> Well it isn't an outright purchase for most people buying a phone on contract - i.e. they don't pay for it upfront, don't own the device upfront Yes, this ho

> Well it isn't an outright purchase for most people buying a phone on contract - i.e. they don't pay for it upfront, don't own the device upfront Yes, this how is how a finance model works. Why are you giving us an example of financing works when the real question is on purchasing (with or without financing) vs leasing? > So I'm a little baffled as to why you are baffled that a 'pay monthly for a service where you don't own the phone for 3 years' could be considered more similar to the concept of a subscription than the concept of outright ownership. Your statements are inaccurate. For all practical purposes, if I purchase a new iPhone from ATT or T-Mobile on contract, I do own the phone. It’s now mine. I can’t skip my contractual obligations and just ask ATT to take the phone back. I keep the phone but the full balance becomes immediately due. Financing and leasing are two different things.