Apple’s Upgrade programme offers iPhone leasing with the option to buy the handset at the end, while Verizon promotes heavily discounted or “free” phones tied to long-term mobile plans. The article argues that the cheapest option depends largely on whether a buyer already wants Verizon’s required service plan, as the apparent handset savings can be outweighed by higher monthly plan costs and a three-year commitment.

Apple Upgrade leases iPhones for 12 to 24 months, starting at $18 per month for an iPhone 17e, and does not include AppleCare. For a 256GB iPhone 17 Pro, a 24-month lease costs $768, followed by a $331 payment to own it outright; Verizon charges $2.77 monthly for the handset over 36 months but requires its $95-per-month Unlimited Ultimate plan, taking the combined total to about $3,520. Verizon’s offers may also require a new line and credits can be lost if that line is cancelled or transferred.