T-Mobile today: iPhone 17 deals, US cellular update, new travel perk

TL;DR:

iPhone 17 preorder deals at T-Mobile run up to $1,100 with trade-in.
T-Mobile’s T-Life app now streamlines iPhone 17 upgrades and perks.
UScellular deal closed August 1. Synergy target raised to $1.2B, faster timeline.
Southwest partners with T-Mobile for free in-flight Wi-Fi from October 24.
Opensignal and Ookla reports keep T-Mobile on top for speeds and experience.

T-Mobile is leaning into the iPhone 17 launch week with large trade-in credits and a push to handle upgrades inside its T-Life app. Its UScellular purchase is now closing in, with faster integration and higher synergy goals. Travelers also get a fresh perk. Southwest Rapid Rewards members will see free Wi-Fi on all flights from October 24, 2025.

iPhone 17 preorder deals at a glance

Third-party deal trackers and T-Mobile’s own post outline credits “on us” offers when you trade in and move to an eligible unlimited plan.

Model	Headline offer	Key requirement
iPhone 17	Up to $999 off, effectively free	Trade-in, eligible unlimited plan
iPhone 17 Air	Up to $1,100 off	Trade-in, eligible unlimited plan
iPhone 17 Pro	Up to full device credit	Trade-in, eligible unlimited plan
iPhone 17 Pro Max	Up to $1,100 off	Trade-in, eligible unlimited plan

These match deal roundups citing credits up to $1,100, with full terms posted at checkout.

Upgrade in the T-Life app

T-Mobile is steering upgrades through T-Life. The guide shows a six-step flow and calls out “iPhone 17 Pro on Us” with any-condition trade-ins on select plans, plus a five-year price guarantee on Experience plans.

UScellular acquisition: what changes

The UScellular deal closed on August 1. On September 4, T-Mobile raised its synergy target to about $1.2 billion in annual run-rate cost savings and cut the integration timeline to about two years. It also forecast about $400 million in Q3 service revenue from the acquired base. Those details came in T-Mobile’s update and Reuters coverage.

What it means for customers: better rural coverage as networks merge, and more stores and spectrum moving under T-Mobile. Final market-level impacts will phase in over the next 24 months.

New travel perk: free Wi-Fi on Southwest

Southwest and T-Mobile announced free, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi for Rapid Rewards members starting October 24, 2025. Any carrier customer can join Rapid Rewards to use it. This expands T-Mobile’s decade-long push on in-flight benefits.

Network standing in mid-2025

Independent tests keep T-Mobile near the top. Opensignal’s June 2025 U.S. report shows T-Mobile leading 5G download speeds. Ookla’s 1H 2025 Speedtest report names T-Mobile the best overall mobile network in the U.S. These wins reflect real-world speed and consistency, though results vary by location. Check local coverage before you switch.

Context: plans and pricing

Earlier this year, legacy plans saw $5 per-line price hikes. Newer plans carry a five-year price guarantee, replacing the older “Price Lock.” If you are on a retired plan, compare your all-in cost with the current Experience plans to see if perks offset any change.

Quick buyer tips for iPhone 17 at T-Mobile

Use T-Life to pre-qualify your trade-in and see full credits.
Check plan terms. Big credits usually require premium unlimited plans.
Verify coverage on the places you live and travel.
If you fly Southwest often, join Rapid Rewards before October 24.
On legacy plans, run the math vs. new Experience plans with perks.

Why it matters

Launch weeks are when carriers reset the pitch. T-Mobile pairs large iPhone credits with a strong network story and fresh travel perks. The UScellular integration could extend coverage where it still trails. Knowing the dates, the fine print, and your local coverage helps you lock the best deal.

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