Quick Read
- Apple’s official Black Friday 2025 deal for iPhone 17 in Australia is a trade-in offer, not an outright discount.
- Retailers like Amazon and JB Hi-Fi match Apple’s price, but do not undercut it.
- Telcos such as Optus offer iPhone 17 bundles with discounted plans, but contracts apply.
- Major discounts are reserved for older Apple models and accessories, not iPhone 17.
- Cyber Weekend is unlikely to bring further iPhone 17 price drops.
Black Friday 2025: Are There True iPhone 17 Discounts?
Every November, Black Friday unleashes a frenzy among Australian tech shoppers. The big question for 2025: Can you actually score a real deal on the brand-new Apple iPhone 17? With retailers promising record-low prices on everything from TVs to tablets, the iPhone 17 stands as one of the most-wanted items. But, as in previous years, Apple rarely plays the same game as its competitors.
This year, major outlets like Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, and Optus have packed their Black Friday catalogues with smartphone offers. Samsung, Motorola, and Google headline price-slashing campaigns, with hundreds off flagship phones. Yet, when you zero in on Apple’s latest, a familiar pattern emerges: the deepest discounts are reserved for trade-ins, bundles, or older models, not the iPhone 17 itself.
How Apple’s Black Friday iPhone 17 Deal Actually Works
Apple’s official Black Friday offer for the iPhone 17 in Australia is clear but, as ever, distinctly Apple. Instead of a straightforward price cut, Apple encourages buyers to trade in an older iPhone toward the new iPhone 17. The value of the trade-in depends on your device’s condition and model. For example, trading in a recent iPhone—like the iPhone 15 or 16—can knock hundreds off the sticker price. If you’re upgrading from a much older handset, expect a more modest deduction.
This approach means the headline savings look impressive, but only if you’re already an Apple user with a suitable device to hand over. For those buying outright, direct discounts are rare. Retailers such as Amazon and JB Hi-Fi are matching Apple’s official pricing, but aren’t dropping below it for the iPhone 17. Some telcos, like Optus, are offering plan-based deals—bundling the iPhone 17 with a discounted data plan or device repayment schedule. These can sometimes work out cheaper over three years, but you’re locked into a contract.
Other notable Apple deals this year focus on older models, like the iPhone 16e. Optus, for instance, is offering the iPhone 16e at half price with an eligible 36-month plan. But for the flagship iPhone 17, there’s no sign of dramatic price drops—at least not yet.
Should You Wait for Cyber Weekend or Buy Now?
Officially, Black Friday falls on November 28, with the sales stretching into Cyber Monday (December 1). Veteran deal trackers, like TechRadar’s team, warn that some retailers may refresh their discounts during the four-day Cyber Weekend. In practice, though, Apple is known for keeping its deals consistent throughout the sale period. If you see an iPhone 17 offer that fits your budget, it’s unlikely to get better later in the weekend.
There’s a strategic element here: Apple fans hoping for a last-minute price plunge may be disappointed. The company rarely undercuts its own pricing. Instead, watch for bundle deals or trade-in upgrades that can offer the best value. If you’re set on buying the iPhone 17 outright, the price you see on Black Friday will probably be the best you’ll get until after the holiday season.
What About Accessories and Other Apple Devices?
While the iPhone 17 itself isn’t seeing major markdowns, Apple accessories and other devices are different stories. AirTags, AirPods, and iPads are all part of the Black Friday price-cut wave. For example, AirTags are offered at a typical 16% discount, and several models of AirPods are up to 44% off at major retailers. The same goes for iPads and MacBooks—especially older models, which can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than at launch.
If you’re looking to kit out your new iPhone, this is a good time to pick up cases, chargers, MagSafe power banks, and Bluetooth headphones. Amazon, JB Hi-Fi, and Apple’s own store are all matching or beating previous low prices on these items.
The Black Friday iPhone 17 Buying Guide: What You Need to Know
1. Outright discounts on iPhone 17 are extremely rare. Most deals require a trade-in or a bundled plan.
2. Telco bundles can offer real value, but always check the fine print. You’ll be signing up for a contract.
3. Apple’s trade-in program is the best route for upgraders. The newer your old device, the greater your savings.
4. Accessory deals are abundant. If you need extras, Black Friday is the time to buy.
5. Cyber Weekend may bring minor changes, but don’t expect dramatic new offers on the iPhone 17.
As always, comparison shopping is key. Use Apple’s online calculator to check your trade-in value, and don’t hesitate to call retailers for price matches or extra perks. Some stores may bundle gift cards or bonus accessories for Black Friday purchases, adding hidden value to the deal.
What’s Missing This Year?
Unlike the aggressive price drops seen for other brands, the iPhone 17’s Black Friday campaign is restrained. There’s no AU$500 off, no cashback, and no flash sales for the latest Apple flagship. Retailers are focusing their deepest discounts on Android phones, older Apple models, and home tech. The iPhone 17 is still in high demand, so Apple and its partners have little incentive to slash prices.
Instead, shoppers are left to weigh trade-in offers, plan bundles, and accessory discounts. For those set on the newest iPhone, it’s a familiar frustration: the best deal is often the one that’s already in front of you.
Apple’s Black Friday strategy for the iPhone 17 is consistent with previous years: no sweeping price cuts, but meaningful savings for loyal users trading up. While it may disappoint bargain hunters seeking headline discounts, it rewards existing Apple customers ready to upgrade. For everyone else, the real deals are on accessories and older devices—so shop smart, and don’t expect miracles for the flagship.