Apple has officially entered the foldable phone market. The company’s first folding iPhone is called the iPhone Duo, not the iPhone 18 Fold, and it starts at an eye-opening $1,999.
Alongside the iPhone Duo, Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $1,199 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max starting at $1,299. That leaves shoppers with a difficult question: Is Apple’s new foldable phone worth an extra $700 to $800, or is one of the iPhone 18 Pro models the smarter purchase?
The answer depends on how you use your phone. The iPhone Duo delivers a dramatically larger folding display and new multitasking features, but it is not automatically superior in every category. In fact, the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max will offer better value for most buyers.
Apple is also promoting its new Apple Upgrade lease program, which makes the $1,999 iPhone Duo appear more affordable at $57.99 per month. However, that payment does not work like a traditional 0% installment plan. Customers need to understand what they will—and will not—own before signing up.
Here is how the iPhone Duo compares with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, which upgrades actually matter, and how to determine which model is worth your money.
iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro: Quick Answer
The iPhone 18 Pro is the best overall choice for most buyers. It includes the same powerful A20 Pro chip as the iPhone Duo, a more advanced Pro camera system, Face ID, excellent battery life, and a lower $1,199 starting price.
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro Max if battery life and a larger traditional display are your biggest priorities. It costs only $100 more than the Pro and delivers up to 45 hours of video playback.
Consider the iPhone Duo only if you will regularly use its 7.6-inch folding display for multitasking, reading, gaming, videos, work, or creative projects. Its design is genuinely different, but the $1,999 price is difficult to justify if you mostly use your phone for texting, social media, photos, shopping, and calls.
The iPhone Duo is exciting. The iPhone 18 Pro is practical. For a budget-conscious shopper, that difference matters.
iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and Pro Max Price Comparison
Apple increased the starting prices of its Pro models this year, but the iPhone Duo still sits in a much higher price category.
| Model | Starting price | 24-month purchase payment | Apple Upgrade lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 18 Pro | $1,199 | $49.95 per month | From $34.99 per month |
| iPhone 18 Pro Max | $1,299 | $54.12 per month | Varies by configuration |
| iPhone Duo | $1,999 | $83.29 per month | From $57.99 per month |
Prices shown are before applicable taxes, accessories, wireless service, and optional protection plans. Apple Upgrade pricing may also change based on the lease length, storage capacity, trade-in credit, and eligibility.
The iPhone Duo costs $800 more than the iPhone 18 Pro and $700 more than the Pro Max before taxes. That is enough money to purchase an Apple Watch, AirPods, an iPad, or several years of cellular service.
The monthly lease price makes the gap look smaller, but shoppers should not compare a lease payment directly with a purchase payment. At the end of a regular financing plan, you own the phone. With Apple Upgrade, you may have to return it, start another lease, or pay an additional amount to keep it.
We will examine the full Apple Upgrade math later in this guide.
What Is the iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s first foldable iPhone. When closed, it has a 5.4-inch outer display designed for regular one-handed phone use. Opening the device reveals a 7.6-inch inner display, which Apple says is 50% larger than the display on the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
Both screens are Super Retina XDR displays with ProMotion, Always-On functionality, and up to 3,000 nits of peak outdoor brightness. The inner screen also has a nano-texture finish intended to reduce glare, reflections, and the visibility of the fold crease.
The Duo is approximately passport-sized when closed. When opened, it provides an iPad-like workspace that can still fit in a pocket.
According to Apple’s official iPhone Duo announcement, preorders begin October 16, 2026, and availability begins October 23. The phone comes in Star White and Night Sky, with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage options.
What Is Actually Better About the iPhone Duo?
The iPhone Duo’s biggest advantage is not processing speed. The Duo and both iPhone 18 Pro models use the same A20 Pro chip. What makes the Duo different is how its larger screen changes the way apps can be used.
A Much Larger Display That Still Fits in Your Pocket
The 7.6-inch inner screen is the largest display Apple has ever put in an iPhone. It provides more room for reading websites, editing documents, viewing photos, watching videos, using maps, and playing games.
The outer display can handle quick everyday tasks without requiring users to unfold the phone. When more space is needed, the inner display turns the device into something closer to a small tablet.
