iPhone upgrade hack: how to get the iPhone 17 model for ‘$0’

A surge in iPhone trade-ins has revealed a secret weapon helping Aussies dodge the $1999 price tag on Apple’s latest smartphone release. Here’s how to do it.

Just like buying a car, consumers are trading in their phones after learning their old devices represent a gold mine.

Savvy Australians are adopting strategic “trade-in hacks” to get their hands on the latest iPhone 17 models at significantly reduced, and in some cases, zero upfront cost.

How? Just like buying a car, consumers are trading in their phones after learning their old devices represent a gold mine.

Apple has long accepted trade-ins for its products, with values ranging from up to $80 for an iPhone 8 to as much as $1205 for an iPhone 16 Pro Max.

And it is becoming more common. Ahead of the launch of the iPhone 17 range this month, Vodafone has reported a 30 per cent spike in iPhone trade-ins compared to the previous year.

This surge is poised to set a new record for the company, underscoring the growing popularity of these cost-saving strategies. The most frequently traded-in device is the iPhone 14 Pro, a model that is only three years old.

This rapid turnover highlights a consumer base keen to embrace technological advancements without bearing the full burden of new device costs.

“Aussies are getting smarter about their upgrades, trading in their old iPhones instead of hanging onto them for years,” a Vodafone spokesman said.

“Trade-in is a clever way to get some value from those old phones gathering dust in your desk drawer, pocket hundreds in savings and walk away with the latest iPhone.”

Officeworks was also attempting to woo customers to upgrade to an iPhone 17 mode, offering up to $1200 in Officeworks Gift Cards when trading in an old iPhone

Apple CEO Tim Cook (right) says the latest iPhone line-up is a “gamechanger”.

The trend underscores a broader shift in consumer electronics, where strategic planning and leveraging promotional offers are becoming as crucial as the devices themselves.

This sentiment encapsulates the pragmatic approach many Australians are now adopting, transforming what was once a significant expenditure into a more manageable, and often “free,” upgrade.

To snare an iPhone 17 Pro for no upfront cost at Vodafone, consumers must select the 256GB model on a 36-month, $79 extra large plan and trade in an iPhone 14, 128GB or above in “good working order”.

Similar structured deals are available for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 and iPhone Air, each with varying trade-in requirements for eligible devices.

Apple’s vice president of marketing Kaiann Drance said the company’s smartphones were not disposable, offering “exceptional durability, longevity and software updates”.

“iPhone holds its value longer than other smartphones, which means it’s easier to benefit from iPhone trade-in offers from Apple and our partners,” she said.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook branded the iPhone 17 line-up, which also included the company’s “thinnest” device, iPhone Air, a “gamechanger”.

“This new iPhone line-up represents the biggest leap ever for iPhone. The products and innovations we introduce today, along with the power of app intelligence, will enrich people’s lives in so many ways,” Mr Cook said.

The iPhone Air is 5.6mm thick and features a 6.5 inch display in a package Apple vice president of platform architecture Tim Millet said did not compromise battery life. It also features the A19 Pro chip, the same in Apple’s high-end models.

“We innovated in both hardware and software to deliver great battery life for iPhone Air, powered by our most advanced Apple silicon, built for efficiency. The internal design has been completely rethought to maximise battery space,” Mr Millet said.

“iOS 26 introduces new power stadium features, like adaptive power mode, which learns your usage patterns and anticipates when you might run low on battery, intelligently conserving power to help you make it through the day. Now, despite being much thinner and lighter, iPhone Air still gets amazing all-day battery life.”

On the Pro models, all rear cameras have been upgraded to 48MP. This includes an 8x, 200m telephoto camera, which Apple said delivered its longest ever zoom.

The iPhone 17 is priced from $1399, the same as the iPhone 16’s initial price. The iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max starts from $1999 — but at 256GB storage instead of 128GB — and the Air is from $1799.

Originally published as iPhone upgrade hack: how to get the iPhone 17 model for ‘$0’