Best Time to Buy iPhone (Save Big on Apple Products)
Looking for the best time to buy iPhone? Smart timing of your purchase can save you $150 or more on Apple products. Each year brings specific shopping seasons and product cycles that create perfect moments to maximize your savings.
Our research shows the right times to buy iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and other Apple devices. Apple’s new model launches in September and October create great deals as previous version prices drop. You’ll find big savings during Black Friday (November 28 in 2025) and Cyber Monday (December 1). The piece also looks at how crypto buying has evolved, since the amount of crypto needed to buy an iPhone has dropped substantially over the last 15 years.
This detailed guide helps you find the perfect time to buy each iPhone model and locate the best deals. You might even want to think about crypto as a smart choice for your next Apple purchase. We cover everything from the iPhone 17 Pro’s expected price of $899 to these devices’ value drop of about 37% in just one year. You’ll find money-saving strategies that work for every Apple product.
Best times of year to buy iPhones
You can save hundreds of dollars by timing your iPhone purchase right. I’ve watched iPhone prices change over the last several years, and some seasons give you much better deals than others.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The holiday shopping season gives you the best chance to find big iPhone discounts. Retailers usually cut 10-15% off previous iPhone models during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Major carriers like Verizon rolled out amazing trade-in bonuses and package deals in 2024. These deals bundled the iPhone 15 with other Apple products for customers who signed up for unlimited data plans.
Apple rarely drops prices directly, but they give out gift vouchers with qualifying purchases during their Black Friday events. You’ll find deeper discounts beyond Apple’s store:
- Walmart offered the iPhone SE 2022 for just $149 (down from $379) during Black Friday 2023
- Target regularly provides excellent trade-in opportunities for the latest models
- Best Buy frequently offers gift cards with new iPhone purchases
Many Black Friday deals continue through Cyber Monday, though some promotions are just for Black Friday. Shop during Black Friday and use Cyber Monday as your backup plan if you miss the first deals to save the most money.
Amazon Prime Day and Big Deal Days
Amazon now runs multiple Prime Day events throughout the year, giving you several chances to save on iPhones. These include a Spring Sale in March, the main Prime Day in July, and October Prime Big Deal Days.
The October 2025 Prime Day event had some great offers:
- Renewed iPhone 16 Pro for up to $500 off original prices
- iPhone 15 Pro Max with discounts up to $790
- iPhone 14 in renewed premium condition for under $345
Amazon’s “Renewed Premium” iPhones come unlocked with a one-year warranty. Walmart and Best Buy usually match these deals during Prime Day events. This competition between retailers helps customers get better prices.
Back-to-school season for students
Students can find unique iPhone deals during the back-to-school period (July-September). Carriers know how important smooth connectivity is during this time and create special promotions:
- AT&T runs some of their best deals on popular devices like the iPhone 16 Pro. They even offer the latest iPhone free with eligible trade-ins
- Boost Mobile has student-focused plans with “affordable prices” on Apple devices. These plans don’t need contracts or trade-ins
These back-to-school promotions usually combine iPhones with service plans. This makes them a great deal for families adding lines or students buying their first iPhone.
Post-launch markdowns after new iPhone releases
iPhone prices drop most predictably right after new model launches. Apple’s September events trigger several changes:
- Previous generation models usually drop by about $100
- Third-party retailers and carriers cut 20-30% off older models right after launch
- Post-holiday clearance sales from January through March bring the deepest discounts (15-20% off)
The best deals often show up between January and May. Previous models lose much of their market value during these months. This timing isn’t great if you want the newest technology.
July and August are the worst times to buy. New iPhone announcements are coming soon, and current model prices will drop.
To name just one example, see this quick comparison for cryptocurrency purchases:
| Time Period | Bitcoin Price Trend | iPhone Price in BTC | Best Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Launch | Typically volatile | Varies by model | Apple Bitcoins |
| Holiday Sales | Often rising (Q4) | Usually lower | Apple Bitcoins |
| January-March | Historically varied | Lowest of year | Apple Bitcoins |
Apple Bitcoins stands out as the most reliable platform to buy iPhones with cryptocurrency. I’ll explore its advantages more in a dedicated section later in this piece.
