Carrier Trade-In Fine Print Warnings Circulate Ahead of Friday Preorders

Consumer advocates published analyses detailing how carrier trade-in promotions offering "up to $1,200" require a 36-month service lock-in on unlimited plans exceeding $100/month, resulting in $3,600+ in total plan payments. Paying $3,600 over 36 months to get a "free" phone costs significantly more than buying unlocked ($1,199) and pairing it with a $15/month MVNO ($540 over 3 years = $1,739 total).