That flexibility is the Duo’s main selling point. However, buyers should consider whether they will actually open the phone frequently enough to justify paying $1,999.
Two Apps Can Run Side by Side
The iPhone Duo introduces Split View multitasking on an iPhone. Users can open two apps side by side, quickly replace one app, or run two windows from the same app.
Practical examples include:
- Comparing prices on two shopping websites
- Watching a video while responding to messages
- Viewing an email while checking a calendar
- Participating in a Zoom call while viewing a shared document
- Following directions while checking travel information
- Talking to Siri AI while keeping the original content visible
- Opening two Safari windows for comparison shopping
Users can also save frequently used app pairs and reopen them together. For people who routinely use their phones for work, school, travel, or content creation, this may be the Duo’s most valuable improvement.
For someone who usually uses one app at a time, however, the extra display may be more impressive than necessary.
Apple Pencil Support
Apple says the iPhone Duo will support the USB-C Apple Pencil later this year. Users will be able to take notes, sketch, sign forms, and mark up documents on either display.
Apple Pencil support could make the Duo useful for students, designers, business travelers, and people who currently carry both an iPhone and a small tablet. However, the Apple Pencil is not included, and the Duo does not provide built-in storage for it.
New Ways to Take Photos and Make Video Calls
The folding design allows users to prop up the iPhone Duo without a tripod. This could be useful for group photos, FaceTime calls, videos, and hands-free viewing.
The outer display can also show a live camera preview, allowing the person being photographed to check the framing and pose before the picture is taken. Users can take higher-resolution selfies with the rear cameras while viewing themselves on the outer screen.
A feature called Kid Cue can display animated Peanuts characters on the outer screen to encourage children to look toward the camera. This is clever, although it is unlikely to justify the premium price by itself.
Where the iPhone 18 Pro Is Better
The iPhone Duo is Apple’s most unusual new phone, but the iPhone 18 Pro is the more balanced device. It is less expensive, easier to carry, and built around features that most people use every day.
The Pro Models Have a More Advanced Camera System
The iPhone Duo includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera with an optical-quality 2x option and a 48MP Ultra Wide camera. That is a strong camera system, but the iPhone 18 Pro models are designed for buyers who prioritize photography and video.
The iPhone 18 Pro introduces Apple’s new variable-aperture 48MP Fusion Main camera. It can automatically change its aperture based on lighting and depth of field. Users can also manually adjust aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure tools through the new Pro controls.
That provides several real-world advantages:
- More light can enter the camera in dark conditions
- Group photos can keep more people in focus
- Portraits can achieve more natural background separation
- Photographers get greater manual control
- Videos can receive Cinematic effects after recording
- Apple Reference Image can preserve a verifiable, unedited version of a photo
If the camera is your main reason for upgrading, the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max is the safer choice.
Face ID vs. Touch ID
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max retain Face ID. The folding iPhone Duo uses Touch ID built into the side button instead.
Touch ID may be convenient when the phone is folded or positioned on a table, but buyers who have become accustomed to Face ID may consider its absence a downgrade. The Duo can also be unlocked with a paired Apple Watch, but that does not fully replace Face ID for every user.
Better Battery Life on the Pro Max
Apple rates the iPhone 18 Pro for up to 36 hours of video playback and the iPhone 18 Pro Max for up to 45 hours.
Battery estimates for the iPhone Duo depend on which display is being used:
- Up to 31 hours of video playback using the inner display
- Up to 44 hours using the outer display
- Up to 24 hours of mixed use per charge
The Duo has a battery on each side of the fold, but powering two displays requires more energy. Anyone who wants the longest possible battery life without managing how the phone is being used should strongly consider the iPhone 18 Pro Max.
A Traditional Phone Has Fewer Durability Questions
Apple built the iPhone Duo with a Grade 5 titanium frame, Ceramic Shield protection, a reinforced inner display, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The hinge contains more than 100 components and is designed to support the display when fully opened.
Those specifications are reassuring, but the Duo is still a first-generation foldable device. It has a flexible inner screen and a mechanical hinge—two components that do not exist on a traditional iPhone.
