Samsung may be gearing up to launch its own smartphone upgrade program, similar to the upgrade program Apple launched in September alongside the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, Korean publication Electronic Times reported Tuesday. Rumors of a Samsung upgrade program have circulated for months following Apple’s announcement of its program.
Samsung’s program is expected to coincide with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S7, which will likely be announced in February and should hit markets in March. Sources told the publication that Samsung plans to start the program, first in its native South Korea. Availability in other markets will soon follow.
There is no word on how the upgrade program will work, Samsung has yet to comment on the matter. However, Apple’s iPhone upgrade program allows its customers to pay 24-monthly installments for the privilege to upgrade to the latest iPhone every 12-months with Apple Care Plus included. Customers can also choose their own mobile carrier, though all payments are made directly to Apple. At this time, the iPhone upgrade program is available only in the U.S.
Installment plans are commonplace for mobile networks at this point. Now, AT&T and Verizon both have installment plans as their primary payment options. However, many customers usually have to pay an extra charge for upgrade programs or insurance.
While unconfirmed, Samsung’s upgrade program may similarly include the Mobile Plus Elite extended warranty Samsung established last year for the Galaxy S6. The warranty extended Samsung’s initial 1-year warranty by two-years and also covers drops and water damage.
