Samsung is reportedly set to follow Apple's lead by offering a leasing program in the US for its flagship Galaxy smartphones. An industry executive said that the program will launch in the next several months, although it could arrive even sooner, according to Forbes.
Apple announced its iPhone Upgrade Program at the same recent event where it revealed the iPhone 6S and the iPad Pro. For a monthly fee, the program allows anyone who buys a new iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus to avoid a carrier contract and upgrade to a new iPhone every year. The program starts at $32 a month and is said to be better value for money than the plans offered by traditional carriers. Apple has referred to its scheme as "the best way to own [an] iPhone."
It gives you an easier way to get a new [unlocked] iPhone every year, and the security and protection of AppleCare+. You're even free to choose the carrier and rate plan that work for you. Because the iPhone upgrade program isn't tied to a single carrier, you don't need a multiyear service contract. If you don't have any carrier commitments, you're free to select a new carrier or stick with the one you have.
An increasing number of carriers are moving away from traditional 2-year phone contracts and are making customers buy the devices outright using no-interest payment plans. Both T-mobile and Sprint now offer their own smartphone leasing deals.
It's not yet clear what pricing plan Samsung will use in its leasing program or what devices it will cover, although it's likely that the company will include the Galaxy S6 range and the Note 5 in the scheme. There's also the possibility that other devices from Samsung's range, such as wearables like smartwatches, could be made available for lease.
Samsung has yet to comment on the report.