Latest news with #Uncarrier
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile is starting to fix the T-Life scourge, but there's still a LONG way to go
If there's one thing T-Mobile customers like to complain about, that's definitely the "Un-carrrier's" far too frequent price hikes and multiple broken "Price Lock" promises of the last few years. If there are two things constantly drawing criticism from long-time Magenta subscribers across Reddit and other social media channels, the second is undoubtedly the T-Life "super app" the operator replaced several separate services with in 2024. Technically designed to "simplify your T-Mobile experience", the Android and iOS app that handles monthly payments, weekly loyalty offers, account security, and everything in between has received hate for... practically every aspect of its functionality, as well as many missing features, some of which are shockingly basic and some of which have been inexplicably removed over time. To the Un-carrier "Re-carrier's" credit, T-Life has also scored a number of updates packed with welcomed new tools, the latest of which seems to fix the two biggest problems highlighted by many exasperated users over the last few months. Unfortunately, the newly (re) added self-service SIM Swap function is not yet available for all T-Life users, which continues to generate nightmare scenarios like the one detailed in this Reddit threat from yesterday and summed up below. Ok-Sir-4992 on Reddit, June 9, 2025 This is simply an unacceptable experience no one should have to go through in the year of our lord 2025, and hopefully, nobody will endure after the latest "server-side" T-Life changes widely roll out to the T-Mobile -subscribing masses. The other big update some of you might be able to enjoy already and some not just yet is full support for business accounts, which was a pretty much equally shocking omission for Magenta's so-called "all-in-one app." To its credit, at least T-Mobile seems to have listened to your most frequent (and aggressive) complaints, which is clearly not what you can say very often about Verizon or AT&T . Puzzleheaded_Gear622 on Reddit, April 2025 aliendude5300 on Reddit, May 2025 Look, we all realize no app can ever be completely immune to little glitches and imperfections, but the sheer number of T-Life users deeming this product unusable due to major bugs is, to quote Elon Musk, concerning. Because the "super app" integrates everything from the T-Mobile Tuesdays program to the carrier's vital Scam ID, Scam Block, and Caller ID-including Scam Shield tool set, that general instability has to raise serious concerns for T-Mo's bottom line, so hopefully, we'll see updates focused on fixing these very important issues rolled out before long as well. T-Mobile spokesperson, May 2025 And then you have quite possibly the most contentious topic of them all, which was only discovered a couple of weeks ago, generating a frankly impressive volume of vitriol since then. Clearly, T-Mobile customers don't like to be monitored or spied on (especially without proper warning), but alarmingly, the "Un-carrier" doesn't see anything wrong with the "Screen Recording" feature (or the way it was surreptitiously introduced), with no plans to get rid of it announced as of now. Beyond the pretty obvious violation of privacy, T-Mo's insistence to employ such sneaky tactics and disguise them as necessary compromises or even as features is undoubtedly rubbing users the wrong way, reminding us all of another big problem with T-Life: the way the app is pushed on customers and employees alike as the only acceptable method to perform a device upgrade, network switch, add a line, or even buy a new phone. cxpe15 on Reddit, March 2025 Until that policy is terminated, T-Mobile will continue to get (deserved) hate and criticism. Maybe less than before, but still far too much compared to how things were in the pre-T-Life days. Switch to Total 5G+ Unlimited 3-Month plan or Total 5G Unlimited and get a free iPhone. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Buy at Total Wireless
Phone Arena
25-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile TPR reportedly turns away customers seeking plans "not profitable enough"
You might not be old enough to remember when T-Mobile was dead last among the four major U.S. wireless carriers. Not only were they among the last of the majors to offer 3G service, they also were among the last to flip the switch turning on 4G LTE. The carrier was not relevant until September 2012 when John Legere was named president and CEO of T-Mobile in the U.S. Taking a customer-first approach, Legere did away with customer pain points such as subsidized phones and the two-year contracts that went with them. He gave T-Mobile the Uncarrier brand to differentiate it from the competition and helped T-Mobile offer zero-rated perks such as free streaming music and Netflix "on us." Legere also made fun of T-Mobile's competitors calling Verizon and AT&T "Dumb and Dumber," respectively. Who would have thought that taking care of customers would turn T-Mobile around? Legere did, obviously, and after acquiring Sprint and making other smaller acquisitions, T-Mobile became the most