If they're going to provide updates or privacy as a subscription, it would be much more interesting to offer the device for free, with just the $/€/CHF 10 fee per month.
Stop the subscription and you have to return the device. The fee includes some margin for insurance and refurbishing. Then it's clearly "renting a phone" and the cost is similar to buying an expensive phone and using it for a couple of years.
Stop the subscription and you have to return the device. The fee includes some margin for insurance and refurbishing. Then it's clearly "renting a phone" and the cost is similar to buying an expensive phone and using it for a couple of years.