Until the phone has been used in the real world for several months, shoppers will not know how the inner screen, hinge, and protective coating handle repeated folding, drops, dust, fingernails, and everyday wear.
At $1,999, buying the first generation also carries more financial risk. Buyers considering the Duo should budget for protection rather than assuming its premium price makes it immune to damage.
What Is New in the iPhone 18 Pro Models?
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max may look more familiar than the Duo, but they received several meaningful upgrades.
Both models include:
- The new 2-nanometer A20 Pro chip
- A 6-core CPU and 7-core GPU
- Up to 40% faster graphics performance than A19 Pro
- Double the on-device AI processing power
- A redesigned vapor chamber for better heat management
- The variable-aperture 48MP Fusion Main camera
- Faster wired charging
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6
- Apple’s new C2 cellular modem
- A smaller Dynamic Island that can display three Live Activities
- iOS 27, Apple Intelligence, and the new Siri AI
Apple says the iPhone 18 Pro can charge to 50% in approximately 15 minutes. The company also says its redesigned thermal system can deliver up to 40% better sustained performance than the previous generation.
These improvements will matter most to gamers, photographers, video creators, and people who plan to keep their phones for several years. For lighter users, they may not be enough to justify replacing a recent iPhone.
Which New iPhone Should You Buy?
Buy the iPhone 18 Pro If You Want the Best Overall Value
The iPhone 18 Pro is the best choice for most people who want a premium new iPhone. It has the same A20 Pro processor as the Duo, a better Pro-focused camera system, Face ID, strong battery life, and a significantly lower price.
It is still expensive at $1,199, but it avoids the extra cost and first-generation risks of the foldable design.
Buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max If Battery Life Is Most Important
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the better choice for frequent travelers, heavy users, mobile gamers, and anyone who dislikes charging during the day.
It costs only $100 more than the Pro while providing a larger screen and Apple’s longest advertised iPhone battery life. For many shoppers, that $100 upgrade will deliver more practical value than spending another $700 for the Duo.
Buy the iPhone Duo If You Will Use It Like a Phone and a Small Tablet
The iPhone Duo makes the most sense for people who regularly multitask, read large documents, conduct video meetings, edit content, compare information, or use a phone as their primary computing device.
It may also be worthwhile if it allows someone to carry one device instead of buying both a premium iPhone and a small iPad.
The Duo is much harder to recommend if its main appeal is simply that it is new. Paying $1,999 for a phone that will mostly remain folded defeats the purpose of its most expensive feature.
Keep Your Current iPhone If It Still Works Well
Owners of an iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 should not assume they need to upgrade. Many iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence features will be available on other supported devices, although performance and feature availability may vary.
A new folding design, faster processor, or improved camera can be exciting without being financially necessary. Keeping a working phone for one additional year is often the biggest iPhone savings available.
The remaining question is whether Apple Upgrade can make one of these new models a smarter purchase—or whether the low monthly lease price simply makes an expensive phone look more affordable.
If you are deciding whether to replace a recent model, read our complete guide on whether you should buy an iPhone 17 now or wait for the iPhone 18 before spending money on an upgrade.
Is the Apple Upgrade Lease Program Worth It?
Apple Upgrade is a hardware leasing program offered through Klarna. It is available to eligible U.S. customers and includes 12- and 24-month lease options for iPhones.
The word lease is important. Apple Upgrade is not a traditional installment plan that automatically gives you ownership after the final monthly payment.
At the end of the initial lease term, you can:
- Return the iPhone and leave the program
- Return it and apply for a new lease on another device
- Make a one-time purchase payment to keep it
If you upgrade, you must return the existing phone and enter into a new lease, subject to approval. If you want to keep the phone, you must pay the purchase fee specified in your lease agreement.
That makes Apple Upgrade more similar to leasing a car than financing a phone.
How Much Does It Cost to Lease an iPhone Duo?
Apple advertises the 256GB iPhone Duo at $57.99 per month for 24 months through Apple Upgrade.
Here is the basic math:
$57.99 × 24 months = $1,391.76
That is approximately $607 less than the phone’s $1,999 retail price. However, after paying $1,391.76, you do not automatically own the iPhone Duo. You must return it, begin a new lease, or pay the remaining purchase fee.
