Verizon hits back at T-Mobile with free Apple Watches, AirPods, TVs, and more holiday offers
Dealer takeaway: Verizon’s holiday strategy is clear: keep the pitch simple and make the “value stack” feel immediate. Instead of complicated qualification mechanics, Big Red is pushing a low-cost postpaid plan and layering on free wearables + earbuds (with a new watch line) and home internet freebies. Dealers can win by packaging this as a bundle sale: phone + watch line + accessories + home internet.
What Verizon is promoting: Simplicity plan + holiday freebies
While T-Mobile is drawing attention with its expanded T-Mix program, Verizon is continuing to heavily market its most affordable postpaid plan, Simplicity.
The report says Simplicity includes unlimited high-speed data, talk, and text (including Mexico and Canada), 10GB of mobile hotspot, satellite texting, and Verizon Dollars for $30 and up.
Starting November 5, Verizon is adding device promotions described as exclusive to new and existing Simplicity users.
Free smartwatch + earbuds bundles (starting today)
Here’s what the report says Verizon customers can get for free when purchasing select flagship phones and adding a new watch line on a $7.50/month watch plan:
Apple Watch SE 3 + AirPods 5 with iPhone 18 Pro purchase
Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 + Galaxy Buds 4 with Galaxy S26 Ultra purchase
Google Pixel Watch 5 + Pixel Buds 2a with Pixel 11 Pro XL purchase
Moto Watch Ultra + Moto Buds 2 Plus with Motorola Razr Plus (2026) purchase
Important fine print (dealer-friendly): The phones themselves are not described as free on Simplicity. The “free” part is the smartwatch + earbuds bundle, and the handset purchase needs to be on a 36-month payment plan (plus taxes and monthly installments).
Why Verizon’s pitch may feel “simpler” than T-Mobile’s (for some customers)
The report argues these aren’t direct rivals to T-Mobile’s newest deals, but they can feel simpler in two key ways:
No “Picks” system is required to qualify for freebies like Apple Watch SE 3 + AirPods 5
You don’t have to trade in a device or port in a number from another carrier unless you want to
Dealer move: Customers are exhausted by promo complexity. “No trade-in required” is a powerful closer—just make sure you clearly explain the watch line requirement and 36-month financing.
Home internet bonuses: free months + TV/soundbar or $200 gift cards
Verizon is also offering more freebies starting Nov 5 for customers who sign up for a “select” Fios, Frontier, or 5G Home Internet plan.
According to the report, eligible customers can get:
Two free months of service, and either
A 43-inch Samsung TV + soundbar, or
$200 toward gift cards at Target, Macy’s, Nordstrom, HomeGoods, and Sephora
The report notes there are no details provided on the TV/soundbar models or retail value.
Even more: Shine program “drops,” giveaways, and contests
To round out the holiday push, Verizon is also preparing daily “drops” and contests for its loyalty-focused Shine program. The report mentions prizes like travel experiences and celebrity chef events, plus giveaways (charging cables, gift cards, AMC BOGO tickets, wellness gift cards) from November 30 through year-end.
Dealer playbook: how to turn Verizon’s freebies into higher profit per customer
1) Sell the bundle, not the phone
Phone + watch line + earbuds = “complete upgrade”
Offer setup: pairing, notifications, fitness, Apple/Google account sync
Offer protection: cases, screen protectors, watch protection, chargers
2) Explain the 36-month reality in plain English
Customers hear “free” and forget the timeline. Your 30-second explanation should include:
36-month payment plan requirement
What they pay today (taxes, any upfront costs)
What happens if they upgrade early or cancel lines
3) Use home internet as the churn-reducer
If a customer is already shopping holiday deals, ask one question:
“How’s your home internet—any dead spots, slow speeds, or price hikes?”
Then position Fios/Frontier/5G Home Internet as the “save money + get free stuff” move.
Relevant vendor resources (WDG Directory)
These categories help dealers monetize holiday upgrades beyond carrier promos:
Accessories (cases, screen protection, chargers)
Phones (device options, bridge devices)
Internet Service Providers (home internet comparisons)
Bottom line
Verizon’s holiday response is a “simple value stack”: keep customers on the low-cost Simplicity plan, then add free smartwatch + earbuds bundles (with a new watch line) and home internet perks like free months and a TV/soundbar or gift cards. Dealers who win will be the ones who make the fine print painless and bundle setup, protection, and home internet into one
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