In September 2026, just before Apple’s new product announcement event, Softbank is offering the iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) for an effective price of 9,960 yen. The difference from the regular price of 229,680 yen is over 200,000 yen. However, this amount is based on two assumptions: switching from another company (MNP) and returning the device after two years. In conclusion, it is a strong option for people who buy a new one every two years, but it is not suitable for people who use one unit for a long time. Let’s break down the reasons why and the costs that aren’t included in the real price.
Let’s summarize the conclusion and Softbank’s conditions first.
If you have established a cycle of changing models every two years and plan to continue using SoftBank, this condition is worth taking advantage of. On the other hand, if you want to use your device for more than 3 years, or if you are planning to move to another company or Apple Store after 2 years, you can save on the total cost by forgoing it.
The reason for the difference in judgment is that 9,960 yen is a number that refers only to the cost of the device. New Tokusuru Support+ refers to a program where you purchase a target model in 48 installments, and if you return the device midway through, you do not need to pay the remaining installments. This special price is based on the condition that you contract with MNP, apply the program, and return the product after the 25th month.
The conditions as of September 7, 2026 are summarized below.
| item | amount | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal price | 229,680 yen | Regular price |
| 2 years payment | 9,960 yen | Monthly fee: 415 yen x 24 times |
| Difference from regular price | 219,720 yen | Exemption amount varies depending on the conditions at the time of purchase |
| Benefit usage fee | Maximum 22,000 yen | 0 yen if you upgrade to an eligible model |
| Anshin Guarantee Pack Service | Up to 1,980 yen per month | Voluntary subscription/Amount varies depending on model |
Breaking down the actual breakdown of 9,960 yen
The device fee is paid in 48 installments, and the monthly payment for the 1st to 24th installments is only 415 yen. After the 25th time, you will no longer need to pay any outstanding balance due to applying for benefits and recovering your device. However, the exemption applies to installment payments and does not include the down payment.
If you add 415 yen for 24 doses, it will be exactly 9,960 yen, and the difference from the regular price is approximately 219,720 yen. Rather than a discount, it should be easier to understand if you think of it as a design that eliminates the payment obligation for the latter two years by returning the device.
If you only look at the amount of 415 yen per month, the device fee will be lighter than the communication fee. This reversal occurs only because we have promised to return the item two years later. The flip side of the low monthly fee is the obligation to give up your device.
The latter 24 of the 48 sessions are eligible, so the higher the price of the model, the higher the exemption amount. This structure is what makes the Pro model in the 220,000 yen range so effective.
Expenses that don’t really count with the new and beneficial support +
Of course, communication charges are separate, and the cost of safely using the program is not included in the 9,960 yen price.
The turning point of the Anshin Guarantee Pack
The assessment criteria will change for those joining after August 19, 2026, and a breakdown fee of up to 22,000 yen for C rank and up to 44,000 yen for D rank may be incurred. C rank includes scratches and dents caused by nails, as well as peeling paint and case marks. D-rank includes cracks, scratches on the lens, and damaged parts.
If you continue to subscribe to the Anshin Guarantee Pack, which costs up to 1,980 yen per month, from the time of purchase until the application for benefits is completed, this charge will not be incurred. If you apply in the 25th month, you will need 25 months worth, and the maximum monthly amount is 49,500 yen. This significantly exceeds the device price of 9,960 yen. The actual monthly fee varies depending on the model, so this is an estimate based on the upper limit.
Behind the actual price, there are two choices: pay the insurance premium and eliminate the risk of assessment, or go uninsured and treat it carefully for two years. What you should be aware of is that even if a case is attached, if any traces remain, it may be judged as C rank. It is difficult to completely avoid scratches, and it will be easier for people who have a history of falls or who use their devices outdoors to have a better outlook by choosing to subscribe.
Main conditions under which benefits cannot be used
SoftBank has also stipulated conditions under which the benefit itself cannot be used even if the card is returned.
- Unable to initialize or release activation lock
- Unable to check serial number (IMEI)
- There is an abnormal screen display or touch panel malfunction.
- Does not turn on or charge
- The battery is swollen or the housing is deformed.
- Not covered by manufacturer’s warranty or has been modified
All of these conditions can occur during the two-year period of use, and if this occurs, you will not be able to receive forgiveness of the remaining debt. In reality, 9,960 yen can be said to be a number that is valid on the assumption that the device will function normally after two years.
Discount based on the premise of purchasing at Softbank even after 2 years
To receive exemption from outstanding debt, you will have to pay up to 22,000 yen in privilege usage fees, but if you upgrade to an eligible model at SoftBank, the replacement discount will reduce the fee to 0 yen. On the other hand, the only way you can reach the figure of 9,960 yen is if you continue to buy a new device at Softbank two years from now.
If you want to move to another company or choose a SIM-free version at the Apple Store, a benefit usage fee will be added to this. The cost for two years will increase to a maximum of 31,960 yen, and if you also subscribe to the Anshin Guarantee Pack and all expenses reach the maximum amount, it will theoretically be about 81,460 yen. Although the actual amount will vary depending on the terms of the contract, the burden ranges from about 10,000 yen to 80,000 yen. In reality, 9,960 yen is the best-case figure when all conditions are met.
The program ends when the installment is paid in full, and the trade-in program cannot be used in conjunction with the benefit. If you pay all at once, you will lose your right to exemption, and if you want to sell your iPhone at a high price, you will need to prepare another outlet.
Is there any point in deciding just before the iPhone 18 Pro is announced?
Apple will hold a new product announcement event on Thursday, September 10th at 2am Japan time. The products likely to be announced include the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, foldable iPhone, and Apple Watch Series 12.
What I would like to note is that only the top models are mentioned. The standard model is not one of the most promising products, and the option of waiting for a lower-priced model is difficult to see at this point.
The likely release date is September 18th (Friday), and there are predictions that pre-orders will start on September 12th (Saturday). If you wait a few days, the Japanese price of the iPhone 18 Pro and the conditions of each carrier will be available, but the special price of the iPhone 17 Pro will not necessarily remain under the same conditions.
Who should buy and who should wait
| type | Who can buy it? | person to wait for |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement cycle | Change model every two years | Continuing to use one device for more than 3 years |
| Line after 2 years | Continue with Softbank | Consider other companies and Apple Store |
| Handling the device | Possible with warranty pack subscription | I don’t want to take the risk of appraisal. |
| The model you are aiming for | Current Pro model is sufficient | I’m curious about the new Pro model and foldable iPhone |
If you do not return it after the 25th month, you will be required to pay installments after the 25th month, which will destroy the assumption of the real price. The moment you lose the premise of letting go, this design becomes expensive. Instead of having a device as an asset, it is designed to allow you to use the latest Pro model for a low monthly fee.
The iPhone 17 Pro is an eSIM-only model without a physical SIM slot. When transferring at MNP, please note that the line switching procedure is different from before. Prices are information as of September 7, 2026, and conditions may change, so it is best to check the latest offer conditions before signing a contract.
Photo: ITmedia Mobile
Source: iPhone Mania