innovative and fastest-growing wireless provider in the U.S. But after Legere left following the closing of the Sprint deal, his former right-hand man Mike Sievert took over; while T-Mobile continues to report spectacular numbers every quarter, as you probably know, there has been a huge drop in customer service as the current regime has put more emphasis on certain metrics that reps must meet to keep their jobs. Current T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert (L) sits next to his predecessor, John Legere. | Image credit-T-Mobile Reps barely make any money for selling a new phone unless they also get the customer to add items such as a charger, a case, insurance, and a new line. Since the "suits" frown upon sales of a "naked" phone, a few rogue reps have felt the pressure to add accessories to customers' invoices without their consent. T-Mobile Mobile Experts have gone on social media to detail some of the ways that they trick consumers in order to hit their metrics requirements. As bad as it is in corporate-owned stores, things are worse with the carrier's TPR ( T-Mobile Premium Retailer) stores which are owned and operated by third-party companies with authorization to use the T-Mobile name. These stores look like they are owned and run by T-Mobile , but they are not and many of them have been accused of seriously shady sales tactics. Among the worse of the TPR locations have been those units owned by Arch Telecom. According to the Arch employee, the top brass doesn't want him or other reps to sell this plan because "it's not 'profitable' enough." For some working at stores like this, it doesn't matter to them that seniors with low income are being turned away from buying a plan designed just for them. But the Redditor obviously doesn't think like some of his colleagues and management since he writes, "Never mind that many of these customers are seniors just trying to save money in this economy. Management would rather we push more expensive plans to hit inflated sales goals than do what's right for the customer." -Anonymous Arch Telecom rep on Reddit The post goes on to note that Arch has cut commissions even while reps are being forced to handle the "skyrocketing" numbers of customer complaints. Things look bleak for those reps working for this T-Mobile TPR and most likely others as well. Don't expect T-Mobile to force Arch and others to make any changes. As long as the stock holds at its current level, just 14% from the 52-week high, CEO Sievert and the T-Mobile Board have no incentive to clean things up despite many complaints from T-Mobile subscribers posting online.
Phone Arena
21-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
If you closed your account and T-Mobile won't refund money it owes you, here's what you need to do
If you've ported out of T-Mobile, or are planning on leaving the Un-carrier, try not to overpay before you cancel your account and leave T-Mobile for good. That's because the way T-Mobile handles an account that has been closed you might never get back the amount you overpaid the carrier. To add insult to injury, T-Mobile will continue to send you your statement each month showing you with a credit that you'd be entitled to receive but might never actually end up in your bank account. For example, a Reddit subscriber with the user name gsmarquis mentioned that he left T-Mobile for an unnamed wireless provider with a plan priced at half the cost of his T-Mobile plan. After receiving a bill from T-Mobile for $75, which he paid, the Redditor received a bill showing that he had a credit of $47.69. Despite having overpaid T-Mobile and receiving invoices to prove it, the former T-Mobile customer was unable to get his money back. The excuse made by the carrier was that the subscriber no longer had a T-Mobile account, which prevented the wireless provider from verifying an account that no longer exists. The former customer couldn't remember his PIN, and without that, once the account was cancelled, his identity couldn't be verified. No verification means no check could be cut by T-Mobile for the credit the carrier owed its former customer. This happened to another T-Mobile customer who was owed a refund but had a cancelled account and he too could not remember his PIN. But this guy went to T-Mobile 's elite customer service team, T-Force. We've seen many situations mentioned on social media where a T-Mobile customer could not get satisfaction from the carrier's traditional customer service and had to turn to T-Force to come out on top. In this case, T-Force was able to verify this customer's account and process the refund to the card it was made from. Keeping in mind that you have T-Force as a backstop, if you are a subscriber, make sure you have your T-Mobile PIN memorized. Also, try not to close your account and leave T-Mobile before you are paid back for any overpayments you might have made. If you've closed your T-Mobile account with a balance in your favor and can't remember your account PIN, the carrier will probably not make you whole. If you're in this situation, contact T-Force via X by sending a Direct Message (DM) to @TMobileHelp. Explain the complete situation in your DM and include your phone number.