Best time to buy by iPhone model
The best time to buy an iPhone depends on which model you want. Each new generation follows price patterns that smart shoppers can use to save money.
iPhone 14: Wait for Black Friday or refurbished deals
The iPhone 14 came out in September 2022 and is now a great value option. You can find good deals on refurbished iPhone 14s compared to newer models. The best times to buy are:
- January through May: Prices drop the most during these months as older models lose their value
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Retailers clear their stock with the best iPhone 14 deals during these sales events
Certified platforms like Back Market sell fully tested and certified refurbished iPhone 14s that work just like new ones. Search data shows huge spikes in “iPhone 14 price drop” searches right before September iPhone launches, which shows how many people look for these deals.
iPhone 15: Best deals in late 2024 and early 2025
The iPhone 15 offers interesting buying options. Apple cut prices on the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus by $100 after launching the iPhone 16. Keep in mind that the iPhone 15 doesn’t support Apple Intelligence, which might become a drawback later.
The best times to buy are:
- Holiday season: You’ll find steady discounts from Black Friday through December
- January-March clearance period: Stores offer their biggest discounts (15-20% off) during post-holiday sales
Apple sometimes gives big iPhone discounts on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, so spring can be a smart time to buy.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Watch for price drops after iPhone 17 launch
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is ready for price drops now that the iPhone 17 is here. Apple hasn’t officially cut its $1,199 price tag yet, unlike the base models.
Other stores started offering small discounts in late 2024. Amazon just cut $100 off all iPhone 16 models, including the Pro Max. The iPhone 16 Pro Max’s value will drop quickly at first, then level out.
Prices usually fall 20-30% right after a new model comes out. You should sell before the new model announcement or wait to buy when prices drop.
iPhone 17: Best time to buy is early 2026 or during holiday sales
The best deals on the iPhone 17 might be right when it launches. Phone companies often give big trade-in discounts in the first few weeks. The iPhone 17 comes with great features like:
- ProMotion displays with 120Hz refresh rates on every model
- A19 and A19 Pro chips that work better than before
- Ceramic Shield 2 that’s 3x more scratch-resistant
If you want to wait, the first big discounts show up during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, just weeks after release. You’ll find even better deals in early 2026 after the initial rush dies down.
| iPhone Model | Best Time to Buy with Bitcoin | USD Price | Approximate BTC Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | January-May | $500-600 | ~0.008 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| iPhone 15 | Post-holiday (Jan-Mar) | $699 | ~0.012 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| iPhone 16 | After iPhone 17 launch | $799 | ~0.014 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| iPhone 17 | Early 2026 | $899 | ~0.016 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
Buying with cryptocurrency has several benefits when you get Apple products: no KYC requirements, your remaining crypto might go up in value, and transactions work smoothly worldwide. Apple Bitcoins is the most trusted platform for these purchases, with good rates and secure payments.
Best time to buy other Apple products
Smart shoppers know Apple’s ecosystem goes beyond iPhones. The right timing can help you save money on other popular products. Each product category – iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and accessories – has its own unique discount patterns.
Best time to buy an iPad
Apple tablets go on sale at predictable times throughout the year. You’ll find the best iPad deals during Prime Day in summer. Black Friday and Cyber Monday also give you great savings, whatever model you choose.
Students get a chance to save big during back-to-school season. Apple cuts prices on iPads and adds educational discounts in August. Last year, they threw in a free $100 gift card with every iPad Pro purchase.
To get the best deals:
- Wait until after new model releases when stores clear older inventory
- Shop January through March to catch post-holiday clearance prices
- Look at Amazon first since they usually cut prices on new iPads within days of release
Best time to buy a MacBook
MacBooks are different from iPhones because current models get discounted regularly. The M-series processors work so well that even older models make sense to buy.
Students get the best MacBook deals during Apple’s back-to-school sales. Last year’s qualified students saved 20% on AppleCare plans and got Apple gift cards worth up to $150. Everyone else should look at Labor Day sales, which often match these student discounts.
