Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
The new iPhone Air is officially here — and now you can get it for up to $830 off when you trade in your old iPhone through AT&T. The iPhone Air model has been creating buzz even before its announcement on Sept. 9, with tons of rumors on new features and Apple’s thinnest form ever, and it’s finally available to you — and with sweet savings.
Also: The best iPhone 17 accessories you should buy
The iPhone Air is historic; it’s Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet, at just 5.5mm thick, weighing 165 grams. It’s got a 6.6-inch screen and super-thin bezels, which means that proportionally the screen is bigger than most iPhone users are used to. And it’s certainly not for everyone.
Even ZDNET staff members are skipping upgrades this year.
Also: Read our comparisons on the iPhone 17, Air, Pro, and Max
But the iPhone Air is remarkably slim due to its use of an eSIM as opposed to a traditional SIM card for cellular connection, though the thin form also means less battery capacity when compared with other iPhone 17 models. It’s worth pointing out that Apple offers a $99 MagSafe battery to extend battery life, though it offers a similar battery capacity to the older iPhone 16 Pro.
iOS 26 on the iPhone Air.
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Still, the iPhone Air is a good option for some users who prioritize super-lightweight tech and who don’t need the highest quality camera for their phone. While the iPhone Air only has one rear camera, it still captures high-quality macro photos and photos at 28mm and 35mm focal lengths.
Also: Every iPhone model that supports Apple’s new iOS 26 AI features
How to get this deal
Here’s how to cash in on this deal: Go to the page for the iPhone Air on the AT&T website and click the button “Trade in your current device” under “Trade in and save.” It’s important to note that while the promotion states you can exchange your iPhone in any condition, it must be an iPhone model 13 or higher (excluding the iPhone 13 mini). The promotion also applies to various Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other OnePlus or Moto Razr devices with a minimum $180 trade-in value, but be sure to read full eligibility requirements on AT&T’s website.
You’ll be prompted to enter your iPhone’s information (either the device IMEI or the brand, model, and storage capacity), and verify that the iPhone you intend to trade in is in an eligible condition. Still, upon testing the offer, I found the trade-in deal to be possible even in some scenarios in which your phone doesn’t power on and off or has three or more dead spots.
Also: The MacBook Air is on sale for $799
Once you select trade-in and purchase your new device, you’ll receive a trade-in shipping kit about 10 business days after your new iPhone Air ships. Mail back your trade-in device within 30 days of activating the iPhone Air. About 2-3 bill cycles after your old device has been received and verified, your credits will kick in and lower your monthly costs up to 83% — from $27.78 per month to as low as $4.73 per month.
Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
I rated this deal a 4/5 editor’s deal rating, though it really depends on the phone you’re trading in. Still, being able to trade in an eligible phone in any condition to get a brand new iPhone Air for up to 83% off is definitely a deal worth considering, especially if you’re in the market for another phone. Of course, you are still tied to a contract with AT&T for service, because nothing’s really free, but that’s a given.
We’re not sure how long this deal will last, so it’s best to act sooner rather than later, especially because the iPhone Air is so new. Deals are subject to sell out or expire anytime, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We’re sorry if you’ve missed out on this deal, but don’t fret — we’re constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.
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