So you can get the iPhone 12 for free in the US.

Check out the new iPhone 12 models 2:36

(CNN Business) -

The long-awaited iPhone 12 (and its sister models) are about to arrive.

The 5G-equipped phones, which were unveiled earlier this week, include improved cameras and displays, a tougher glass screen, and some new colors, among other new features aimed at attracting buyers.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 and Pro begin Friday morning.

Moreover, these phones will hit stores next week.

And Apple will launch two more models in the coming weeks: the iPhone 12 mini and 12 Pro Max, which will be available for pre-order on November 6.

The cheapest phone in the line is the iPhone 12 mini, which starts at $ 699. The best of the line, the iPhone 12 Pro Max - which has a 17-centimeter screen, the largest in the history of Apple phones - start at $ 1,099.

However, there are several ways to get new iPhones for cheaper, or even free, depending on the carrier.

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Here are the companies that are bidding:

AT&T

AT&T allows new and existing customers to get iPhone 12 for free with a trade-in offer of $ 800 for owners of iPhone 8 and later.

To be eligible, AT&T customers must have an unlimited data plan and stay with the carrier for 30 months on an installment plan.

Analysts at research firm Cowen called AT & T's offer the "most aggressive" deal of the big three.

Both Verizon and AT&T, which owns CNN's parent company WarnerMedia, are battling a recently invigorated T-Mobile.

But AT&T in particular is playing defense, because DirecTV and WarnerMedia have been struggling lately.

AT&T has also been waiting for a huge phone with 5G capabilities to showcase its new next-generation high-speed wireless network.

The company announced in July that its 5G network is now available to 205 million consumers in 395 markets in the United States.

By engaging current customers for at least 30 more months, AT&T can help maintain its base.

T Mobile

The company is focusing on growing its subscriber base with iPhone 12 offerings. T-Mobile is offering iPhone 11 Pro or 10 XS owners a trade-in credit of $ 850 and a credit of $ 680 to model owners. of older iPhones for new customers.

Existing customers get an exchange value of between $ 200 and $ 500, depending on their phone.

Your offer could be good for couples or families.

T-Mobile offers two iPhone 12 Pro for $ 100 each per month, including an unlimited data plan.

However, buyers have to trade in two eligible phones for the deal.

Cowen called this a "go-all strategy targeting multi-line customers."

"T-Mobile generally thrives on 'ball in the air' opportunities, that is, the cases where both companies have the same opportunity, and they have a smaller iPhone base, which puts them in a position to attack." analysts noted.

"However, its offering is relatively innocuous compared to AT&T and it targets multi-line subscribers," they explained.

Verizon

iPhone 12 comes with 5G technology.

Many will not notice 2:47

Verizon highlighted its growing 5G network at Apple's event this week, so it's a bit surprising that it doesn't offer a better deal for the iPhone 12.

Like its rivals, it offers an $ 800 trade-in to buyers, but they must have the iPhone X (released in 2017) or newer and be a new customer or add a new line.

Existing customers can trade in an iPhone X or newer and pay $ 15 a month for two years with an eligible data plan.

"Still, like T-Mobile, Verizon offered 'good enough' deals but fell short of AT&T," Cowen analysts said.

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