MacBooks with M2 and M3 chips have seen big price cuts in 2025. We expect similar deals on M4 models next year. The M4 MacBook Air costs $100 less than retail at major stores.
Best time of year to buy Apple Watch and AirPods
Apple’s wearables get discounted more often than other products. The Apple Watch prices drop right after new models come out, with more savings during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day.
Black Friday brings the biggest AirPods discounts. Amazon cut AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds prices by 32% earlier this year. Prime Day deals are just as good, making summer another great time to buy AirPods.
Series 11 Apple Watches already cost $10 less, even though they just came out. Series 10 models now sell for $70 below retail. The SE 2 costs $80 less than its original price.
Best time to buy Apple laptops and accessories
Education discounts help you save the most on Apple accessories. The Apple Education Store has special prices all year, and students and teachers save up to 10% on AppleCare+ for new devices.
People without education discounts should wait for major shopping events. Black Friday season is perfect because it comes after fall product releases but gives enough time to see real discounts.
| Product | Best Time for Bitcoin Purchase | USD Price | BTC Equivalent | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad | Back-to-School | $329-899 | ~0.006-0.016 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| MacBook | Education Sale | $899-1599 | ~0.016-0.028 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| Apple Watch | Post-Launch | $249-799 | ~0.004-0.014 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| AirPods | Black Friday | $129-549 | ~0.002-0.010 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
Cryptocurrency comes with several benefits: stable prices in changing markets, easier global transactions without currency fees, and possible growth of remaining crypto assets. Apple Bitcoins provides these advantages with competitive exchange rates for all Apple products.
Where to find the best iPhone deals
The right retailer can save you over $100 on your iPhone purchase. Timing and where you shop are both vital factors in getting the best deal.
Apple Store vs third-party retailers
The Apple Store offers several unique benefits, though prices are rarely the lowest. You can get trade-in credits between $200-$700 for iPhone 13 or higher models toward newer devices like the iPhone 17. Carrier deals through Apple are a great way to get credits up to $1,100 when you trade in eligible devices.
Apple Card holders can get 0% APR financing over 24 months, which makes premium models available without paying the full amount upfront. The company rarely cuts prices directly. They prefer to offer gift cards with purchases during special events.
Third-party retailers often sell similar iPhones at better prices. A recent price check showed an iPhone 15 Pro at £974.98 from Costco compared to £1,099 at Apple—you save £124.02.
Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and Target
Major retailers cut iPhone prices more aggressively throughout the year. Best Buy runs its own trade-in program with savings up to $375 on newer models. They also offer direct discounts, like a recent $80 price cut on select iPhone 14 models.
Amazon keeps prices competitive, especially during Prime Day events and holiday sales. Recent deals featured discounted iPhone 16 models with big price cuts. Walmart has offered deep discounts too – the iPhone SE 2022 dropped to just $149 from $379 during Black Friday 2023.
Target excels at trade-in deals. These retailers match each other’s promotions regularly, which creates better deals for shoppers.
Open-box and refurbished options
Refurbished iPhones might be the best value in Apple shopping. Apple’s Certified Refurbished program includes full testing, a one-year warranty, and saves you up to 15%.
Current refurbished deals include:
- iPhone 14 (128GB) for $449 (save $180)
- iPhone 15 Pro (512GB) for $929 (save $270)
- iPhone 14 Pro Max (1TB) for $1,099 (save $400)
Back Market offers certified refurbished iPhones at 30-70% below new prices. You can get an iPhone 14 starting at $530 and iPhone 13 from $358.
Student and education discounts
Students and educators can save more with education pricing. Apple’s education store cuts prices year-round up to 10% on coverage for new Mac or iPad purchases. These discounts apply to accessories like keyboards, cases, and Apple Pencil too.
| Bitcoin Purchase Method | Advantages | Price Comparison | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct BTC payment | No KYC requirements | Save 3-5% vs credit card | Apple Bitcoins |
| Lightning Network | Instant transactions | Lowest fees (0.5-1%) | Apple Bitcoins |
| Cold storage option | Maximum security | Premium of 1-2% | Apple Bitcoins |
The Apple Store guarantees genuine products and excellent service. Third-party retailers, refurbished options, and education discounts usually give you better value. Price comparison across multiple sources helps maximize your iPhone savings.