By comparison, Apple lists a regular 24-month purchase payment of $83.29 per month:
$83.29 × 24 months = $1,998.96
The regular payment is approximately $25.30 more per month, but after 24 payments, the phone is yours. You can keep it, trade it in, sell it privately, or give it to a family member.
The lease offers a lower monthly payment because you are paying primarily for two years of use—not full ownership.
Taxes, AppleCare, accessories, carrier service, storage upgrades, trade-in credits, and other charges may change the final cost.
iPhone 18 Pro Lease vs. Purchase
Apple advertises the 256GB iPhone 18 Pro lease starting at $34.99 per month for 24 months.
$34.99 × 24 months = $839.76
The regular purchase price is $1,199, or approximately $49.95 per month for 24 months.
$49.95 × 24 months = $1,198.80
The lease saves about $359 in monthly payments during the initial two-year term. But once again, the customer does not own the phone unless the required purchase fee is paid.
The lower payment can be useful for someone who wants a new phone every year or two and does not care about ownership. It is not necessarily a discount on the phone itself.
When Apple Upgrade May Be Worth It
Apple Upgrade can make sense for a specific type of customer.
You Upgrade Every Year or Two
If you always trade in your iPhone when the next model arrives, long-term ownership may not be important to you. A lease can provide predictable monthly payments and remove the work of selling your old phone.
However, upgrading is not automatic or guaranteed. It requires returning your current device, applying for a new lease, and receiving approval.
You Want a Lower Monthly Payment
The iPhone Duo’s $57.99 advertised lease payment is much easier to fit into a monthly budget than an $83.29 purchase payment.
That lower monthly amount could be helpful if you need the large folding display for work but do not want to pay nearly $2,000 upfront. Just remember that reducing the monthly payment does not reduce the phone’s true cost of ownership if you later decide to keep it.
You Prefer Convenience Over Maximum Savings
Apple Upgrade allows customers to manage lease information and payments through Klarna. At the end of the term, the phone can be returned instead of sold privately.
For some buyers, that convenience may be worth giving up the phone’s resale or trade-in value.
You Are Unsure About Keeping a Foldable Phone Long Term
A lease may limit the commitment for someone who wants to try the first-generation iPhone Duo but is uncertain about using a foldable device for several years.
Even so, customers should carefully review early-termination, damage, and purchase fees. A lease is not a risk-free trial.
When Apple Upgrade Is Probably Not Worth It
Most budget-conscious consumers will be better served by purchasing their iPhone and keeping it for several years.
You Normally Keep a Phone for Three Years or Longer
Buying becomes more attractive the longer you keep a phone. Once a financed phone is paid off, the device remains yours and the monthly hardware payment ends.
A customer who repeatedly leases will continue making payments as each new agreement begins. That can turn an occasional phone purchase into a permanent monthly expense.
You Want to Own or Resell Your Phone
A purchased iPhone retains some value after two or three years. You can trade it in, sell it, or pass it down to another family member.
With Apple Upgrade, you do not own the phone at the end of the lease unless you make the additional purchase payment. If you return it, you give up any potential resale value.
You Use a Prepaid Wireless Plan
Apple requires iPhone lease customers to select AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Prepaid plans are not eligible, although leased iPhones are unlocked.
That restriction matters because an inexpensive prepaid plan can save more money over time than the lease saves on the phone payment.
For example, saving $25 per month on wireless service equals $600 over two years. Choosing a more expensive carrier plan solely to qualify for a lower device payment could eliminate the apparent savings.
You Are Concerned About Damage Fees
Insurance is not included in the advertised Apple Upgrade payment. Customers may face charges if a leased phone is lost, stolen, or returned in unacceptable condition.
This is especially important with the iPhone Duo. Its folding screen and complex hinge may make AppleCare particularly valuable, but adding protection increases the total monthly cost.
Before leasing, calculate the payment with AppleCare—not just the advertised starting price.
You May Need to Cancel Early
Apple warns that ending a lease before the initial term expires may result in substantial fees. A customer who changes carriers, experiences financial difficulties, or simply dislikes the device may not be able to walk away without an additional cost.
