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T-Mobile and Verizon users buying iPhone 17 would be wise to skip their carriers

Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, and Verizon users should purchase their iPhone 17 from Apple.

By Anam Hamid

Published: Sep 12, 2025, 12:42 PM

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iPhone 17 Pro | Image Credit - Apple

The iPhone 17 series is now available for pre-order, and as always, carriers are offering deals to subsidise the purchase. If you are buying an iPhone 17 via your carrier, you might want to do it at Apple.

Telecom companies offer an economical way of upgrading to the iPhone 17, which can cost as much as $2,000, depending on the model you opt for. In return, they require you to adhere to certain requirements. One of the conditions you are bound by is keeping your phone locked to their network.

If you don't like the sound of that, you might want to purchase your device from Apple. Your purchase will still be routed through a carrier, but your device will be unlocked, meaning it will also work on other carriers.

T-Mobile, Verizon, and Boost Mobile customers can get an unlocked iPhone 17 by buying at Apple.

This only applies to T-Mobile, Verizon, and Boost Mobile. An AT&T-locked iPhone 17 bought from Apple will be locked.

Do you care if your device is locked if you are still bound by a two-year financing plan?

No, I don't see the point.

28.46%

Yes, I want to be able to pop in a local SIM when traveling

18.71%

Yeah, there should be no restrictions.

52.83%

T-Mobile and Verizon are running different iPhone 17 promos, and in most cases, you are required to trade in an old phone and agree to an installment plan spanning two years to maximize your savings.

If you are a T-Mobile, Verizon, or Boost Mobile customer, an iPhone 17 bought through them will remain network-locked until it's fully paid off. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to change that to give flexibility to customers, allowing them to select a provider that offers the best value.

$0 /mo

$30 ⁵⁵

$31 off (100%)

The powerful iPhone 17 Pro is finally here! You can now get the new Pro with an upgraded design and a brilliant display for as low as $0.00/mo. at Verizon. You must set up a new line on an Unlimited Ultimate plan and trade in a device to take advantage.

Buy at Verizon

$2 ⁷⁷ /mo

$33 ³³

$31 off (92%)

The impressive iPhone 17 Pro Max is available at Verizon. Right now, you can save up to $1,100 on the premium device when you activate a new line and trade in an eligible device. The promo is only available with an Unlimited Ultimate plan.

Buy at Verizon

$0 /mo

$23 ⁰⁵

$23 off (100%)

Get the iPhone 17 and enjoy improved design, better battery life, and top-tier performance. Right now, you can get the phone for $0.00/mo. with Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan.

Buy at Verizon

$0 /mo

$27 ⁷⁷

$28 off (100%)

The slimmest iPhone is here! You can now buy the powerful iPhone Air at Verizon for $0.00/mo. with a new line activation on select Unlimited plans and a trade-in. This is an online-only offer.

Buy at Verizon

T-Mobile users will benefit the most by ordering via Apple. That's because while Verizon only locks phones for 60 days, T-Mobile enforces restrictions for up to 365 days. Moreover, T-Mobile changed its policy last year to penalize those who pay off their phones early. The company wants to keep you tied to itself for as long as possible, and buying an unlocked phone will help you reclaim some semblance of freedom.

For the full terms and conditions, you might want to reach out to a customer care representative to make sure you are making an informed decision.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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