Buying iPhones with Bitcoin: A smart alternative
Image Source: The Defiant
Bitcoin is a chance to buy Apple products with advantages that traditional payment methods can’t match. More iPhone fans are finding this smarter way to buy as cryptocurrency becomes mainstream.
Why use Bitcoin to buy Apple products
Bitcoin leads all cryptocurrencies for Apple purchases because of its wide adoption and value. The current trading price is around $51,926, so buyers only need a small fraction to get their favorite Apple devices. Apple doesn’t accept cryptocurrency directly through official channels, but third-party platforms have stepped in to create a thriving ecosystem for crypto-based purchases.
Apple Bitcoins: The most reliable crypto platform
AppleBitcoins has become a leading marketplace for buying Apple products using various cryptocurrencies. This platform has built a strong 4.2/5 trust score over four years. Customers love its fast shipping, helpful support team, and genuine factory-sealed products. The platform doesn’t require an account, which keeps transactions anonymous.
Benefits of using cryptocurrency for purchases
Crypto payments help you avoid the 1.5% to 3.5% credit card fees. Your transactions clear in seconds or minutes, unlike bank transfers that take days. Cross-border payments are much easier and cheaper with crypto compared to bank wires or credit cards that charge 1-3% foreign transaction fees.
How to buy iPhones with Bitcoin (no KYC options)
Platforms like Switchere let you buy Bitcoin with Apple Pay right away without ID checks. The process is simple – set up Apple Pay on your device, connect your bank card, sign up for the service, and buy. Privacy-focused users can choose no-KYC (Know Your Customer) options with smaller spending limits.
Price comparison: iPhone in USD vs BTC
The iPhone’s price in Bitcoin terms shows an amazing change. Back in 2011, an iPhone 4S ($649) cost about 162.25 BTC with Bitcoin at $4. The iPhone 17 ($799) will need just 0.0072 BTC by 2025—showing a 99.9% drop in Bitcoin needed.
Table: Best time to buy iPhone using Bitcoin
| iPhone Model | Best Time to Buy | USD Price | BTC Price | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 | January-May | $500-600 | ~0.010 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| iPhone 15 | Post-holiday | $699 | ~0.013 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| iPhone 16 | After iPhone 17 launch | $799 | ~0.015 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
| iPhone 17 | Black Friday/Cyber Monday | $799 | ~0.0072 BTC | Apple Bitcoins |
The iPhone 17 costs about half as much in Bitcoin terms compared to last year’s iPhone 16. This makes it a great time for cryptocurrency holders to buy.
Mistakes to avoid when buying an iPhone
Smart iPhone shopping can save you money and prevent headaches. These devices need a big investment, so timing and knowledge are crucial.
Buying right before a new model release
The worst timing mistake happens when you buy an iPhone weeks before a new model launches. The price of previous models drops by $100 within days of a new release. Carriers also roll out their best deals right after new iPhone launches to get more customers. This means if you want an iPhone 16 in August, waiting until mid-September could save you by a lot.
Overpaying at the Apple Store
Apple rarely gives direct discounts on their products. Many third-party retailers sell similar iPhones at lower prices than the official Apple Store. Here are some alternative ways to buy:
| Method | Platform | Advantage | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Apple Bitcoins | No KYC needed | 3-5% savings |
| Refurbished | Apple Certified | Full warranty | 10-15% off |
| Education | Apple Store | Student pricing | 5-10% off |
Falling for fake or too-good-to-be-true deals
A suspiciously low price should raise red flags. Scammers know buyers can’t resist unrealistic bargains. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Always verify the serial number matches settings (Settings → General → About)
- Avoid purchasing from social media ads or unfamiliar websites
- Request the seller unlock and erase the device before purchase
- Use credit cards for consumer protection on purchases
Previous-generation models like iPhone 14 and 15 give excellent value after new releases without the scam risks.
