How to get a ‘free’ iPhone 16 and why maybe you shouldn’t

Here are some of the discount deals available starting Friday for new iPhone 16 models — and four alternatives to buying the latest phone.

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Two phones fighting.
(Illustration by Elena Lacey/The Washington Post; iStock)
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It’s that time when phone companies will SHOUT AT YOU to buy a new iPhone 16 model — with juicy deals that sound great. They might be. Or not.

If you’re considering one of the iPhone 16 models, which are available to order starting Friday, I summarized below some of the device discounts you’ll find.

There’s nothing so wow in new iPhones that you need one. (Most people will need a new iPhone to use Apple’s artificial intelligence features. Those features aren’t available yet, but early versions we tested didn’t seem super promising.)

You also have fantastic alternatives to instead give new life to your current phone or buy a new-to-you phone that’s better for your budget and the environment.

When to consider buying a newer phone

This is subjective! Take our quiz to help you decide if it’s time to replace your phone.

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