If no action is taken at the end of the initial term, the agreement may convert to a month-to-month lease for up to six months, potentially at a higher monthly payment. After that extension period, the customer may be charged the purchase fee.
Review the complete Apple Upgrade terms before enrolling.
Apple Upgrade vs. Apple Card Financing vs. Carrier Deals
The best payment method depends on whether you value ownership, flexibility, or the lowest initial monthly payment.
| Payment option | What happens at the end? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Upgrade lease | Return, upgrade, or pay to purchase | Frequent upgraders |
| Apple Card Monthly Installments | You own the phone | Buyers who want 0% financing |
| Carrier financing | You own the phone after payments | Customers staying with one carrier |
| Pay in full | You own it immediately | Long-term users avoiding monthly debt |
| Buy an older model | You own it at a lower price | Value-focused shoppers |
Apple Card Monthly Installments offer 0% APR for eligible purchases, subject to approval and other requirements. Unlike Apple Upgrade, the installment plan is designed to end in ownership.
Carrier promotions can offer larger discounts, but they frequently distribute credits over several years. Canceling service or switching carriers early may cause the remaining credits to stop. Always compare the total service cost—not only the advertised “free phone” or trade-in offer.
Apple says qualifying customers can receive $175 to $885 through Apple Trade In when trading an iPhone 13 or newer. Select carrier offers may provide up to $1,200 in credits with an eligible trade-in, but restrictions apply.
How to Decide If the iPhone Duo Is Worth $1,999
Before ordering the iPhone Duo, ask yourself these five questions.
1. Will I Open the Phone Several Times Every Day?
If the answer is no, the iPhone 18 Pro is probably a better purchase. The Duo’s value comes from its folding screen, not from having a faster processor than the Pro models.
2. Will the Larger Screen Replace Another Device?
The price becomes easier to justify if the Duo can replace both a premium phone and a small tablet. If you will continue carrying an iPad or laptop, the Duo may add expense without eliminating another device.
3. Do I Need the Best Camera or the Biggest Display?
Choose the iPhone 18 Pro for advanced camera controls. Choose the Pro Max for traditional large-screen use and maximum battery life. Choose the Duo for multitasking and the largest available iPhone display.
4. Am I Comfortable Buying a First-Generation Product?
Apple may have invested heavily in the Duo’s durability, but no laboratory specification can replace years of real-world ownership data.
Waiting for the second generation could bring a lower price, improved hinge, stronger display, better cameras, or longer battery life. It may also allow more third-party apps to optimize their interfaces for the folding screen.
5. Could I Keep My Current Phone for Another Year?
Waiting is often the smartest financial option. It gives Apple time to improve the Duo and allows shoppers to see real repair data, long-term reviews, and future promotions.
If your existing phone still has good battery life, receives security updates, and handles the apps you use, an upgrade may be a want rather than a need.
How to Save Money on an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone Duo
If you decide to purchase one of the new models, use these strategies to avoid paying more than necessary.
Check the Value of Your Existing Phone
Compare Apple’s trade-in offer with carrier promotions and private-sale prices. Apple Trade In is convenient, but selling a device independently may produce a higher return.
Do not trade in a phone that still has an unpaid balance unless you understand how the remaining payments will be handled.
Compare the Total Carrier Cost
A large phone credit can be misleading if it requires a more expensive unlimited plan. Multiply the monthly service charge by the entire promotional period and compare it with your current plan.
Saving $1,000 on a phone is not a bargain if the required plan costs $40 more per month for three years.
Avoid Paying for Storage You Do Not Need
All three new models begin with 256GB of storage. Many users will not need 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB—especially if they already use cloud storage.
Check your current iPhone under Settings > General > iPhone Storage before selecting a capacity. If you have used far less than 256GB, upgrading the storage is probably unnecessary.
Do Not Forget the Cost of Accessories
A premium phone may also require a case, screen protection, charging equipment, and AppleCare.
Apple’s iPhone Duo Case costs $79, while the Duo Folio with Kickstand costs $129. Those expenses should be included when comparing the actual cost of each model.
Wait for Real-World iPhone Duo Reviews
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max arrive on September 18, while the iPhone Duo will not be available until October 23.
