback, better multitasking, and streamlined power efficiency. The redesigned heatsink behind the screen gives you better heat dissipation than previous iterations for improved performance and to keep your new phone from overheating and damaging delicate components.
Also: The best iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and Duo cases in 2026: Expert recommended
You’ll also get a major battery boost, with an impressive 45-hour battery life and fast-charging support. With just 15 minutes of charge time, you can get up to 50% battery — just 5 minutes gives you up to 6 hours of video playback. This makes it perfect for topping up before boarding a flight, walking into a meeting, or when you forgot to charge overnight.
The camera system also got a big update with a 48MP Fusion main lens and manual aperture settings for full control over your photos and creating professional-quality videos. The all-new Apple Reference Image feature creates a secure, uneditable version of any photo you take to help verify both authenticity in an age of deepfakes and to prove ownership if your images get used without permission.
How I rated this deal
Getting your hands on the latest iPhone for free is a sweet deal, no matter how you slice it — even with the carrier caveats. With the desktop-grade A20 processor, an impressive 45-hour battery life, and an updated camera system, it’s a worthy upgrade if you’ve been holding onto an older iPhone for the last few years. That’s why I gave this deal a 5/5 Editor’s rating.
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