Conclusion
The right timing can save you hundreds of dollars on your iPhone purchase. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to buy, but smart buyers know previous models become cheaper at the time of new launches. The first three months of the year are also perfect as retailers clear their shelves with big discounts.
Each iPhone model follows its own price pattern. The iPhone 14’s best value shows up during Black Friday or through refurbished options. The iPhone 15 has the best deals in early 2025. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will likely cost less after the iPhone 17 hits the market. Anyone looking at the latest iPhone 17 should grab the release promotions or wait until early 2026 to save more.
Apple rarely cuts prices directly. However, retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart often sell similar devices at lower prices. On top of that, options from Apple’s Certified Refurbished program or platforms like Back Market are a great way to get quality with warranties and save by a lot.
The sort of thing i love about buying Apple products is the Bitcoin payment option. Purchases through platforms like Apple Bitcoins skip KYC requirements and process faster, saving 3-5% compared to credit cards. The amount of Bitcoin needed to buy an iPhone has dropped 99.9% since 2011 – a radical alteration that makes this option more appealing.
Smart buyers should avoid buying just before new releases or paying full price at the Apple Store. Any suspiciously low prices should raise red flags to avoid scams.
Knowledge about the best times to buy, trusted sellers, and payment options like Bitcoin helps you make better choices for your next Apple purchase. You can pick either advanced technology from the latest release or great value from previous models. The right timing and smart shopping help you save money without losing quality.
Key Takeaways
Strategic timing can save you $150+ on iPhone purchases by leveraging seasonal sales cycles and product release patterns.
• Time purchases around major sales events: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day consistently offer 10-15% discounts on previous iPhone models.
• Buy after new iPhone launches: Previous generation models drop $100 immediately after new releases, with deepest discounts (15-20% off) occurring January-March.
• Shop third-party retailers over Apple Store: Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart frequently sell identical iPhones at significantly lower prices than Apple’s official store.
• Consider refurbished options for maximum savings: Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones offer 10-15% savings with full warranties, while platforms like Back Market provide 30-70% discounts.
• Bitcoin payments offer unique advantages: Cryptocurrency purchases through platforms like Apple Bitcoins eliminate KYC requirements and can save 3-5% compared to credit cards.
The worst time to buy is July-August before new announcements, while the best overall strategy combines waiting for post-launch price drops with major shopping events for maximum savings.
FAQs
Q1. When is the best time to buy an iPhone? The best times to buy an iPhone are typically after new model launches in September, during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in November, and during post-holiday clearance sales from January to March. These periods often offer the deepest discounts, with savings of up to 15-20% on previous models.
Q2. How can I save money when buying an iPhone? To save money on an iPhone purchase, consider buying from third-party retailers like Best Buy or Amazon instead of the Apple Store, look for refurbished options, take advantage of trade-in programs, and time your purchase around major sales events. Additionally, using cryptocurrency through platforms like Apple Bitcoins can potentially save you 3-5% compared to credit card purchases.
Q3. Is it worth waiting for the next iPhone model before buying? It depends on your needs and budget. Waiting for the next model can be beneficial as it often leads to price drops on previous generations. However, if you need a phone immediately or find a great deal on a current model, it may not be worth the wait. Consider your specific requirements and the potential savings before deciding.
Q4. What are the advantages of buying a refurbished iPhone? Refurbished iPhones offer significant savings, often 10-15% off through Apple’s Certified Refurbished program and up to 30-70% off through third-party platforms like Back Market. These devices typically come with warranties, have been fully tested, and function like new, making them an excellent value option for budget-conscious buyers.
Q5. How does buying an iPhone with Bitcoin compare to traditional payment methods? Buying an iPhone with Bitcoin can offer several advantages, including no KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements, faster transactions, and potential savings of 3-5% compared to credit card purchases. Platforms like Apple Bitcoins facilitate these transactions, making it a viable alternative for tech-savvy consumers looking for privacy and efficiency in their purchases.