Image credit — Apple
Carriers are promoting enticing deals on the newest iPhone 17, but before you jump at the opportunity, it's crucial to understand the potential drawbacks. According to Bloomberg's Apple expert, Mark Gurman, these carrier deals may come with hidden costs and long-term commitments that could end up costing you more in the long run.Unveiling the Truth Behind iPhone 17 Carrier Deals
Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are luring customers with promises of significant discounts or even a "free" device. The concept is simple: trade in your old phone, receive some credit, and then the carrier supplements this with monthly bill credits to cover the remaining balance. However, as Gurman highlights in his recent newsletter, these deals are reminiscent of the traditional subsidy trap, with several hidden caveats to be aware of.Potential Pitfalls of Carrier Deals
- Monthly Bill Credits: The discount is not provided upfront but rather distributed as small credits over a period of 24 to 30 months.
- No Switching Allowed: Exiting the carrier before completing the term could result in forfeiting remaining credits and potentially owing the full balance on the device.
- Locked Into Expensive Plans: These offers typically require you to subscribe to one of the carrier's premium unlimited plans.
- Upgrade Lock-In: If you wish to upgrade to the iPhone 18 next year, you must first pay off the iPhone 17 entirely, losing any promised bill credits for the future.
