Apple Announces iPhone Upgrade Program for Annual iPhone Purchasers

[aristobrat]

I've never heard of ATT charging a fee to unlock a phone that's been paid for.

I have read where you have to do a backup and restore before a phone that was sold as locked (and then was later unlocked) before it will accept SIM cards from other carriers.

Here's a link to ATT's unlock request page.
https://www.att.com/deviceunlock/#/

 

[neurocutie]

still not clear to me if it is possible tomorrow to order a 6s but not sign up for service... (i.e. just order the device itself, e.g. order a Verizon iphone 6s without any mention or activation on a Verizon service plan)...

 

[kibb]

still not clear to me if it is possible tomorrow to order a 6s but not sign up for service... (i.e. just order the device itself, e.g. order a Verizon iphone 6s without any mention or activation on a Verizon service plan)...

It seems that Mkovacs2011 in post #237 spoke with Apple. Hopefully we'll get a clear answer in the next hour or so.

 

[joewelch4]

Question - when you sign up for your first phone under this program do you have to trade in your current phone? Or do you only trade in after your first 12 months?

If I can keep my current phone and sign up for this then that is great. I'll sell my phone for $500+ on eBay and get the latest iPhone. Then in 12 months hopefully they let me buy out of my loan to keep the phone and start another contract. Will that work?

 

[randian]

Question - when you sign up for your first phone under this program do you have to trade in your current phone?

No trade-in required.

 

[joewelch4]

No trade-in required.

Thanks, that's great. I'm totally doing this. I always buy AppleCare anyway and ATTs prices aren't any better for next. Done deal for me. Already have an appointment for release day.

 

[camarograna2]

If you want to keep your AT&T Unlimited Data plan, you cannot switch over to the Mobile Share plans, which are required to get the $15/$25 monthly credit. You can do Apple's upgrade program (Apple Store), AT&T Next (Apple Store/Online, AT&T Store/Online), or a 2-year contract (AT&T Store). But, if you keep your Unlimited Data and do not do a 2-year contract, you are basically paying for the device twice. Once in the built-in subsidy of your current talk/text/data plan and once again for the device payment plan.

Hmm if you are a grandfathered ATT unlimited customer you cant get a subsidized Iphone anymore from ATT. So those of us who want to continue on the unlimited and want to avoid paying full price for an unlocked iphone can use this plan from Apple installment plan to avoid paying up front costs of $800 per phone. Obviously is not as good as a subsidized phone discount. Am i missing something is there still a way to get a subzidized iphone if you are a grandfathered unlimited ATT customer?

 

[jmelrose]

Thank you for this. This makes it an easy decision for me then, go with the Apple upgrade program. Does this mean I can just put the SIM card from my current phone into the phone I get from Apple and I'm good to go?

Hi. I don't know that, I would guess not although maybe that's all Apple will do once you go in to pick up the phone. I'm going to find out in 13 days.

 

[McGiord]

No, the iPhone is not waterproof. A few drops now and then is likely fine. Accidentally spill a drink on it and it's likely not fine.

To me, the deal is that paying monthly for your phone through Apple (which includes AppleCare+) costs a little less than paying for your device monthly through ATT (which does not include AppleCare+).

IMO, that makes the Apple deal a better value regardless of if you plan to make use of the included accidental damage warranty or not.

So if the idea is to keep it for 2 years, I still don't get it. Just pay the discounted fee and you own the hardware. Stay getting iPhones as sonde since 2007.

 

[slvrscoobie]

So I left with my Iphone 6s, but the terms say its 1 payment of 98$ and 23 of 36.58. The added Tax is screwing up my calculations on savings. Next year when I turn it in, do I pay ANOTHER 60 something dollars in tax for the next one, or not at all since im not 'buying it' im just upgrading??

 

[outlanderbz]

So I left with my Iphone 6s, but the terms say its 1 payment of 98$ and 23 of 36.58. The added Tax is screwing up my calculations on savings. Next year when I turn it in, do I pay ANOTHER 60 something dollars in tax for the next one, or not at all since im not 'buying it' im just upgrading??

I am going to guess you pay tax on the total price of the phone every year. same as if you financed a car for 5 years and traded it in every 3 years

 

[slvrscoobie]

I am going to guess you pay tax on the total price of the phone every year. same as if you financed a car for 5 years and traded it in every 3 years

I guess Id pay the same if I bought and sold it every year too.. GD Govt