The Trump Phone inches another step closer to being vaporware
Source: Android Authority
TL;DR
- Trump Mobile updated its preorder terms and conditions last month.
- The updated terms state that a preorder does not imply that a phone will be sold, or even be produced.
- Customers who have preordered can ask for a refund through customer service.
Background
The Trump Organization announced the T1 Phone in June of last year. Since then, the device has been closer to vaporware than anything else. Prospective buyers who placed a $100 preorder deposit may never see a product. An April 6 update to the preorder terms and conditions (reported by International Business Times) makes it appear that the phone may never be released.
Updated Preorder Terms
The new terms state that a preorder deposit “provides only a conditional opportunity if Trump Mobile later elects, in its sole discretion, to offer the Device for sale.” It also clarifies that a preorder deposit is not a purchase.
Additional points from the update:
- The company does not guarantee that the T1 Phone will ever be commercially released or that production will start.
- Customers can request a refund through customer service.
- If the T1 Phone project is canceled, the deposit will be refunded.
These conditions contrast sharply with the company’s original claim of a September 2025 release, a deadline that has been repeatedly pushed and remains unmet.
Design History
The T1 Phone’s design has changed multiple times:
- An early concept showed a gold‑colored image resembling an iPhone 16 Pro.
- This was later replaced by a poorly edited gold rendering of a Galaxy S25 Ultra.
- In February, Trump Mobile executives revealed a “final” design that was still gold but looked unlike either the iPhone or Galaxy models. The device was supposed to be certified by T‑Mobile by March, but no announcements have followed from either party.
Future Outlook
The company also mentioned ongoing work on a T1 Ultra smartphone. Whether that model will enter preorder is uncertain. Given the history of shifting claims and the recent preorder terms, prospective buyers should treat the company’s statements with caution.