Electronics

[Susic]

I am l thinking of getting IPhone 15 plus. Getting rid of my landline and have a Tracfone. I have no trade in or carrier to add to deal , and there are currently no discounts on this IPhone,  The web sites information is not geared to someone being new to initial purchase of phone and signing up for a carrier. Is it best to buy phone at say Apple Store, then find carrier , or vice versa? I only need one phone and probably don't need unlimitted data. Appreciate any information as to how to start the process. Speaking to someone on phone, sometimes gets confusing and I always end up buying wrong thing, And I can imagine trying to find help in stores this time of year. Thank you for any help! Susi.

[Another new name Sue]

we got free 15s from AT&T, but they have a way of locking you in for three years.

[geezerette]

As @Another new name Sue mentioned, many carriers have deals for iPhones for new customers but they will make you sign up for a term.

I found that when I first got a smartphone, the carrier was quite helpful.  Both with the phone and the type of service I wanted.  They'll set it up completely for you.

If you live in a populated area with high traffic in the carrier's stores, I would make an appointment or go in at time that wasn't busy.  My sister just recently was in your situation and she did this.  She had a couple of appointments with them to discuss, then set up the phone.  She was quite happy with the process.

ETA: You aren't obligated to purchase if you want to inquire with the carrier before making up your mind.

[On It]

If you go to an Apple Store, they will ask you who you want to use for a carrier. They will help you set up your phone if you ask. They have all of the accessories there as well. I like to have the car charger and of course the case and screen protector.

[elated]

If you go to AT&T website, they explain about the new iPhone 15. To be eligible fir a free phone, you are required to have a trade-in of eligible device and eligible unlimited plan. Just a few points to think about.

[haddon9]

I use Verizon...not that I'm in love with them, believe me.  However the Verizon store right in my town is very knowledgable and helpful.  They will work with you about set up, etc.  Plus they will get your phone set up on an account with them so there is no need to visit a carrier since you're already there.  It would be the same with AT&T or any other carrier.

[Toot1920]

@Susic, I think that you need to decide on a carrier first. Talk with others to see who they have and if they have any problems with service. I have purchased phones (both iPhones and android) from Best Buy, Verizon, and Apple. We just switched from Verizon to Consumer Cellular. Consumer Cellular was out of iPhone 15 when we were looking, so we purchased unlocked iPhones from Apple. When they arrived, we called Consumer Cellular and they walked us through it online. It was very seamless, with exception of moving our phone numbers from Verizon. If there's a brick and mortar store for the service that you choose, they can help with your set up. If you have an Apple ID already, make sure that you have your user name and password handy. Good luck!

[Justholdingon]

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@Another new name Sue wrote:

we got free 15s from AT&T, but they have a way of locking you in for three years.

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same with Verizon 

[I am still oxox]

@On It  WIth all the free phone deals out there I would never go to the Apple Store. Select a carrier with a free phone and go from there. We are in the process of changing from ATT to T Mobile, our bill has been way to high since we got our I phone 8's 3 years ago

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@On It wrote:

If you go to an Apple Store, they will ask you who you want to use for a carrier. They will help you set up your phone if you ask. They have all of the accessories there as well. I like to have the car charger and of course the case and screen protector.

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[LTT1]

@Susic 

I went with ATT.

However, mine is a 14...time passes quickly.