There is no financial benefit to rushing into a $1,999 preorder. Waiting for independent durability, battery, camera, and repairability testing is especially sensible for a first-generation foldable phone.
Should You Upgrade From an Older iPhone?
iPhone 17 or 17 Pro Owners
Most iPhone 17 owners should keep their current phones. The A20 Pro, improved camera, and battery upgrades are meaningful, but generally not worth replacing a one-year-old device.
The Duo may be tempting because it offers a completely different design, but it is still a costly luxury upgrade.
iPhone 16 Owners
Upgrading may make sense for heavy users who want the new camera controls, significantly improved battery life, or folding display. Everyone else can probably wait another year.
iPhone 15 Owners
The iPhone 18 Pro offers a more noticeable improvement in processing power, AI capability, battery life, display features, and camera controls. Whether it is worth upgrading will depend on your phone’s battery health and trade-in value.
iPhone 14 or Older Owners
These users are most likely to notice a major difference. Faster performance, improved cameras, longer battery life, newer connectivity, and current Apple Intelligence features can make the iPhone 18 Pro a reasonable long-term upgrade.
Even then, the $1,999 Duo is not automatically the best choice. A discounted older model or standard iPhone may deliver far better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 18 Fold Real?
Apple’s folding iPhone is real, but its official name is iPhone Duo, not iPhone 18 Fold. Apple announced it on September 9, 2026.
How Much Does the iPhone Duo Cost?
The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999 for 256GB. Apple also offers 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB configurations. The advertised 24-month purchase payment starts at $83.29 per month.
When Can I Buy the iPhone Duo?
Preorders begin October 16, 2026, and the phone becomes available on October 23, according to Apple’s official announcement.
Is the iPhone Duo Better Than the iPhone 18 Pro Max?
The Duo is better for large-screen multitasking, portability, Apple Pencil support, and foldable camera features. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers better value, longer straightforward battery life, Face ID, and a more advanced Pro camera experience.
Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on which features you will actually use.
Does Apple Upgrade Mean I Own the Phone After 24 Months?
No. Apple Upgrade is a lease, not a purchase loan. At the end of the term, you must return the device, upgrade through a new lease, or pay the specified purchase fee to own it.
Does Apple Upgrade Require a Credit Check?
Yes. Klarna conducts a soft credit inquiry when you apply. Apple says the inquiry itself will not affect your credit score, but approval is still based on eligibility and creditworthiness.
Can I Use Apple Upgrade With a Prepaid Carrier?
No. iPhone leases require an eligible AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon plan. Prepaid carrier plans do not qualify. The leased phone is unlocked, however, allowing customers to switch among eligible carriers subject to their terms.
Is AppleCare Included With Apple Upgrade?
No. Insurance is not included in the advertised lease payment. AppleCare can be added separately. Without adequate protection, customers could face charges for a lost, stolen, or damaged device.
Should I Buy the First iPhone Duo?
Most consumers should wait for long-term reviews or a second-generation model. Buy the first iPhone Duo only if its folding display will provide enough practical value to justify the $1,999 price and the additional first-generation risk.
Final Verdict: Which iPhone Is the Best Buy?
The iPhone 18 Pro is the best overall purchase for most people. It delivers the new A20 Pro chip, advanced camera features, Siri AI, improved battery life, and premium performance without the Duo’s $800 price premium.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is the better upgrade for shoppers who want a larger conventional screen and the longest battery life. At $1,299, it is also significantly less expensive than the Duo.
The iPhone Duo is best for a smaller group of buyers who will regularly use its folding display for multitasking, work, reading, video, gaming, drawing, or replacing a small tablet. It is an innovative product, but innovation alone does not make it a good value.
Apple Upgrade can reduce the initial monthly payment, but it should not be mistaken for a discount. After making 24 lease payments, you will not own the phone unless you pay the additional purchase fee.
For customers who keep their phones for three years or longer, purchasing with 0% financing, using a carefully evaluated carrier promotion, or paying upfront will usually provide better long-term value. For customers who replace their iPhones every year or two and prefer convenience over ownership, the lease may be worth considering.
The smartest decision is not necessarily buying Apple’s most exciting new phone. It is choosing the least expensive model that will reliably perform the tasks you actually need.