Sprint builds out hardware leasing with 'iPad for Life' plans, iPad Air 2 starts at $20 per month

With Sprint's iPad for Life, customers effectively lease a new iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 3, paying set monthly installments for a period of two years. Once the 24-month term is up, they can either swap the device out for a next-generation model, purchase the leased tablet or continue to use it on a month-to-month basis. Alternatively, customers can simply return the iPad if it is in good condition.

Pricing for a 16GB iPad Air 2 starts at $20 per month for 24 months, while a similarly equipped iPad mini 3 goes for $17 per month. Monthly dues step up in $4 increments for 64GB and 128GB variants.

Sprint launched its first lease plan with iPhone for Life on the day Apple unveiled the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in September. That plan also starts at $20 per month for base model iPhones.

Finally, to promote the deal, Sprint is waiving the usual $10 monthly access fee charged when adding an iPad to an existing plan as a new line of service. The promo applies to Family Share Pack plans 20GB or higher and runs through December 2015.

Those interested in iPad for Life can take advantage of the lease program starting Nov. 14.