Buying a new mobile phone? Five things UK customers should know this November

If you are thinking about a new phone or a new mobile deal, a lot has happened in the last few weeks. Here are five stories that matter for ordinary phone users, and what each one means for you. 1. Apple's folding iPhone Duo: early screen problems Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, went on sale on 23 October. Within days, some owners reported the inner screen cracking along the fold, often leaving a bright line across the display, sometimes within hours of first use. Apple has said it is aware of an issue affecting the inner display on a "small number" of units and that affected owners should contact AppleCare for a replacement. What it means for you: brand-new designs can have early teething problems. If you buy one, test it carefully in the first few days. In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act gives you 30 days to reject a faulty product for a refund, and the retailer must repair or replace faulty goods after that. Keep your receipt and report problems straight away. 2. O2 and Sky Mobile top the latest complaints figures Ofcom's latest complaints data, covering April to June 2026, shows O2 and Sky Mobile generated the most pay-monthly mobile complaints among the providers it tracks. O2 complaints were mainly about faults, service and setting up services; Sky Mobile complaints were mainly about changing provider. What it means for you: price is not the only thing to compare. Ofcom's figures are complaints per 100,000 customers, so they are a fair way to compare big and small networks. Our network pages show the latest Ofcom figures for each provider. 3. More ways to pay with your iPhone could be on the way The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) published proposals on 20 October that would require Apple to open up the contactless (NFC) technology in iPhones to other businesses on fair terms. That could eventually mean rival payment apps, digital keys, travel passes and ID services working on iPhones, as already happens in the EU. What it means for you: nothing changes yet. The consultation closes on 17 November 2026 and the CMA will decide after that. 4. O2 now lets you pay for a phone without a contract From 29 October, O2 lets new and existing customers buy a new or refurbished phone on its own and spread the cost over three to 24 months, without signing up to an airtime plan. Finance is provided by Affirm, with rates from 0% APR subject to a credit check, no late payment fees and no penalty for paying early. Phones at launch include the iPhone 16 (128GB), Samsung Galaxy A57 and Google Pixel 10a. What it means for you: this suits people who want a cheap SIM-only plan alongside a new handset. But 0% is not guaranteed: O2's own representative example shows 22% APR, which turns a £900 phone into £1,119.29 over 24 months. Check the rate you are offered and compare the total cost with buying outright or with a standard contract. This is credit, and missed payments can affect your credit record. 5. The 2G switch-off: check older devices Government guidance, most recently updated in October, confirms UK networks will switch off their 2G networks between 2029 and 2033. Most phones sold in recent years work on 4G or 5G and will not be affected. Customers of networks that have no 2G service, such as Three, Smarty and Superdrug Mobile, are not affected at all. What it means for you: check older handsets, basic phones for elderly relatives, and devices such as personal alarms, smart meters or car trackers that may rely on 2G. A simple check: when you are off Wi-Fi, your phone should show 4G or 5G. Your network will contact you directly if a device needs replacing; be wary of unexpected calls claiming otherwise. CompareDirect tip: before choosing a phone or network, compare the total cost over the whole contract, check complaints and coverage where you live, and read the finance terms carefully. Sources: Apple statement reported by The Verge (26 October 2026); Ofcom telecoms complaints data for Q2 2026; CMA press release (20 October 2026); O2/Virgin Media O2 announcement and O2's Affirm finance page (29 October 2026); GOV.UK guidance "Preparing for the 2G switch-off". All wording is CompareDirect's own. This is general information, not financial advice. Photo: AI-generated illustration.