The struggling wireless carrier has created a program where customers can lease the latest iPhone for a monthly fee with the right to trade in that phone for a new one whenever Apple updates the line.

Forever Upgrade is a program that was available for enrollment September 17, 2021-November 1, 2021. Forever Upgrade is no longer available for new enrollments. With Forever Upgrade every two or more years, you can upgrade to the latest iPhone and get up to $800 off when you: Trade-in your eligible enrolled device.

Phone leasing agreements Once the leasing term is up, you can either swap the old phone for a newer one (at likely a more expensive leasing cost), pay off the remaining cost of the phone immediately to own it outright, or switch to an installment plan to pay off the remaining cost that way.

As of September 2023, Apple supports the following versions of its operating systems for bug and security updates: iOS 17, iOS 16 and (we assume) iOS 15. If Apple doesn't support security updates for iOS 15 anymore then that will mean the 2016 iPhone 7, 2016 iPhone SE and 2015 iPhone 6S will no longer be supported.

Instead of paying the full value up front or making monthly payments to own a particular phone after two years, the iPhone Upgrade program lets you trade in your current phone for a new model after making 12 monthly payments. For that privilege, you're paying a subscription fee for the foreseeable future.

At the end of the 18-month Flex lease agreement, customers in good standing can choose to: Upgrade to a new phone. The phone you were leasing must be returned in good working condition and undamaged.

Keeping a smartphone at the end of a lease term may require paying a buyout fee to purchase it. Leasing could save money over buying new phones, but it doesn't convey ownership, similar to leasing a car or an apartment.

Yes, it is likely that the iPhone 6 will still be used in 2023. Apple typically supports its devices for up to five years after their release, so the iPhone 6 should still be supported until at least 2023.

Though to clarify, while the iPhone 7 did not receive the iOS 16 update in late 2022, and will not be updated to iOS 17 in late 2023, it may get an occasional security update. The iPhone 7 is currently running iOS 15.7. 5.

A drawback of the program for some customers is sending the iPhone back to Apple instead of recouping some of the cost by selling the old model. On the other hand, a benefit of the program is that the iPhone isn't tied to a multi-year service contract.

You aren't forced to upgrade. If you're happy with your current phone, you can keep using it and continuing to pay it off. After 24 months, you will have paid it off and can continue using it without the monthly payment, or you can turn around and sell it to help finance the cost of a new phone when you're ready.

You'll need to pay any remaining lease charges and then decide if you want to return the phone to Sprint or buy it. Paying for the phone(s) or returning them to Sprint will complete your commitment and end any future charges.