Verizon is making a major push for Apple’s new iPhone 18 Pro lineup, offering customers a way to get the latest Pro iPhone without a trade-in and upgrade to a new model every year.

The carrier’s headline offer is tied to its Simplicity Pro plan. Customers switching to Verizon can get the iPhone 18 Pro without trading in an existing phone, while the plan provides a path to upgrade to the latest iPhone annually. Verizon says the offer costs $80 per month after Auto Pay and switcher discounts, plus taxes and fees.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are available for preorder starting September 12 at 8 am ET, with general availability scheduled for September 18. The iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, will follow with preorders beginning October 16.

Get an iPhone 18 Pro without a trade-in

Verizon’s biggest differentiator this year is its Simplicity Pro upgrade option. New customers can switch to Verizon, get an iPhone 18 Pro with no trade-in required, and then return the device in good working condition when they want to upgrade to a newer iPhone the following year.

The $80 monthly price includes the service and device arrangement after Auto Pay and switcher discounts. Verizon says the plan includes unlimited 5G Ultra Wideband data, 10GB of premium mobile hotspot data and roaming in Canada and Mexico.

The carrier is also offering additional perks through Verizon Loyalty. Customers who enroll can avoid activation and upgrade fees, while Verizon Dollars provide 3% back each month that can be redeemed toward devices, accessories and other eligible purchases.

That makes the offer particularly interesting for people who already know they want to upgrade frequently. Instead of buying an iPhone outright or waiting until a traditional installment plan is paid off, the Simplicity approach is designed around getting a new iPhone every year.

Verizon is still offering up to $1,200 off with a trade-in

Customers who prefer a traditional carrier promotion can still take advantage of Verizon’s trade-in deal.

With an eligible myPlan and a new line, Verizon is offering up to $1,200 off an iPhone when customers trade in an eligible phone. Existing customers upgrading an eligible line can receive up to $1,020 off. The discounts are delivered as monthly bill credits over a 36-month, interest-free device payment plan.

Verizon requires eligible trade-in devices to have been active on an account for at least 60 days. Qualifying devices include smartphones from Apple, Google, Motorola and Samsung.

So there are effectively two different approaches: customers who want the highest possible promotional discount can trade in an eligible phone, while those who value annual upgrades can choose the no-trade-in Simplicity Pro route.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max start at $33.33 and $36.11 per month

Verizon’s current device pages list the iPhone 18 Pro starting at $33.33 per month for 36 months at 0% APR. The iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $36.11 per month under the same financing terms.

Both models are available with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB storage options. Verizon lists the phones in four finishes, including the new Burgundy color.

The iPhone 18 Pro features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display, while the Pro Max moves up to a 6.9-inch display. Verizon lists battery life of up to 24 hours of typical use for the iPhone 18 Pro and up to 30 hours for the Pro Max.

Apple’s new Pro models also feature the A20 Pro chip and a redesigned 48MP Fusion Main camera with variable aperture, giving the lineup a substantial hardware upgrade alongside the new annual-upgrade push from Verizon.

Apple Watch Series 12 is included with an eligible iPhone

Verizon is also using the iPhone launch to push Apple’s latest wearables.

Customers who purchase an eligible iPhone can get an Apple Watch Series 12 on Verizon. The carrier’s terms require service plans for both the iPhone and Apple Watch, with the watch financed over 36 months and its cost offset through monthly bill credits.

The Apple Watch Series 12 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes, with aluminum, ceramic and titanium case options. Verizon’s product page lists it for preorder with delivery beginning September 18.

For customers looking for a more rugged option, Verizon is also carrying the Apple Watch Ultra 4. The new Ultra features a 49mm titanium case and starts at $22.22 per month for 36 months at 0% APR on Verizon’s device financing.

AirPods 5 and the foldable iPhone Duo are coming too

Verizon’s Apple launch lineup extends beyond the iPhone and Apple Watch. The carrier is also offering AirPods 5, including the version with a Wireless Charging Case.

AirPods 5 introduce active noise cancellation in an open-ear design, along with Adaptive EQ and other new audio features. Verizon says the Wireless Charging Case version adds longer battery life and on-stem volume control.

Then there is the iPhone Duo, which Verizon describes as Apple’s first foldable iPhone. It opens into a 7.6-inch inner display and closes around a 5.4-inch outer display, giving Apple’s phone lineup an entirely new form factor.

The iPhone Duo will not launch alongside the Pro models, however. Verizon says preorders begin October 16.

Verizon is betting on simpler upgrades

The interesting part of Verizon’s iPhone 18 Pro strategy isn’t simply the usual trade-in discount. The carrier is giving customers a choice between a conventional 36-month promotion and a more subscription-like approach built around annual upgrades.

For people who hold onto their phones for several years, the traditional trade-in promotion may make more financial sense. But for customers who want the newest iPhone every year, Verizon’s Simplicity Pro offer removes one of the biggest hurdles: having to find an eligible phone to trade in.

The broader Apple lineup also gives Verizon plenty of ways to expand the deal beyond the iPhone itself, with Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, AirPods 5 and eventually the iPhone Duo all available through the carrier.

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 am ET, while the devices are scheduled to become widely available September 18. The iPhone Duo follows on October 16.

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Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.