Verizon changing its upgrade policy; you'll have to wait 20 months for a new phone

Verizon's getting ready to change (they call it "simplifying") its upgrade policy starting Jan. 16, and it's not quite in favor of the consumer. As you can see in the above training material, customers on a standard two-year contract won't be able to upgrade in months 13 through 20 and instead must wait until the contract is nearly up. Also, the "New Every Two" program will be phased out as those customers re-up. Customers on one-year contracts won't be affected.

So it's a step backward, and it makes it that much more important to pick a good phone (and be willing to spend a few extra bucks to do so) -- and that much more important for Verizon and the manufacturers to update phones as best they can.

Phil Nickinson
Latest in Verizon Wireless
Verizon logo with AC mascot
Verizon US is first to get satellite texting to any device with select Android smartphones
A Meta Quest 3S and its controllers with the retail box
How to get a FREE Meta Quest 3S with this Verizon internet deal — yes, it's real
verizon store front
Verizon announces new human-assisted GenAI Tools for better customer experience
Verizon store sign
This Verizon Home Internet deal gets you a FREE Nintendo Switch (or a Home Depot gift card)
Xbox Series X console with controller on desk
It's your last chance to claim a free Xbox Series X from Verizon Fios — the deal ends January 3rd!
Verizon logo in warehouse
Verizon's Black Friday sale will give you a free Xbox when you switch to Fios Home Internet
Latest in News
The Light Phone III in lifestyle photos.
The Light Phone 3 is here with miniature features, massive $799 price tag
YouTube Premium homepage on Android
YouTube's notification test impacts channels you rarely interact with
Google Pixel 8a
Google tipped to bring text-based actions in AI Overviews for Circle to Search
Pixel Watch 3 run coaching suggestion in the Fitbit app on a Pixel 9
Fitbit's Health Metrics are getting a redesign on Android and iOS
The Galaxy S24 Plus in hand with a light behind it
Samsung's sixth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 rolls out as launch nears
The promotional image for Google Workspace feature drops.
The March Workspace feature drop upgrades Gemini's note-taking and translation tools