Android Authority
19-05-2025
- Business
- Android Authority
I now recommend this carrier over T-Mobile for most users
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority For a long time, I have recommended T-Mobile as the go-to carrier if you want a postpaid plan without sky-high prices or the usual corporate nonsense. Unfortunately, over the last few years, it's become harder to stand by that advice. In terms of pricing and policies, T-Mobile no longer clearly stands apart from Verizon or even AT&T. With the introduction of its new Experience plans and the move away from tax and fee transparency, the writing's on the wall. The Uncarrier is officially just another big carrier. At this point, your choice mainly comes down to which network offers the best coverage in your area — Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. You'll get mostly the same games and questionable sales tactics regardless of where you sign up. Google Fi or T-Mobile: Which would you pick in 2025? 0 votes Google Fi NaN % T-Mobile NaN % I prefer Verizon or ATT NaN % I prefer another prepaid carrier (Tell us more in comments) NaN % Want T-Mobile on the cheap? There is a better way If you still like T-Mobile's network but hate the rising costs, there are more affordable alternatives. Plenty of prepaid carriers run on T-Mobile's infrastructure, and while many offer decent perks, nearly all of them come with a big compromise: lower data priority. That means during times of heavy traffic, these users get pushed to the back of the line. In areas with strong T-Mobile capacity, you might not notice. But in congested regions, these plans can become painfully slow during peak hours. If you're looking for a plan that gets you as close as possible to the postpaid experience without the postpaid price, there's really only one solid alternative: Google Fi Wireless. Why I recommend Google Fi Wireless over T-Mobile Joe Maring / Android Authority Google Fi Wireless has always been a solid alternative for those who want access to T-Mobile's network without all the postpaid baggage. But with the addition of its new Essentials plan and broader improvements across its lineup, Fi has become the best T-Mobile alternative — especially if you're aiming for that postpaid experience without the premium cost. Google Fi stands out for T-Mobile customers who are happy with their current coverage but are frustrated by rising prices and shifting policies. Let's take a closer look at how it compares across key areas. Lower pricing than T-Mobile postpaid across the board Pricing Essentials Saver Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $50 for one line $40 for two lines $33.33 for three lines Essentials Prices per line, plus taxes/fees: $60 for one line $45 for two lines $30 for three lines $26.25 for four lines $24 for five lines $100/month for Essentials 4 Line Offer - better deal if you sign up for all four lines at once. Experience More Prices per line, plus taxes/fees: $85 for one line $70 for two lines $42.50 for three lines $42.50 for four lines $40 for five lines Experience Beyond Prices per line, plus taxes/fees: $100 for one line $85 for two lines $56.66 for three lines $53.75 for four lines $52 for five lines Google Fi Flexible Prices per line, plus taxes/fees (no data included): $20 for one line $18 for two lines $17 for three lines $16 for four to six lines - Data is priced at $10 per gig Google Fi Essentials Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $35 for one line $30 for two lines $27 for three lines $23 for four to six lines Google Fi Unlimited Standard Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $50 for one line $40 for two lines $30 for three lines $25 for four to six lines Google Fi Unlimited Premium Prices per line, plus taxes and fees: $65 for one line $55 for two lines $45 for three lines $40 for four to six lines T-Mobile's postpaid plans range from $50 to $85 per line, or $25 to $53.75 per line for four users. In contrast, Google Fi's plans start as low as $20 for one line (on the Flexible plan) or $16 per line for four or more. That plan excludes data, so for a more direct comparison, let's look at the unlimited lineup. Google Fi's unlimited plans range from $35 to $65 for a single line, or $23 to $40 per line for four or more. In nearly every case, Google Fi is the cheaper option; In some situations, it even offers better data priority. High-priority data for less To understand data priority, we need to talk about QCI, or Quality of Service Identifiers. Carriers use these to manage congestion. The lower the QCI number, the higher your data priority. Here's how T-Mobile allocates QCI tiers: QCI 6: Used by T-Mobile's mid-tier and premium postpaid plans QCI 7: T-Mobile Essentials (for the first 50GB) QCI 8: Usually for hotspot data QCI 9: Used after the Essentials threshold and by most prepaid and partner brands (e.g., Mint, Metro, US Mobile) Most T-Mobile MVNOs sit at QCI 9, but Google Fi is the exception. You'll get QCI 6 priority on Fi — the same level as T-Mobile's top-tier plans — while still paying less than you would on Essentials (which only gets QCI 7 up to 50GB). T-Mobile only offers its fastest priority to its own direct customers, but Google Fi is the exception! There is one trade-off: Google Fi only gives you 30GB to 100GB of high-priority QCI 