iPhone 17 Tax-Free States in the USA: How to Save Big in 2025
The launch of the iPhone 17 is one of the most anticipated tech events of 2025. Apple fans across the United States are already planning their upgrades to the sleek new device. But there’s one smart way to save hundreds of dollars on your purchase—buying your iPhone 17 in a tax-free state.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about iPhone 17 tax-free states in the USA, how sales tax affects your purchase, which states you can shop in, and tips to maximize your savings.
Why Tax-Free Shopping Matters for iPhone Buyers
Apple’s iPhones are premium products, and the iPhone 17 price is expected to start at around $999 in the USA, with higher models like the iPhone 17 Pro Max 1TB crossing well over $1,500.
Now, here’s where it gets tricky:
- In many states, you’ll pay an additional 6–10% sales tax on top of the retail price.
- That means an iPhone 17 Pro Max ($1,499) could cost as much as $1,650 or more in states like California or Illinois.
If you purchase the same phone in a tax-free state, you avoid that extra cost completely—saving $100–$200 instantly.
Which States Are Tax-Free for iPhone 17 in 2025?
In the United States, there are currently five states with no statewide sales tax. If you’re lucky enough to live in or travel to these states, you can buy your iPhone 17 at its listed Apple Store or online price—no tax added.
Here are the tax-free states for iPhone 17 buyers:
- Delaware
- No sales tax statewide.
- Popular for tax-free shopping malls and Apple Store purchases.
- A top choice for people traveling from nearby states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
- Montana
- No general statewide sales tax.
- However, some local resort areas may impose small taxes (check before buying).
- New Hampshire
- 100% sales tax-free.
- Known as a go-to shopping destination for New England residents.
- Oregon
- No state or local sales tax.
- Portland is a hotspot for Apple Store shopping.
- Alaska
- No statewide sales tax, but some cities (like Juneau or Anchorage) may have local sales taxes up to 5%.
- Still cheaper than most other states.
iPhone 17 Price Comparison: Tax-Free vs. High-Tax States
Let’s break down how much you save by purchasing in a tax-free state.
| iPhone 17 Model | Base Price | With 8% Tax (CA/NY) | Tax-Free States Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (128GB) | $999 | $1,079 | $999 | $80 |
| iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) | $1,199 | $1,295 | $1,199 | $96 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (512GB) | $1,399 | $1,511 | $1,399 | $112 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max (1TB) | $1,599 | $1,727 | $1,599 | $128 |
💡 Pro Tip: Buying two iPhones for your family could save you $200–$300 or more if you purchase them in a tax-free state.
Tax Holidays: Temporary iPhone 17 Deals
Even if you don’t live in a permanent tax-free state, you can still take advantage of tax-free weekends (sales tax holidays) that many states run throughout the year.
- Texas, Florida, and Tennessee often have back-to-school or electronics tax-free weekends.
- These holidays usually apply to laptops, tablets, and sometimes smartphones like the iPhone 17.
- Always check your state’s Department of Revenue website for exact dates.
This is a great chance to save big without traveling to Delaware or Oregon.
Where to Buy the iPhone 17 in Tax-Free States
You have several options when it comes to buying your iPhone 17 in a tax-free state:
- Apple Retail Stores
- Best option for immediate availability.
- Get official AppleCare+ and financing options.
- Apple Online Store
- You can order online while residing in a tax-free state (shipping address matters).
- Authorized Resellers (Best Buy, Walmart, Target)
- Often run additional promotions, discounts, or gift card offers.
Traveling to Tax-Free States to Buy an iPhone 17
Many U.S. residents plan shopping trips to tax-free states. For example:
- People in New Jersey or Maryland drive to Delaware.
- Residents of Massachusetts or Vermont travel to New Hampshire.
- West Coast buyers may head to Oregon.
Even if you spend $50–$100 on gas or travel, you may still come out ahead with savings on a new iPhone 17.
Other Ways to Save on iPhone 17 in 2025
Apart from tax-free shopping, here are extra ways to reduce costs:
- Carrier Deals (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile)
- Trade-in offers may slash $500–$700 off your iPhone 17.
- Apple Trade-In Program
- Get credit for your old iPhone (up to $650 depending on the model).
- Buy Refurbished from Apple
- Certified refurbished iPhones are like-new and cost less.
- Student Discounts
- College students can access Apple’s education pricing.
- Black Friday & Holiday Sales
- November 2025 will bring iPhone 17 Black Friday deals, often with bundled gift cards.
Final Thoughts
Buying the iPhone 17 in a tax-free state in the USA is one of the easiest ways to save big. With states like Delaware, New Hampshire, Oregon, Montana, and Alaska offering tax-free shopping, you could avoid paying hundreds of dollars in extra costs.
For those living in high-tax states, planning a short trip or timing your purchase during a sales tax holiday could make your iPhone 17 upgrade much more affordable.
If you’re an Apple fan waiting to buy the iPhone 17, make sure you factor in state taxes before hitting purchase—it could be the difference between paying $1,600 and $1,725.
