Cyber Monday has officially arrived, and Verizon has introduced what is arguably one of the most remarkable technology promotions of the year. For today only, the carrier is extending an extraordinary online-exclusive offer to new customers who activate select Unlimited plans. Those who qualify can receive three of Apple’s newest and most sought-after devices — the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the A16 iPad, and the Apple Watch Series 11 — entirely free of upfront cost and notably without the requirement to trade in an older device. Considering that purchasing these high-end products individually would exceed a total value of $2,000, this deal represents a rare and significant opportunity for savings. Notably, Verizon isn’t alone in the holiday generosity: T-Mobile is currently offering a comparable bundle promotion of its own for those exploring alternative carriers.
To take advantage of Verizon’s Cyber Monday offer, prospective customers need to enroll in one of the company’s qualifying service plans. Specifically, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is available at no additional cost when activating a new smartphone line on either the Unlimited Ultimate plan, priced at $90 per month with Auto Pay enabled for a single line, or the Unlimited Plus plan, which costs $80 per month with Auto Pay. These monthly rates, an appealing feature for budget-conscious consumers, will remain securely locked in for a full three-year period, providing stability against potential future price adjustments. As for the accompanying iPad and Apple Watch, these items can also be acquired at no cost when adding a new line for each device on the Verizon Unlimited plan of the customer’s choice.
T-Mobile’s competing offer, while structured differently, appeals to a similar audience — providing a comparable bundle featuring the iPhone 17 Pro, an Apple Watch SE 3, and the iPad A16. Such deals from major carriers underscore the current competitive environment of the telecommunications market, especially during major retail events like Cyber Monday, when consumers are eager to maximize their technology investments.
However, as is customary with so-called “free” device promotions from wireless providers, customers should be aware that these devices are not actually free in the most literal sense. Buyers are initially responsible for the cost of the products, which is then reimbursed gradually over a 36-month installment period through monthly billing credits. This deferred payment model ensures that the devices ultimately cost the customer nothing over time — assuming they remain in good standing with the plan for its duration. Although some may find this structure less straightforward than a true zero-cost purchase, it remains an excellent value proposition, particularly for individuals already intending to buy any of these Apple devices in the near future.
It’s important to note specific limitations regarding the offer. For the iPhone 17 Pro Max, only the 256GB variant is entirely covered under Verizon’s free-device promotion. Consumers desiring higher storage capacities — such as the 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB configurations — will incur an additional cost. Fortunately, color selection does not affect pricing, allowing customers to choose among stylish options such as Silver, Deep Blue, or Cosmic Orange without impacting the promotional value. The same principle applies to the other two included devices: the A16 iPad is limited to the 128GB version, and the Apple Watch Series 11 being offered is the 42mm aluminum model. Again, neither color preference nor watchband size (whether small/medium or medium/large) alters the deal’s terms.
Customers seeking the iPhone 17 Pro Max must remain on either the Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plan to be eligible for the promotion. Notably, this restriction is more flexible for the supporting devices. The iPad is free across multiple Verizon plans, including Welcome, Unlimited, and Unlimited Plus options, allowing greater customization based on user needs. Likewise, the Apple Watch can be obtained free of charge through any of Verizon’s wearable plans: Unlimited, Unlimited Plus, Number Share, or Number Share Plus. For those who wish to pair the iPhone with Verizon’s more entry-level Unlimited Welcome plan, the option exists, but it adds an extra $10 monthly charge to the customer’s bill.
According to ZDNET’s rating analysis, this promotion earns a flawless 5 out of 5. Even standing alone, the free iPhone (reimbursed over time) would merit this perfect rating, but the inclusion of three advanced Apple devices elevates it to exceptional value territory rarely seen during Cyber Monday sales. Aside from T-Mobile’s concurrent iPhone bundle, few holiday offers approach this level of combined savings and product quality.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max represents Apple’s latest flagship smartphone, equipped with the cutting-edge A19 Pro chipset and featuring one of the most advanced camera systems ever built into an iPhone. Beyond sheer processing power, this model impresses with its remarkable efficiency — boasting an astounding 39 hours of video playback on a single charge, setting a new benchmark for battery endurance in mobile devices. For users waiting for the ideal upgrade moment, this promotion presents an opportunity worth serious consideration.
Verizon’s Cyber Monday event officially concludes on December 1, emphasizing the limited-time nature of the offer. Like most holiday promotions, availability and stock are subject to fluctuation, with deals potentially expiring or selling out earlier than expected. Nonetheless, ZDNET continues to monitor and update its curated listings to ensure readers have access to the freshest, most accurate information regarding current sales. Even if this particular deal passes, shoppers can rely on the publication’s expert team to uncover new opportunities for comparable or even greater savings.
For over three decades, ZDNET has dedicated itself to helping consumers make better-informed purchasing decisions, applying rigorous testing and evaluation across 30 professional product reviewers and 10,000 square feet of testing facilities. In 2025, the organization further refined its approach to ratings and deal evaluations, implementing a quantifiable system designed to present measured insights into tech savings. Every major deal now bears an editorial badge, reflecting the publication’s confidence in its assessments and offering readers an at-a-glance understanding of value.
At the heart of this evolved rating methodology lies a percentage-based discount scale, layered with a qualitative assessment matrix considering variables such as product frequency, brand recognition, and overall category value. The result is a collection of highly curated, expert-endorsed deals — meticulously selected to help ZDNET readers capitalize on the smartest and most trustworthy savings available in technology markets today.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/verizon-is-giving-away-a-free-iphone-ipad-and-apple-watch-for-cyber-monday-how-the-deal-works/
