T-Mobile has teamed with Apple to extend its financing plan to new T-Mobile business customers. The program allows enterprise customers activating 25 or more lines to lease iPhones and iPads. Customers will be able to lease Apple mobile devices over a 24-month period with no upfront costs.
Mike Katz, T-Mobile EVP for business, said the financing will give businesses more flexibility in upgrading options. The program allows for business customers to upgrade their devices at the end of the 24-month lease agreement, removing device life cycle management requirements for customers. The financing is funded through DLL Group.
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“By leasing instead of owning, businesses are freed from device lifecycle management, carrying the entire device ownership cost and technology obsolescence risk,” T-Mobile said in a statement. “Instead, they pay only for their usage of the device then easily move to the latest technology.”
T-Mobile said business customers can get an iPhone 8 for $18 per month. Coupled with T-Mobile’s $25 per month unlimited plan, businesses can pay $43 per line. The carrier also offering a $100 credit for every device leased through the program to entice new customers.
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Apple began financing phones and tablets directly with its customers in 2015, in response to the rise of equipment installation plans (EIP) from the nation’s wireless carriers. The financing program allows customers to upgrade every year, and supplies customers with AppleCare+ warranty service during the term of the lease.
Apple is expected to unveil its newest line of iPhones later this month. The company will hold its “Gather Round” event Sept 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple's new headquarters, where the announcement is expected to be made.