A couple Apple Upgrade Program Questions

1. You will need to go in store. You can reserve a phone online, for in store pick up, and complete the process in store.

2. You just need to have made 12 payments by time the next iPhone comes out. It is not necessarily tied to owning the phone for a year, but 12 payments must be made.

 

I have a reservation today at the Apple store - I have to go in because it is a T Mobile phone.
You may be able to do a first time enrollment on line according to the Apple chat folks.
When you return to upgrade you have to go into an apple store because they have to inspect it.

Yes you can upgrade after 6 payments but you would have to cough up the other 6 payments before doing an upgrade.
As long as 12 payments are made you can start another one.

 

1.a) How can you enroll online for the first time?

 

You don't need to go to the store. You can enroll the first time online and have the device shipped. Its those that are trading in for year 2 that are required to do it in store.

Also, OP, as mentioned above its 12 payments. If you make your first payment in September, your last payment will be August. Therefore, once Sept. rolls around with the new iPhone, you will be eligible.

--- Post Merged, Sep 17, 2016 ---

Pick your model that you want, click iPhone Upgrade Program, an option will pop up. "Enroll for first time" or "I'm already enrolled".

 

1) You don't have to go to store unless using T-Mobile
2) You have to make 12 payments to upgrade.