iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini cost $30 more if you aren't a Verizon or AT&T customer

Apple's new iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini models will cost $30 more for T-Mobile and Sprint customers, as well as those who buy an unlocked SIM-free device.

The company on Tuesday announced that the iPhone 12 mini will start at $699 and the iPhone 12 will start at $799. But, upon examination of Apple's online storefront, it appears that those prices only apply to AT&T and Verizon models.

Apple lists the iPhone 12 mini with a $729 retail price for unlocked, T-Mobile, and Sprint devices. Interestingly, Apple's website notes that the $699 and $799 price points for AT&T and Verizon variants are reached after a "$30 instant discount" that requires activation.

That $30 premium also applies across the entire iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 lineup. For example, 128GB models iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 variants will cost $779 and $879, respectively. The 256GB models start at $879 and $949 for the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12, respectively. Again, that's only for non-AT&T and -Verizon customers.

It isn't clear why the AT&T and Verizon models are cheaper, or if the discount will be permanent or a temporary promotion.

The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, it's worth pointing out, have the same starting price no matter the carrier. The devices will start at $999 and $1,099 across all four major U.S. telecom companies, and those prices also apply to SIM-free unlocked versions.

Apple's new iPhone 12 will become available for preorder on Oct. 16 and will ship out on Oct. 23. The iPhone 12 mini will be open for preorder on Nov. 6, and will ship on Nov. 13.

15 Comments

canukstorm 2744 comments · 11 Years

About 4 years ago

Feels like a dick move

mike1 3437 comments · 10 Years

Maybe to cover AT&T's activation/upgrade fee.

Also curious how the AT&T trade-in program works. Up to $800 in monthly credits makes a 12 Pro only $6.60/mo. Going to have to call them to see what I would really get for trading in an iPhone X.

JFC_PA 947 comments · 7 Years

Verizon and AT&T subsidizing purchases to gain customers. Common enough move. Simpler than an after purchase rebate on the service bill I suppose.

Eric_WVGG 969 comments · 8 Years

If it is the carriers subsidizing the phones, then the question is why Apple bumped the base price by thirty bucks (while dropping the charger and earbuds, no less!)

I'm not one to complain, but it's kind of funny and weird.

jdb8167 626 comments · 16 Years

JFC_PA said:

Verizon and AT&T subsidizing purchases to gain customers. Common enough move. Simpler than an after purchase rebate on the service bill I suppose.

I don’t understand why people are confused on this. It is stated clearly on the preview pricing page:
“Verizon Customer Discount
Prices include a $30 Verizon instant discount. Requires activation.”