iPhone 18 Pro Activation fees on iPhone 18 Pro?

[dmfresco]

I have been using the upgrade program and know it's changing to a lease program if I continue that way. I just got my email from apple pre-ordering my new iPhone and I chose the 18 Pro. I clicked on the new upgrade program and proceeded until I saw that I would need to pay a 35 USD fee to my carrier. I backed out and chose to buy the phone outright. When it comes unlocked, can I transfer the settings as in the past years? will it be free since I have been with my carrier for over ten years? Or will it be old school that I go to a retain store to have then transfer it for me, ideally with no fee? I am in the US and my carrier is T-Mobile.

 

[dmfresco]

Here's what Gemini said:

Because you purchased your iPhone 18 Pro entirely outright and chose the unlinked/standalone option at checkout, you will not be charged a $35 fee when you swap your service. [1, 2]

How Device Swaps Work for Outright Purchases​

Since T-Mobile closed the upgrade loophole for phones linked directly to a carrier at Apple checkout, your path is completely clear of surprise charges: [3]

• 
  
• Self-Service eSIM Transfers are Free: T-Mobile does not charge a Device Connection Charge (DCC) for standard device swaps. When your iPhone 18 Pro arrives, you will simply use Apple’s built-in Quick Start tool during setup to move your T-Mobile eSIM from your old phone to the new one over Wi-Fi. [4]
• No Carrier Transaction: Because you are just transferring an active line between two devices you own—rather than processing an official carrier upgrade or financing agreement—the T-Mobile billing system registers it as a basic device swap. [2, 4]

A Warning for the Future​

The only way a $35 fee could accidentally trigger is if you bring the phone into a physical T-Mobile retail store and ask a customer service representative to perform the device activation or eSIM transfer for you. To ensure your transaction stays 100% free, complete the setup and eSIM migration entirely on your own at home using the on-screen Apple prompts. [4, 5, 6]
As a decade-long customer, your underlying grandfathered plan and monthly rates will remain exactly the same since you didn't touch your carrier account during the purchase. [1]
Are you moving your service from an older iPhone with a physical SIM card, or does your current phone already use an eSIM? I can give you the exact steps to ensure the transfer goes smoothly without needing carrier assistance.

[1] https://www.reddit.com
[2] https://www.reddit.com
[3] https://www.complex.com
[4] https://www.reddit.com
[5] https://www.androidpolice.com
[6] https://www.usmobile.com