Spreading out payments for major purchases over an extended period is a solid alternative to paying the full price upfront, especially when most companies, including mobile carriers, offer zero percent interest on said payments.

Carrier giants like Verizon and AT&T have long offered 24-to-36-month EIPs (equipment installment plans), though T-Mobile, for the longest time, has mostly stuck with just 24-month/two-year plans. That, however, is changing now.

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First spotted and highlighted by the folks over at DroidLife, T-Mobile has begun offering several tablets and smartwatches at an extended term of 36 months.

For example, almost all (barring 3) watches on T-Mobile's smartwatch page are now available on a three-year plan. Similarly, several tablets, including the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro, and more, are now available on a three-year plan.

36 months or all at once No shorter plans available

It's worth noting, though, that on devices with 36-month financing available, you don't have the option to opt for a shorter 12 or 24-month term. You either pay monthly with a 36-month term or you pay in full. You could technically pay the balance after paying installments for 12 or 24 months, but you can't opt for a shorter period upfront.

For potential buyers looking to spread out the cost of expensive tablets and watches, the extended EIP period is definitely a positive development. If and when it arrives for some of the best phones remains to be seen.

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