6 access (depending on the plan), after which speeds are heavily throttled. Meanwhile, T-Mobile Essentials users get 50GB of slightly slower QCI 7 data, followed by unlimited QCI 9 data, which, while lower priority, remains usable in most non-congested areas. If you're constantly using cellular data, T-Mobile Essentials might be better. But for those who primarily rely on Wi-Fi and want high-speed performance when it matters, Google Fi's limits shouldn't be a dealbreaker. International features T-Mobile offers solid international perks, especially at the higher end. Here's what each of its main plans includes: T-Mobile Essentials and Essentials Saver : Unlimited talk, text, and data at up to 128Kbps in Canada & Mexico, as well as unlimited texting in 215 plus countries and destinations. You'll also get unlimited international texting from within the US. : Unlimited talk, text, and data at up to 128Kbps in Canada & Mexico, as well as unlimited texting in 215 plus countries and destinations. You'll also get unlimited international texting from within the US. T-Mobile Experience More: Everything above plus 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico (unlimited 256kbps after), as well as 5GB of high-speed data (unlimited 256Kbps) in 215 plus countries and destinations. Free in-flight connections and T-Mobile Travel perks as well. Everything above plus 15GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico (unlimited 256kbps after), as well as 5GB of high-speed data (unlimited 256Kbps) in 215 plus countries and destinations. Free in-flight connections and T-Mobile Travel perks as well. T-Mobile Experience Beyond: Everything above plus an upgrade to 30GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, and 15GB in over 200 additional countries. These features are decent, but Google Fi's Unlimited Standard and Premium plans often outshine them: Google Fi Unlimited Standard : Data in Mexico and Canada, and free texts from the US to over 200 destinations. : Data in Mexico and Canada, and free texts from the US to over 200 destinations. Google Fi Unlimited Premium: Everything above, as well as 50GB of high-speed data in over 200 destinations (with unlimited 256Kbps after). Be aware that the Essentials plan on Google Fi doesn't include any international data at all. So, if you're comparing Google Fi Essentials to T-Mobile Essentials Saver, T-Mobile technically has the edge at the entry level. However, once you step up to Fi Standard, the balance tips. It matches or exceeds what you get from T-Mobile Essentials and starts at the same price. And at the top end, Fi Premium offers far more international data than even T-Mobile's best plans — all while still costing less. Carrier promotions and deals Ryan Haines / Android Authority There's a persistent myth that prepaid plans don't offer deals on devices, financing, or 'free' phones. That might be true for some MVNOs — but not for Google Fi. Current Google Fi promotions include: Pixel 9a free with 24 monthly bill credits $800 off Pixel 9 Pro with 24 monthly bill credits $600 off Galaxy S25+ with 24 monthly bill credits The catch? No iPhones. You'll need to bring your own if you're an Apple user, since Fi doesn't sell them directly. To be fair, T-Mobile's phone deals are more extensive, including promos for Apple, Samsung, and other major brands — especially for trade-ins and upgrades. But many of these 'free phones' end up costing more over time once you factor in the higher monthly rates. In contrast, Google Fi's lower base pricing makes its phone deals genuinely competitive. Are there any advantages to postpaid? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Despite all the benefits of Fi, I'll admit there are still some things that T-Mobile does better, or at least more conveniently. Here are just a few of the bigger ones: In-store support : T-Mobile has retail stores where you can get help in person. Google Fi is fully online or phone-based. : T-Mobile has retail stores where you can get help in person. Google Fi is fully online or phone-based. Streaming perks : T-Mobile offers Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, and Hulu (with ads) on select plans. Google Fi offers only a YouTube Premium trial and Google One access. : T-Mobile offers Netflix (with ads), Apple TV+, and Hulu (with ads) on select plans. Google Fi offers only a YouTube Premium trial and Google One access. iPhone support : T-Mobile sells, promotes, and finances iPhones directly. Fi requires BYOD for Apple users. : T-Mobile sells, promotes, and finances iPhones directly. Fi requires BYOD for Apple users. Wider free phone promotions: It's not just Apple devices; you'll find T-Mobile has more free promotions in general. It's not just Apple devices; you'll find T-Mobile has more free promotions in general. Unlimited data: Fi plans slow drastically after 30–100GB, to the point you won't even be able to check emails very well via data. T-Mobile plans include unlimited data, even on the lower priority T-Mobile Essentials tier. It is also slowed in times of congestion, but should still typically be usable, unlike Google Fi. There are also a few shared traits that might not be immediately obvious that are worth mentioning: Taxes and fees . Neither carrier includes taxes and fees by default on newer plans. . Neither carrier includes taxes and fees by default on newer plans. Customer service is arguably on the decline . Both have received increasing criticism. T-Mobile is pushing more users toward its T Life app, while some Google Fi customers report long wait times and inconsistent support quality. . Both have received increasing criticism. T-Mobile is pushing more users toward its T Life app, while some Google Fi customers report long wait times and inconsistent support quality. You'll largely get the same network. Both run primarily on the T-Mobile network. However, Google Fi doesn't offer quite as extensive of domestic roaming options as T-Mobile, though this won't matter to users if you stick to areas where T-Mobile's network is strong. Are there any other T-Mobile alternatives worth considering? Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority While I stand by the idea that Google Fi is the best T-Mobile alternative for those who want a near-postpaid experience, there are other strong options out there — especially if you're looking to save even more or don't need premium perks like high-priority data or international features. Here are three top contenders worth a look: Mint Mobile : Mint offers incredibly competitive pricing, especially when you pay annually. You'll get truly unlimited data (with a soft cap), and the service is great in areas with solid T-Mobile coverage. It doesn't include perks like international data or priority access, but the pricing can be hard to beat. : Mint offers incredibly competitive pricing, especially when you pay annually. You'll get truly unlimited data (with a soft cap), and the service is great in areas with solid T-Mobile coverage. It doesn't include perks like international data or priority access, but the pricing can be hard to beat. Metro by T-Mobile : Metro is technically T-Mobile's prepaid arm, so it offers a very similar experience to postpaid. You'll find solid phone deals (especially on budget and mid-range devices), in-store support, and decent plan variety. It's the closest in tone and feel to a traditional T-Mobile experience, just without the QCI 6 perks. : Metro is technically T-Mobile's prepaid arm, so it offers a very similar experience to postpaid. You'll find solid phone deals (especially on budget and mid-range devices), in-store support, and decent plan variety. It's the closest in tone and feel to a traditional T-Mobile experience, just without the QCI 6 perks. US Mobile: US Mobile lets you use the T-Mobile network, but also gives you the flexibility to switch to Verizon or AT&T depending on your device and SIM. You can even run dual-network plans. The pricing is solid, the flexibility is unmatched, and the app experience is far better than most MVNOs. That said, none of these match Google Fi in high-priority data access or international perks. Metro comes closest on promotions, but focuses more on budget and older phones. Fi leans into newer Android flagships and offers much better global data access, especially on its Premium plan. If your top priority is saving money, these three are excellent and could be similar or even cheaper. But if you want the best value for a premium experience on T-Mobile's network, Google Fi still wins. What about T-Mobile prepaid? You might think T-Mobile Prepaid would be a great alternative, and while it's not bad, I'd still likely recommend Google Fi or one of the above options over it. Here's why: Pricing is pretty high . You'll pay $40-$60 per line, or $25-$37.50 per line for 4. . You'll pay $40-$60 per line, or $25-$37.50 per line for 4. You'll get more features with Fi. You might get streaming and other extras with postpaid, but prepaid service is pretty basic despite its higher pricing. Now, you might be thinking that you'll also get some unique benefits like in-store help, device financing, and special upgrade perks. Unfortunately, none of that is on the table for prepaid. While corporate stores are technically able to help prepaid customers, I've heard countless reports over the years on Reddit and other online communities suggesting that many of these stores will do their best to avoid helping prepaid accounts. In truth, T-Mobile Prepaid is mostly an overpriced service that's coasting off its brand recognition. It's not a bad plan, it's just not very competitive. Google Fi is better than T-Mobile, unless you're one of the exceptions Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority I don't like to deal in absolutes, but in 2025, I can say with confidence that Google Fi is my top recommendation if you're looking to stay on the T-Mobile network. I wouldn't recommend signing up for a new T-Mobile postpaid plan as a first or even second choice. The fact that T-Mobile has moved away from including taxes and its entire Uncarrier marketing gimmick means it just isn't that compelling of a choice anymore. To be fair, Verizon and AT&T aren't any better. The main reason to go postpaid in 2025 is convenience — and some people are willing to pay extra for that. It's true, T-Mobile and the other big three carriers are less hassle. You have in-person, online, and phone-based customer service. You have the widest range of free phone promotions. You have plenty of insurance and payment plan options. You get free streaming services. Google Fi offers a similar experience to