How to Save Money When Buying an iPhone in the UK

1. Consider Buying a Refurbished or Pre-Owned iPhone

Refurbished iPhones offer huge savings compared to brand-new models, and many come with warranties for peace of mind.

Where to Buy Refurbished iPhones:

• Apple Refurbished Store – Certified by Apple, comes with a one-year warranty.
• Amazon Renewed – Wide selection with guarantees.
• Back Market – Trusted marketplace for refurbished electronics.
• MusicMagpie – Offers great deals with a 12-month warranty.
• Envirofone – Specialises in second-hand and refurbished smartphones.

Benefits of Buying Refurbished:

• Significant cost savings (up to 50% off retail price).
• Environmentally friendly choice.
• Often indistinguishable from new in performance and appearance.

2. Buy an Older iPhone Model

Apple releases new iPhone models every year, but older models remain powerful and often receive iOS updates for several years.

Best Older iPhone Models for Savings:

• iPhone 13 – Still very capable and significantly cheaper than the latest models.
• iPhone 12 – Great performance at a lower price.
• iPhone SE (3rd Gen) – Affordable and includes Apple’s latest chip technology.
• iPhone 11 – Still a great option for those on a budget.

Why Buy an Older Model?

• Apple supports devices with software updates for years.
• Older models often see price drops when new versions are released.
• They offer nearly the same features for a fraction of the cost.

3. Shop Around for the Best Deals

Comparing prices across different retailers can save you a lot of money. Use comparison websites to find the best deals.

Where to Find the Best iPhone Deals:

• Apple Store (look for trade-in discounts and interest-free financing).
• Carphone Warehouse (often has competitive deals).
• John Lewis (free extended warranty on some purchases).
• Currys (occasional discount codes and trade-in options).
• Mobile networks (EE, Vodafone, O2, Three – compare contract deals).
• eBay (trusted sellers often have new and used iPhones at lower prices).

4. Take Advantage of Trade-In Offers

Apple and other retailers offer trade-in deals where you can exchange your old iPhone for a discount on a new one.

Where to Trade In Your iPhone:

• Apple Trade-In Programme – Instant credit towards a new device.
• Carphone Warehouse Trade-In – Can sometimes offer better deals than Apple.
• Mobile Networks – Some providers allow trade-ins for bill reductions.
• MusicMagpie, Mazuma Mobile, and Envirofone – Quick cash or vouchers for your old phone.

How Much Can You Save?

• Trading in an iPhone 12 can get you up to £250 off a new device.
• Older models like the iPhone 8 still fetch around £80-100 in trade-in value.

5. Consider Buying on a Contract

Buying an iPhone outright can be expensive, but spreading the cost over a contract can make it more affordable.

Contract vs. SIM-Free:

• Pros of a Contract

  • Lower upfront cost.
  • Bundled with data, calls, and texts.
  • Upgrade options after a certain period.

• Pros of SIM-Free

  • No monthly payments or credit checks.
  • Freedom to switch networks.
  • Often cheaper in the long run if paired with a budget SIM-only deal.

Best UK Mobile Networks for iPhone Deals:

• O2 Refresh – Lets you upgrade early by paying off the phone part of your contract.
• EE – Often includes extra perks like free Apple Music or Apple Arcade.
• Vodafone – Good trade-in offers and discounts for existing customers.
• Three – Competitive pricing and unlimited data plans.

6. Look for Student, NHS, or Workplace Discounts

Apple and some retailers offer discounts for students, NHS workers, and employees of certain companies.

How to Access Discounts:

• Apple Education Store – Students and educators get discounts on iPhones.
• Blue Light Card – NHS, emergency services, and armed forces can access exclusive deals.
• Employee Discount Schemes – Some workplaces have Apple discounts through benefits programmes.

7. Buy During Sales and Special Promotions

Retailers often have significant discounts during sales events.

Best Times to Buy an iPhone:

• Black Friday & Cyber Monday (late November) – Biggest discounts of the year.
• January Sales – After-Christmas reductions.
• Amazon Prime Day – Exclusive deals for Prime members.
• Back-to-School Season – Apple offers student deals in August/September.

8. Use Cashback and Voucher Codes

Many cashback websites and voucher code sites offer discounts on iPhones.

Where to Find Extra Savings:

• TopCashback & Quidco – Earn cashback on purchases from major retailers.
• Honey & Pouch Browser Extensions – Automatically apply discount codes at checkout.
• VoucherCodes & HotUKDeals – Regularly updated discount codes and deals.

9. Check Out Interest-Free Financing Options

Apple and some retailers offer interest-free financing, allowing you to spread the cost without paying extra.

Where to Find Interest-Free iPhone Financing:

• Apple Store (0% APR on instalments via Barclays or Klarna).
• Currys and Argos (0% finance options available).
• PayPal Credit (0% interest deals for 4 months on qualifying purchases).

10. Consider a SIM-Only Plan and Buy the iPhone Separately

Buying an iPhone outright and pairing it with a SIM-only plan can save money over a 24-month contract.

Best SIM-Only Deals:

• giffgaff – Flexible rolling plans.
• Smarty – Cheap unlimited data deals.
• Lebara – Great for international calls.
• VOXI – Unlimited social media use on all plans.

Conclusion

Getting the best deal on an iPhone in the UK requires smart shopping, timing, and considering alternatives like refurbished models, trade-ins, and contract deals. By taking advantage of discounts, cashback, and financing options, you can significantly reduce the cost of your new iPhone. Whether you’re after the latest model or a reliable older version, these money-saving tips will help you get the best value for your money.