Free Apple 5G iPhones are offered by US carriers to lure upgraders

Given the sluggish pace of phone sales over the past few years, the arrival of a next-generation iPhone has been expected to trigger a robust upgrade cycle. — Bloomberg

Apple Inc’s iPhone 12 5G, the most anticipated phone in years, will be given away for free by AT&T Inc and Verizon Communications Inc, showing the US carriers are gearing up to fight hard for new subscribers during a potentially huge upgrade cycle.

The promotions announced on Oct 13 coincide with Apple’s introduction of its first 5G iPhone. US customers who sign up for unlimited plans and trade in qualifying phones can begin placing orders online for delivery.