T-Mobile users are reporting changes to their devices after a rumored update.

T-Mobile now offers 36-month device financing plans (EIPs), a move that has sparked debate, after T-Mobile's President John Freier stated in November 2025 that competitors' 36-month financing options had negatively impacted upgrade and switching activity.

With the extended installment plan, monthly payments decrease because the cost is distributed across a longer timeframe. However, customers remain tied to T-Mobile for an extended period. While early device payoff is possible, it results in forfeiting Recurring Device Credits (RDC), thus ending any promotional bill credits.

These extended EIPs function as a customer retention strategy, as most customers would prefer not to lose their credits.

The 36-month EIPs briefly appeared on T-Mobile's website in June. The company likely waited to implement the change due to anticipated negative reactions.

Earlier this month, T-Mobile criticized competitors for using 36-month device financing, acknowledging its potential to limit upgrades.

Currently, T-Mobile continues to provide 24-month EIPs for smartphones and may continue to do so, as the Experience More and Go5G Plus plans include a "New in Two" upgrade option every two years.

T-Mobile aims to attract customers from AT&T and Verizon while retaining its existing subscriber base.

Despite efforts to attract rivals' customers, such as 15-minute switching through the T-Life app, the introduction of longer EIPs suggests a strategic shift. T-Mobile has overtaken Verizon as the largest carrier in the US, which may have encouraged the company to adopt strategies it previously opposed.