Trade-in, upgrade, and accessory services sold to phone buyers and phone brands for subscription-style smartphone programs.
Device-as-a-Service & Accessory Market Plays
Recent headlines make this moment clear: Apple signaled an iPhone 18 Pro release and teamed with Klarna on a lease‑to‑own program, TechCrunch asks whether buyers should subscribe rather than buy, Samsung calls the phone the entry point to ambient home AI, and a macOS beta hides a new Siri AI feature—driving demand for lease, upgrade, return and accessory services.
Projected Score
as a side gig ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
no money or audience ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
with both ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
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The news behind it
- Aug 2, 2026 TechCrunch: Should you still buy your next smartphone — or subscribe to it instead?
- Aug 2, 2026 Forbes (contributor net): Apple iPhone 18 Pro September Release Date Signaled In Keynote Update
- Jul 22, 2026 TechCrunch: Apple teams up with Klarna to launch a lease-to-own program for iPhones, iPads, and Macs
- Jul 22, 2026 Fortune: Samsung’s North America CEO says the smartphone is just an entry point to ambient AI of the home
- Jul 22, 2026 Forbes (contributor net): Apple’s macOS Beta Hides A Secret Siri AI Feature