T-Mobile, while also delivering a great value! Almost all of these things can be matched on prepaid — just with more hoops. For example, you might not get Netflix or Hulu for free, but the money you save can easily cover those subscriptions. It just takes a bit more work. There's also the reality that prepaid changes faster than postpaid. Carriers like T-Mobile usually tweak their plans slowly while gradually increasing fees. Meanwhile, prepaid carriers can dramatically shift pricing and perks in a shorter timeframe. That means you'll need to stay informed and be ready to switch when necessary. Some people don't want to do that. Some people want convenience, with no concern for pricing. And that's fine. If you're willing to pay more to avoid the hassle, T-Mobile might still be a better fit for you. What about legacy customers on T-Mobile's network? If you're already a T-Mobile customer, don't be too quick to leave — especially if you're on a legacy plan. Many T-Mobile ONE and Magenta users still have plans that offer better value than anything currently available. If you've got free lines, locked-in discounts, or bundled extras, you might not gain much by switching and could even end up spending more. The same goes for Go5G users to a lesser extent. These plans include taxes and fees and are more competitively priced than the new Experience lineup. In short, if you're already on a great deal, it might be best to stick with what you've got, at least for now. Postpaid is no longer the best route for most Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority T-Mobile's recent changes mark the end of an era. It's no longer the disruptor it once was. With rising prices, dropped perks, and a growing resemblance to the carriers it once mocked, it's become harder to recommend as a default. Thankfully, there's still Google Fi Wireless — a smarter, cheaper way to stay on the T-Mobile network without getting caught in the same corporate traps. Just remember: no plan is perfect forever. But right now? Google Fi is as close as it gets while retaining T-Mobile's network. While prepaid might still offer small disadvantages over postpaid, the gap has become much smaller, and yet the price divide has widened massively. In other words, for most people, the savings will be worth the hassle. Open to Verizon or AT&T's networks? Visible and Cricket could also be worth a look. Google Fi - Unlimited plans starting at $50 a month Google Fi - Unlimited plans starting at $50 a month Google Fi Wireless offers flexible plans, superior coverage, and seamless device integration for a unique mobile experience. See price at Google Fi
Phone Arena
08-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
T-Mobile is throwing free iPhone 16 Pros left, right, and center with no trade-in required
Although it's certainly not unusual to see the top three US wireless service providers offer their customers opportunities to get many of the best phones money can buy at no cost, those deals tend to come with all sorts of strings attached and special requirements. But not T-Mobile's sizzling hot new iPhone 16 Pro promotion. This allows you to "purchase" Apple's state-of-the-art 6.3-inch handset for free without a device trade-in starting today. Of course, nothing is ever that simple, so you will still need to meet a couple of key conditions to save up to $1,000 (!!!) at the industry-leading "Un-carrier." $1000 off (100%) 5G, 128GB Storage, 6.3-Inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Display with 120Hz Refresh Rate Technology, Titanium Frame, Ceramic Shield Glass, Apple A18 Pro Processor, 48 + 12 + 48MP Triple Rear-Facing Camera System, Multiple Color Options, Number Port-In and New Experience Beyond Line Required, No Device Trade-In Needed Buy at T-Mobile First and foremost, you'll have to port in an "eligible" number from a different operator, which can be inconvenient but it's also pretty standard for these types of deals. Secondly, you need to activate a new voice line on an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan. That's at least what's written on the official T-Mobile website, although the latter of those two plans has actually been retired recently, which almost certainly means only the former is eligible for new Magenta subscribers migrating from Verizon, AT&T, or smaller (non-T-Mo-affiliated) carriers. Thirdly... there's no third condition. Unless you consider the monthly payment plan you need to sign for your new iPhone 16 Pro an inconvenience, which really shouldn't be the case for the vast majority of bargain hunters out there. Your $1,000 discount bringing the device down from a list price of $1,000 to $0 will be applied to your account as monthly bill credits over a period of two years, which is likely something you already knew or at least suspected. Naturally, the lower-end and lower-cost iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus can also be yours for free without a trade-in as part of the same promo if for some reason you prefer one of the two over the arguably superior iPhone 16 Pro . Finally, you can reduce the iPhone 16 Pro Max from a regular starting price of $1,200 to $200 as well with just a number port-in and a new Experience Beyond line, which makes T-Mobile undeniably the most generous and flexible US carrier for hardcore Apple fans today.
