14 DAY TRIAL // This winter, Apple plans to introduce a new iPhone purchase program sponsored by American wireless operator Sprint, where customers can essentially walk away with a brand new iPhone 6 without paying a dime. At least not on day one.
Sources familiar with the plans tell 9to5mac that customers who prefer Sprint’s services but also want to shop at the Apple Retail Store will be able to choose from the carrier’s existing Easy Pay and iPhone for Life plans without any upfront payment.
There are some rules of course, involving the plan you select, the installments, and other stuff. But the gist of it is that you get to own an iPhone solely based on credentials and you don’t need to worry about carrying any cash when you waltz inside your local Apple shop.
Fourth carrier to do this
Sprint is actually late to the party. Apple has been offering payment plans for customers who prefer to do business with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, also in-store. Sprint, the fourth major carrier in the US by registered users, is jumping in as well.
The deal hasn’t been made official by the Cupertino giant just yet, but the operator has the offer displayed nice and big on its official website, complete with graphics and tantalizing numbers that are sure to make your head spin.
One other thing you can get in Sprint stores (that you might not be able to get in the Apple Store), is a bonus for switching to Sprint’s services. No joke. The promo states, “Get paid to switch from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T or any competitor.” If that doesn’t sound like selling your soul to the devil, we don’t know what does.
Jokes aside, it’s a legitimate marketing practice, and it’s one that even computer giant Microsoft has used to lure in customers who were using competitors’ products.
The elusive iPhone 6
As always, Apple is struggling to fulfill orders this year, and many people might have to wait until after Christmas to receive their hotly desired presents. The current shipping estimate is 3-5 business days, which can translate into about a full week of waiting.
Buy one now and you’ll be in the clear. Buy one one week before Christmas and you might be in for an unpleasant surprise. Remember that people are scooping up these things like crazy, and the closer the festive event, the more people remember to buy their presents at the last minute. Just a little heads up for those of you planning to make the iPhone 6 a gift.
