Verizon has unveiled a new promotion for the iPhone 18 Pro that removes a longstanding barrier to smartphone upgrades: the trade-in requirement. Customers who switch to Verizon can get the new iPhone 18 Pro without trading in their current device, and they can upgrade to a new iPhone every year. The offer is tied to the carrier's Simplicity Pro plan, which includes unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband data, 10GB of premium hotspot data, and standard roaming in Canada and Mexico, all for $80 per month after Auto Pay and switch discounts, plus taxes and fees. This move could disrupt the wireless industry by shifting the focus from device trade-ins to long-term customer loyalty and service simplicity.
The iPhone 18 Pro lineup features significant hardware advancements. The new 48MP Fusion main camera with variable aperture is the most advanced camera Apple has ever created, according to Verizon. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are powered by the A20 Pro chip, which delivers major breakthroughs in battery life and performance. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers the biggest jump in battery life in iPhone history. For the first time, Apple is also introducing a foldable iPhone: the iPhone Duo. It features a 7.6-inch internal display and a 5.4-inch external display, and is powered by the A20 Pro chip. The iPhone Duo is available in star white and night sky, while the iPhone 18 Pro models come in black, silver, glacier, and a new wine color. All models support eSIM, with eSIM-only versions providing additional battery life.
Verizon's offer extends beyond the iPhone. Customers can combine an iPhone purchase with an Apple Watch and iPad on us. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 introduce the most accurate heart rate sensor in a wearable device, a new readiness score, and higher-frequency heart rate and HRV measurements. AirPods 5 offer the industry's best Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design, removing up to 50 percent more external noise compared to the previous generation. These devices integrate with Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, which is launching in beta with iOS 27 and watchOS 27.
The implications for consumers are substantial. By eliminating the need to trade in a device, Verizon lowers the upfront barrier to getting the latest iPhone. The annual upgrade option means customers no longer need to wait two or three years to get a new phone. Verizon also touts its loyalty program, which includes no activation or upgrade fees for all postpaid customers, 3% back in Verizon Dollars every month, and weekly rewards through Verizon Shine. For business customers, Verizon offers up to $1,200 off a new iPhone with an eligible trade-in and select My Biz Plan, plus $360 when transferring a number.
Preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 begin September 12 at 8 a.m. ET, with broad availability on September 18. The iPhone Duo will be available for preorder starting October 16. Customers can visit Verizon.com, the My Verizon app, or a Verizon store to preorder. For more information, visit verizon.com/news. This announcement was originally published by Verizon.
