: T-Mobile pioneered the move away from contracts in 2013, followed by Verizon and Sprint in late 2015 and early 2016.

For years, the partnership between Sprint and Best Buy was a primary way for consumers to acquire high-end devices like the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy for a low upfront cost (e.g., $199). However, the industry underwent a massive structural shift:

: Sprint briefly brought back 2-year contracts in February 2016 due to customer demand but eventually phased them out again in favor of Sprint Flex leases and monthly installments.

: After the merger, Sprint customers were transitioned to T-Mobile’s "Un-carrier" model, which emphasizes no-contract service plans and separate device financing. Sprint & T-Mobile Merger: Updates and What it Means for You