Apple Allowing iPhone Upgrade Program Customers to Get a 'Head Start' on iPhone X Upgrade

[MacRumors]

Starting on Monday, October 23, iPhone Upgrade Program customers will be able to get a "head start" on the iPhone X pre-order process by getting pre-approved for an iPhone Upgrade Program loan.

Apple started notifying customers about the option this morning through its website and via a notice in the Apple Store app.

Customers will need to download the Apple Store app and choose their preferred iPhone X model to get pre-approved for a loan ahead of the launch of iPhone X pre-orders. Apple says this process, which was also offered for the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, will let customers "speed through checkout on 10/27."

Once approved for a loan on a device, customers can use the Apple Store app when iPhone X pre-orders kick off to complete the purchase, making the pre-order process faster for iPhone Upgrade customers as no approval will need to be completed at the time orders are placed.

Apple's iPhone Upgrade Program is designed to allow customers to upgrade to a new iPhone after at least 12 payments have been made towards an existing iPhone. The Upgrade Program, which includes AppleCare+, requires customers to trade-in their current phones to get a new phone. Customers can choose to make payments for 24 months and keep their devices, however.

iPhone Upgrade Program members are able to use a Trade-in Kit this year to return their existing devices to Apple, alleviating the need to visit an Apple Store to purchase a new device.

Apple has made marked improvements to the iPhone Upgrade Program since last year. In 2016, new customers were forced to reserve an iPhone from a local Apple retail store due to in-store trade-in requirements, which left upgrade customers with limited stock to choose from.

A smooth and quick pre-order process for iPhone Upgrade customers will be important when it comes to the iPhone X, as rumors have suggested supplies are heavily constrained. It's likely available stock will sell out quickly, so it could be difficult to get an iPhone X for the remainder of the year.

Article Link: Apple Allowing iPhone Upgrade Program Customers to Get a 'Head Start' on iPhone X Upgrade

 

[Derekeys]

Nice. Now all those people buying to sell at a higher price point will get them even faster.

 

[mmm1345]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

 

[Andres Cantu]

This is gonna backfire somehow...

 

[filmantopia]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

It's not about that for me. It's about upgrading every year without having to worry about selling the previous device.
I intended to use the upgrade program for many years to come-- so I'm effectively paying only half the price for every phone before the very last one I use while on the program.

 

[dwright1974]

Doesn’t seem to be available in the U.K. for those of us on the upgrade programme.

At least not yet.

- D

 

[840quadra]

I am happy for them, but annoyed that those of us who are long standing customers (they can verify) that pay cash, don’t also get a little special treatment.

Apple, maybe look into a customer loyalty queue too?

::EDIT::
Nevermind, looks like it is getting the credit check done early, giving them a little less processing time when trying to reserve their phone.

 

[KrisLord]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

It’s a 0% finance, so even if you can afford to buy immediately, you’d be better off getting the finance and putting the $1000 in an interest earning bank account.

 

[citysnaps]

Makes sense...

I remember on previous iPhone rollouts people on the upgrade program had to wait a long time and were rightfully not happy.

 

[Damstr]

I guess IUP users will be able to preorder faster than everyone else?

 

[The Game 161]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

Or maybe people would rather not pay over a grand upfront and want to upgrade their phone every year.

 

[chriscrowlee]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

You're right, but people will defend and try to justify their position "leasing" a phone to the death so it's a moot point to bring it up.

 

[stulaw11]

I've seen this posted by various tech sites and it is HIGHLY misleading. They are not "giving iphone upgrade members a head start/advantage". Not that MR worded it that way but I've seen it worded INCREDIBLY deceptively and misleading.

The IUP requires a credit check unlike carrier installments since the carrier already has your financial info; there is no additional credit check. This is giving the IUP people a chance to get the eligibility and credit check done early others dont have; then on equal footing hitting checkout and paying tax etc at 12:01.

There is no special treatment for IUP people. Some tech sites have dangerously implied IUP people are getting an advantage with this causing a frenzy.

 

[The Game 161]

Doesn’t seem to be available in the U.K. for those of us on the upgrade programme.

At least not yet.

- D

It will be.

it does say from the 23rd

 

[Appleaker]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

That makes no sense, it’s essentially the same as saying the almost 80% of iPhone users that buy it on contract shouldn’t be buying it at all.

 

[mms13]

If you need a loan to get a phone, maybe you shouldn't be getting it in the first place. I know I sound like an elitist or something, but still....

Yeahhhh...you're missing the point. It's not about the loan, it's about having the newest phone every year. Apple, along with all the carriers, are encouraging customers to sign up for these programs.

But even if you wanna use the "if you need a loan you shouldn't be getting the phone" argument...zero interest loans are smarter for you financially than a lump sum up front...

 

[The Game 161]

I guess IUP users will be able to preorder faster than everyone else?

Very much sounds like it yes

 

[ViDeOmAnCiNi]

I bet that TMO customers still have to go into the store to make this work....

 

[iapplelove]

Well I’m buying mine outright so I guess I’m behind

 

[stulaw11]

I am happy for them, but annoyed that those of us who are long standing customers (they can verify) that pay cash, don’t also get a little special treatment.

Apple, maybe look into a customer loyalty queue too?

I dont see it that way (and Im not an IUP person).

My understanding is that IUP requires a credit check us carrier/cash people do not have, which put them behind the pack the last year or 2 in getting in line to checkout.


Determining eligibility early would merely put them on the same footing with us hitting chekout the way I understand it.

 

[ScubaCinci]

Some are going to get a shock if they've done a credit freeze.
Glad I'm buying it outright and not having to worry about all that nonsense. Still, going to be a short window to get in on the first round of shipments.

 

[840quadra]

I dont see it that way (and Im not an IUP person).

My understanding is that IUP requires a credit check us carrier/cash people do not which put them behind the pack the last year or 2. Determining eligibility early would merely put them on the same footing with us hitting chekout the way I understand it.

Agreed. See my edited post.

 

[jclo]

I've seen this posted by various tech sites and it is HIGHLY misleading. They are not "giving iphone upgrade members a head start/advantage". Not that MR worded it that way but I've seen it worded INCREDIBLY deceptively and misleading.

The IUP requires a credit check unlike carrier installments since the carrier already has your financial info; there is no additional credit check. This is giving the IUP people a chance to get the eligibility and credit check done early others dont have; then on equal footing hitting checkout and paying tax etc at 12:01.

There is no special treatment for IUP people. Some tech sites have dangerously implied IUP people are getting an advantage with this causing a frenzy.

Yes, it's just putting iPhone Upgrade Program customers on par with regular customers. I'm sure someone who pre-ordered iPhone 8 using this pre-approval process can confirm.

 

[ScubaCinci]

Very much sounds like it yes

I'd say no. It puts them on par with those buying outright...no reason it would put them ahead. They still need to "checkout" like everyone else.

 

[stulaw11]

This is not leasing, it would be more akin to financing. And financing at 0%

Paying cash is no different or makes you no more affluent.

Id rather have the $999 in my pocket now and pay it off over time and in 12 months get the next newest phone only having invested in 50% of that $999; not what I can sell it sell for, dealing with Paypal, shipping, buyer scams, etc.