Verizon is betting that free smartwatches, earbuds and once-in-a-lifetime experiences will be enough to win customers this holiday season. The company announced a sweeping promotional campaign on November 5 that runs through the end of the year, combining device bundles, home internet discounts and loyalty rewards in an effort to stand out in a crowded wireless market.
At the center of the offer is Verizon's Simplicity plan, which lets new and existing customers add a line without a trade-in. Customers who buy an iPhone 18 Pro on a 36-month device payment plan receive an Apple Watch SE3 and AirPods 5 on Verizon, provided they add a new line on a $7.50-per-month watch plan. Similar bundles are available for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, the Pixel 11 Pro XL and the motorola razr+ 2026, each paired with a matching smartwatch and earbuds.
The carrier is also using its loyalty program as a differentiator. Through Verizon Loyalty, customers pay no activation or upgrade fees, saving up to $40 per device. Members also earn 3% cash back in Verizon Dollars and gain access to Verizon Shine, a rewards platform featuring weekly sweepstakes, daily drops and presale ticket access through the My Verizon app. The November sweepstakes include a Jonas Brothers show with Joe Jonas, an NHL Winter Classic ski trip and a VIP NFC Championship experience.
Home internet is another pillar of the campaign. Verizon calls it its best offer ever on select plans: customers who sign up for eligible Fios, Frontier or 5G Home internet service get two months free, plus either a Samsung 43-inch TV and soundbar bundle or $200 in gift cards from retailers such as Target, Macy's and Sephora. The move signals Verizon's intent to bundle wireless and broadband as households consolidate their connectivity spending.
For budget-conscious shoppers, Verizon's prepaid brands are offering their own deals. Total Wireless is giving an iPhone 17e on us on its Total ALL ACCESS plan via Total Edge financing, while Visible offers unlimited 5G data starting at $19 per month. Straight Talk is discounting devices including the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G and moto g stylus, and offering a second month of fixed wireless home internet free with the purchase of one month and a router.
The stakes are high for Verizon, which generated $138.2 billion in revenue in 2025 and faces fierce competition from rivals also rolling out aggressive holiday promotions. By tying device discounts to loyalty perks and experiential rewards, Verizon aims to do more than drive a single transaction: it wants customers to stay, upgrade and engage with its ecosystem long after the decorations come down. For consumers, the message is clear: the carrier is willing to pay upfront to keep them from switching.
