Which free iPhone can you get?
Older iPhones (7, 8, SE, XR, 11) are realistic through Lifeline providers or a cheap refurbished phone on a free plan. 5G models from 2020–2023 come free with switch deals, and the newest iPhones are free only through carrier promotions.
- The iPhone 12 was the first 5G iPhone
- iPhone 11 and newer run current iOS
- US iPhone 14 and newer are eSIM-only
The short answer
Which free iPhone you can get depends on the route. Government programs like Lifeline pay for your monthly service, and the phones providers give out are usually older or refurbished. Newer iPhones become “free” only through carrier promotions that tie you to a plan for 24–36 months.
We sort every iPhone from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone 17 Pro Max into three groups so you can see at a glance what is realistic for you.
Every iPhone compared
| Model | Year | 5G | Latest iOS | Used price | Most realistic free route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7 | 2016 | No | iOS 15 | $40–$80 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone 8 | 2017 | No | iOS 16 | $50–$100 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone X | 2017 | No | iOS 16 | $70–$120 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone XR | 2018 | No | iOS 18 | $80–$130 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone SE | 2022 | Yes | iOS 26 | $110–$170 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone 11 | 2019 | No | iOS 26 | $120–$190 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone 11 Pro | 2019 | No | iOS 26 | $150–$220 | Lifeline / refurb |
| iPhone 12 | 2020 | Yes | iOS 26 | $170–$250 | Switch deal / refurb |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 2020 | Yes | iOS 26 | $210–$300 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 13 | 2021 | Yes | iOS 26 | $230–$320 | Switch deal / refurb |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | 2021 | Yes | iOS 26 | $330–$450 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 14 | 2022 | Yes | iOS 26 | $300–$400 | Switch deal / refurb |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 2022 | Yes | iOS 26 | $450–$600 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 15 | 2023 | Yes | iOS 26 | $420–$550 | Switch deal / refurb |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 2023 | Yes | iOS 26 | $600–$780 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 16 | 2024 | Yes | iOS 26 | $550–$680 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 2024 | Yes | iOS 26 | $750–$950 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 17 | 2025 | Yes | iOS 26 | $680–$800 | Carrier promo only |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 2025 | Yes | iOS 26 | $950+ | Carrier promo only |
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Realistic with Lifeline or a small budget
These models are old enough to be cheap. Pair one with free Lifeline service, or look for providers that stock them.
Free with switch deals or cheap refurbished
5G models from 2020–2023 hit the sweet spot. Prepaid carriers give them away with new lines, and refurbished prices are fair.
Carrier promotions only
Current and Pro Max models are free only with a trade-in or new line on a qualifying plan. Always calculate the total plan cost.
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 17
iPhone 17 Pro Max
How do you choose?
- Need 5G? Choose an iPhone 12 or newer, or the 2022 iPhone SE.
- Want years of updates? Choose an iPhone 11 or newer, since they run iOS 26.
- Tight budget and no contract? A refurbished iPhone 11 or 12 with a free Lifeline SIM is the best value.
- Physical SIM needed? Avoid US iPhone 14 and newer, which are eSIM-only.
Frequently asked questions
Which iPhone do government phone programs give out?
Most Lifeline providers supply Android phones. Those that offer iPhones usually offer older or refurbished models such as the iPhone 7, 8, SE, XR or 11, often for a small upgrade fee.
What is the newest iPhone I can get for free?
The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro Max can be free through carrier trade-in or new-line promotions, paid back as monthly bill credits on a qualifying plan.
Which free iPhone is the best value?
The iPhone 13 offers 5G, strong battery life and current iOS support, and is often free in prepaid switch deals or cheap refurbished.
Which iPhones no longer get updates?
The iPhone 7 (iOS 15), iPhone 8 and X (iOS 16) and iPhone XR (iOS 18) no longer get major iOS updates.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.