T-Mobile has quietly resumed offering 36-month Equipment Installment Plans (EIPs) for a range of tablets and smartwatches, reversing its previous focus on shorter 24-month terms promoted under the “Phone Freedom” campaign.
Devices Affected
- Most current iPad models, including iPad Mini, Air, and Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G
- Smartwatches from Apple, Google, and Samsung, including Apple Watch Series 11, Pixel Watch 4, and Galaxy Watch 8
Older Samsung tablets may still see 24-month terms, indicating a staggered rollout. Currently, no 24-month monthly payment option is available for these devices—customers can either pay upfront or choose the 36-month plan.
Why the Change Matters
Extending plans to 36 months lowers monthly payments but lengthens the commitment. For example, a $500 device would cost about $13.89 monthly over 36 months versus $20.83 over 24 months. However, promotional bill credits often apply only while a line is active and in good standing, so early payoff can forfeit remaining credits.
Longer terms may align better with typical usage cycles, as tablets often receive 4–6 years of software support and smartwatches tend to have incremental yearly updates. Yet, longer financing can restrict mid-cycle plan changes and device upgrades.
Industry-Wide Trend
T-Mobile’s move aligns with AT&T and Verizon, which have long adopted 36-month plans for phones, tablets, and wearables. This shift signals a return to industry norms after T-Mobile’s earlier efforts to promote shorter financing terms.
What Customers Should Watch For
- Length of the installment plan
- Duration and terms of promotional bill credits
- Implications of early payoff or service cancellation on credits
While 36-month plans help reduce monthly costs, they may lock customers into longer commitments, affecting flexibility and upgrade options. Customers seeking shorter terms or frequent upgrades should weigh these factors before choosing financing options.
