Last June, we started seeing clues that T-Mobile might bump their device payment plans from 24 months up to 36. Back then, a few connected devices briefly displayed that longer 3-year term before T-Mobile switched them back.
But now, it seems they’ve officially made the jump to 36-month financing, specifically for anything that isn’t a smartphone. Tablets and smartwatches are the first products to get this update.
If you check the T-Mobile site today, basically every watch and tablet listed is set up on a 3-year payment schedule. The screenshots below give you a look at the main devices currently showing up in their watch and tablet sections.
Right now, this 36-month structure is limited to just those two groups of products. Is it only a matter of time before phones get the same treatment?
What’s next for buying phones at T-Mobile
Compared to its rivals, T-Mobile has been the odd one out for quite a while by keeping the 24-month option alive.
AT&T moved phones to 36-month agreements way back in 2022, and Verizon joined them at the start of 2023. Conversely, T-Mobile held its ground and avoided switching to longer terms—at least until this point. Nowadays, Gen Z longest relationship commitment is their three-year-old payment plan for a smartphone.
It looks like phones are probably next in line, though. Like we mentioned in our stories earlier this year, switching to longer terms makes financial sense for the company. When customers get locked in with those monthly bill credits, they usually stay for the whole duration because quitting early means losing the rest of the discount.
From a customer’s perspective, this is pretty much all bad news with no real upside. Usually, if you’re on a payment plan with T-Mobile, it’s just because they offered a deal to cover the device’s price tag. So, the usual perk of spreading a loan out to get lower monthly bills doesn’t really matter in this situation.
All things considered, we believe it won’t be long until buying a new phone on T-Mobile requires a 3-year commitment. It’s just a sad truth about how the mobile industry keeps shifting. Who knows, maybe a rival carrier will decide to bring back 2-year plans and act like it’s a brand-new idea. In any case, we’ll keep watching to see if those longer terms hit smartphones and update you as soon as anything changes.
Other changes at T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s head of networking, Ankur Kapoor, mentioned that the company intends to grow its 5G reach. Kapoor told Fierce that they are set to release at least six new “5G-Advanced” features during 2026.
Regarding those upgrades, he noted that they have already activated three uplink transmitters on specific devices. He explained that this setup improves the connection strength and makes uploading data much better overall. T-Mobile has also rolled out its 5G-Advanced Uplink Tx technology to give smartphones a boost. Kapoor claimed that, right now, T-Mobile is the only carrier in the world using this specific tech.
To kick off the new year, the company is also merging all its different mobile applications into a single “super app” known as T-Life. This app represents their newest move toward building a platform where everything is digital-first.
FAQs
I want to buy a new tablet with T-Mobile. How long do I have to pay for it?
You now have to pay for new tablets and smartwatches over 36 months (3 years). The 2-year plan option is no longer available with this company.
Will I have to pay for my phone over 3 years too?
Not for now, but it will probably go away soon too. T-Mobile is currently the only big company still allowing 2-year payments for phones, but experts think they will switch to 3-year plans like everyone else. Yes, this does scream of “recession indicator”.
Is a three-year plan a financially wise option for devaluing technology
Usually, no. Apart from the devaluing over time, it “locks” you in for a long time with an only company. If you decide to cancel your service before the 3 years are up, you will lose your monthly discounts and have to pay off the rest of the device immediately. We advise you to save up and pay cash… or go for a refurbished model.