I’m currently rocking an iPhone 13 Pro Max and it still works great considering it’s 5 years old. I also have the Apple Card and always finance my Apple devices, not because  I can’t afford to pay in full, but because they offer 0% interest and I can use the money I would have paid for that device for other purposes without penalty, as long as I make the payments.

Even though the iPhone 13 is working great still, I think it’s time for an upgrade. The price of that Duo is high, but competitive and it’s so tempting. Having worked in automotive assembly for many years, I NEVER buy the first model year of any product if it can be avoided. In this case, not because I feel there is anything particularly wrong with the Duo, but it almost feels like a beta product and I expect there will be many refinements and improvements over the next couple of years. IMO, perfect use case for a lease. Try it for a year or two, if it’s working great and there really haven’t been many improvements, pay it off, keep it and carry on. But if there have been major changes or maybe it’s just not for you and it becomes time to turn it in, do that and get the latest and greatest at that time.

There is no iPhone that loses 70% of its value in two years. I agree with your points on selling privately.

One important caveat to any financing option from Apple is that the phone devices must be activated on one of the big three carriers (T-Mobile, ATT or Verizon) at the time of purchase.  So MVNO (Mint, Visible, Consumer Cellular, etc) users are boxed out.

Excellent Summary - thanks so much! I might do this.

Upgrade my phone every 3 years for free so that works for me through my cell carrier. Pro models are free with trade ins for up to 4 previous generations.

I hear that the iPhone 20 (no 19 will be offered) will be a redesign. I can’t wait another year using my 12 pro, I want a new iPhone. So I’ll have to get an 18 pro. But what’s the best way when I want a new phone in a year which I will then keep for 4 years.

How is t mobile monthly payment for the phone is under ten dollars with any time upgrade and att is like 30 a month.  What you think is the right choice

But what are the stipulations of the lease? Are you required to use iCloud, keep Find My iPhone enabled or pay for AppleCare?

Nailed it!

When the technology reaches a level of very incremental updates, that’s when leasing is not a good idea. The difference between the iPhones each year isn’t much. If you wanna lease a duo for a year that might be a good idea because upfront cost is expensive and you might end up hating it

Great breakdown and explanation.
But I completely disagree about it being difficult to sell a 2 year old iPhone and receive $300 minimum for it. I think it is SUPER easy to offload a 2 year old iPhone for no less than $500 with MINIMAL effort. So leasing is still leaving a good chunk of money on the table.

Explain why its good in terms of tax credit of the lease option. You end up not paying for the phone as you can depreciate equipment  and/or make a deduction in taxes.

What about sales tax, finance or buy has always included tax up front.

What if you lease the phone and at the end of one year  (12months) you want to upgrade to new iPhone and you dont' want to wait another year?

What about for the person who wants to upgrade every year, will finance be better than lease to keep it for one year and then get the next one?

That applies with manufacture lease programs, but if lease with a leasing company that creates the lease around how you drive the car mileage penalty does not apply

My question is taken a lease, with any company, change the phone to be lock, because I had 2 lines, one from USA, the other from Europe,, do you have any information about it ?

Good explanation

Kirk, Thanks for the breakdown, it helps!

Great comparison and breakdown on pros and cons.  Can’t go wrong with the lease option with apple care if you like a new phone every 24 months.