
It's hot season when it comes to the best phones: Apple has just announced the iPhone 16 series, while Google is fresh into its Google Pixel 9 series launch too. But what if you're hesitant to pre-order an iPhone 16 Pro Max because you want the would-be Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL come 2025?
Well, Vodafone has just announced a new plan that I think could be your perfect solution. It's called Xchange and, cannily named as it is, the idea is that 24-month contract users can upgrade their flagship device a year in for free – so if you want the best iPhone or the best Android phone in your pocket, it sounds like an ideal way to get ahead of the game.
Although, I must stress, Xchange isn't like free phone insurance. If you smash your new iPhone to smithereens in your first month of ownership, that's on you. Vodafone's terms state: "Customers can get a new phone every year ... simply by sending their phone back to Vodafone in good condition." I've italicised the important bit there.
Vodafone Xchange is "available on selected new and refurbished phones" only, mind, and until the new plan launches proper Vodafone isn't explicitly saying what that full list is. However, visit the official Xchange page and you'll see a big button for pre-ordering the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the disclaimer: "Available on the iPhone 16 series and pristine refurbished phones." So Xchange will certainly appeal to Apple users.
What I like most about the Vodafone plan is that there are "no early upgrade fees and nothing left to pay" when upgrading from one device to another. That does come with a stipulation, of course, as nothing is truly free: you'll have to "upgrade to a new Airtime and Phone Plan", which can (and probably will) mean new terms and conditions too.
But given the choice between upgrading once every two years – which is an experience I know many of my friends and colleagues have – or having a plan that allows for mid-term upgrades every year for the latest and greatest flagship, I know I'd choose the latter. Vodafone Xchange looks like the solution, so keep your eyes peeled for the plan's imminent launch if it sounds like a sensible match for you.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

Mike is T3's Tech Editor. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and his beat covers phones – of which he's seen hundreds of handsets over the years – laptops, gaming, TV & audio, and more. There's little consumer tech he's not had a hand at trying, and with extensive commissioning and editing experience, he knows the industry inside out. As the former Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years where he furthered his knowledge and expertise, whilst writing about literally thousands of products, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more.
-
Roku takes the fight to Amazon with new streaming sticks at unbelievable prices
Roku launches two new streamers in the UK and US, but its new cameras aren't coming to the UK yet
By Carrie Marshall
-
The most powerful Roomba yet has just landed
Meet the robot vac that can actually handle your mess
By Lizzie Wilmot
-
Apple reportedly preparing the iPhone 17e already
But it sounds like an odd launch window
By Sam Cross
-
iPhone 17 Pro case leak shows Apple really is about to make a huge design swerve
This is going to alienate some users
By Sam Cross
-
New iPhone 17 Pro Max renders give us the best look yet at the flagship phone
This is going to cause a stir
By Sam Cross
-
Apple's iPhone just did something it never has before
This is an unprecedented event for the iPhone
By Sam Cross
-
Leaked iPhone Fold pricing suggests it will be fighting an uphill battle from the start
It looks set to be the most expensive foldable phone
By Sam Cross
-
Will there ever be a US-made iPhone?
It's something right-wing commentators have called for
By Sam Cross
-
Is the cost of my iPhone going up? Everything we know about the effects of tariffs on tech
It's an uncertain time for tech fans, with predictions not looking good for the price of phones, laptops and more in the US and beyond
By Sam Cross
-
iOS 19's new design leaks straight after WWDC 25 announcement
This could be a significant change
By Sam Cross